Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
  • A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
  • A61L2/202—Ozone
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
  • A61L2/18—Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
  • A61L2/183—Ozone dissolved in a liquid
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
  • A61L2/22—Phase substances, e.g. smokes, aerosols or sprayed or atomised substances
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
  • A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
  • A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
  • A61L9/04—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
  • A61L9/14—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
  • A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
  • A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
  • A61L2/208—Hydrogen peroxide
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
  • A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
  • A61L2202/25—Rooms in buildings, passenger compartments
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
  • F24F8/95—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying specially adapted for specific purposes
  • F24F8/96—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying specially adapted for specific purposes for removing pollen

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to the field of reducing allergens from an enclosure.
• indoor air may be as much as 70-100 times more polluted than outside air and has ranked indoor air pollution among its top five public health risks.
• Indoor air is a source of allergens and indoor air pollution is of particular concern to asthma and allergy sufferers, children and the elderly. At high levels, indoor air pollution poses a health risk to the general population.
• Another source of allergens are air handling units since often they do not filter the air they circulate through the building and/or take in from the outside. While conventional steps may be taken to remove allergens from regularly occupied rooms and buildings, such steps must be frequently repeated to maintain reduced allergen levels. Therefore, there is a need for a method of reducing the amount of allergens in a room or building that will result in reduced amounts of allergens over a prolonged period of time.
• the present invention provides a method for reducing allergens, such as fungal spores and small airborne particles (i.e., particles having diameters of between 0.3 and 2.5 microns), in an enclosure for a period of at least ninety days.
• allergens such as fungal spores and small airborne particles (i.e., particles having diameters of between 0.3 and 2.5 microns)
• the method is performed by vacuuming and contacting an air handling system in or in communication with the enclosure with a first antimicrobial agent.
• a formulation comprising a cleansing agent is then applied to the carpets and upholstery in the enclosure, wherein the cleansing agent contains a composition comprising a non-ionic surfactant, benzlkonium chloride, 2-propanol, or Di-N-alkyl (C 8 -C 10 )—N,N-dimethylammonium chloride.
• the enclosure is fogged with a formulation containing a composition comprising a second antimicrobial agent, where the second microbial agent is an aqueous organosilane, a quaternary chloride or a hydantoin resin.
• Ozone is then released within the enclosure for a period of time, after which the ozone release is terminated and the ozone concentration is allowed to return to normal levels.
• a reservoir containing tea tree oil is placed into the air handling system and the air handling system is placed into operation. Additionally, air in the enclosure is circulated through an air purifier which contains a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter.
• the method is such that, for a period of at least 90 days, the airborne particles in the enclosure are maintaned at fewer than 1.0 million airborne particles per cubic meter of air; the amount of airborne fungal spores in the enclosure is at least 1.1 times below the amount of airborne fungal spores in air outside the enclosure; and, the amount of surface fungal spores in the enclosure is at least 3.0 times below the amount of surface fungal spores in the enclosure before performing the method of the invention.
• the present invention is provided a method for reducing the amount of allergens in an enclosure such that the reduced amount of allergens is maintained over a period of at least ninety days.
• the method achieves a reduction in the amount of allergens which are airborne fungal spores, surface fungal spores and airborne particles.
• “Fungal spores” as used herein include the spores of any member of the kingdom Fungi, including the yeasts, molds, mildew and mushrooms. “Airborne particles” as used herein are airborne particles of a size of between 0.3-2.5 microns in diameter. It is also expected that the amount of bacteria and viruses in the enclosure will be reduced.
• the method of the invention is suitable for use in an enclosure which is in communication with an air handling system.
• the air handling system is considered to be in communication with the enclosure when air inside the enclosure or air in fluid communication with air inside the enclosure can be caused to flow by the air handling system.
• An “air handling system” as used herein means a system that can cause air to flow in an enclosure and which system is capable of regulating the temperature of the air in the enclosure. Accordingly, air handling systems include self-contained air conditioner units located partially or completely within an enclosure.
• air handling systems are those typically mounted in a window of a home or hotel room, which are also generally referred to in the art as personal temperature air conditioners, or “PTACs.” Also included within the meaning of “air handling system” is ductwork and an air temperature control device connected to the ductwork, which device may be external to the enclosure, and which can cause air to flow through the ductwork into the enclosure and regulate the temperature of the air flowing into the enclosure. Examples of such air temperature control devices include conventional furnaces and central air conditioning units.
• the method of the invention comprises the steps of:
• a formulation comprising a cleansing agent to the carpets and upholstery in the enclosure, where the cleansing agent is a composition comprising a non-ionic surfactant, benzlkonium chloride, 2-propanol, or Di-N-alkyl (C 8 -C 10 )—N,N-dimethylammonium chloride;
• an air purifier which air purifier comprises a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, and wherein the air in the enclosure circulates through the air purifier for at least three changes per hour. It is preferable that the air purifier be operated continuously thereafter. It is also preferable that steps a) through j) be carried out within a twenty-four hour period.
• the method is such that, ninety days after initiating operation of the air purifier, the airborne particles in the enclosure are fewer than 1.0 million per cubic meter of air, preferably fewer than 500,000, and more preferably fewer than 300,000 per cubic meter of air; the airborne fungal spores in the enclosure are an amount at least 1.1 times below, and preferably at least 1.5 times below, the amount of airborne fungal spores outside the enclosure before performing steps a) through j); and, the surface fungal spores in the enclosure are at least 3 times below, and preferably at least 5 times below, the amount of surface fungal spores in the enclosure before performing steps a) through j).
• any antimicrobial agent can be used.
• an antimicrobial agent with a broad spectrum of activity such that bacteria, viruses and fungi can be killed when contacted by the first antimicrobial agent.
• suitable first antimicrobial agents include compositions comprising 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol. Such compositions are commercially available and are typically applied as a solution having a 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol concentration of about 0.02% by weight.
• the first antimicrobial agent is applied by spraying a mixture of the agent and water into the air handling unit using forced air.
• forced air blowers are commercially available. It is generally preferred to use at least 110 pounds per square inch of pressure when applying the first antimicrobial agent. Further, it is preferable to contact as much of the air handling system surfaces as possible with the first antimicrobial agent, particularly air intake and outlet ports, fan blades and heat exchange tubing.
• both the ductwork and the temperature regulating device are contacted with the first antimicrobial agent. It is preferable to contact as much of the ductwork and temperature control device surfaces as possible.
• the carpets and upholstery are subjected to vacuum to remove dust and debris.
• the vacuuming can be performed with any commercially available vacuum cleaner that is fitted with a HEPA filter. It is preferable to vacuum substantially all of the carpeting and upholstery in the enclosure. Further, in one embodiment, non-fabric surfaces in the room are also vacuumed, including any non-upholstered furniture, ceilings, walls, tiling, mirrors, porcelain, etc.
• the cleansing agent may be a composition comprising non-ionic surfactants, benzlkonium chloride, 2-propanol, or Di-N-alkyl (C 8 -C 10 )—N,N-dimethylammonium chloride.
• the non-ionic surfactant is used.
• Preferred non-ionic surfactants are polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, particularly those having the formula RCOO(CHCH)nH, wherein R is a long chained alkyl group.
• One example of a preferred non-ionic surfactant is a formulation comprising didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.
• a more preferred formulation comprises didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and a hydrogen peroxide solution.
• An example of such a formulation is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,384.
• the formulation comprising the cleansing agent can be applied to the carpets and the upholstery using a conventional carpet cleaning machine or upholstery cleaning machine, respectively. Further, the formulation comprising the cleansing agent may also be applied to bedding, and/or wiped onto to non-porous surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, non-upholstered furniture, mirrors, etc.
• a formulation comprising a second antimicrobial agent is applied to the exposed surfaces in the enclosure. It is preferable to apply the formulation comprising the second antimicrobial agent by fogging the enclosure with the formulation and therefore fogging exposed surfaces in the enclosure.
• fogging it is meant that the formulation is applied as a suspension of droplets in a gas. Fogging the enclosure can be performed using a commercially available ultra-low-volume (ULV) cold fogger or by any conventional fogging technique.
• UUV ultra-low-volume
• carpeting, curtains, walls, ceilings, furniture, bedding, mirrors, appliances, etc are fogged with the formulation comprising the second antimicrobial agent such that substantially all of the exposed surfaces in the enclosure are contacted with the second antimicrobial agent.
• the second antimicrobial agent may be an aqueous organosilane, a quaternary chloride or a hydantoin resin.
• the aqueous organosilane may be any aqueous organosilane.
• a preferred aqueous organosilane is ocatadecylaminoimethyloomethoxysilylpropyl ammonium chloride. It is preferable to apply this agent as a solution comprising the aqueous organosilane in an amount less than 1.0% by weight, and preferably at 0.75% by weight.
• ozone is released into the enclosure. It is preferable to release the ozone until the concentration of ozone in the enclosure reaches about 4 ppm. It is more preferred to achieve a concentration of about 8 ppm. This ozone concentration can be achieved by, for example, releasing about 2.7 grams of ozone per hour into an enclosure of up to 40,000 cubic feet for at least two hours.
• the ozone can be released in any conventional manner, such as by a standard ozone generator. Once the desired ozone concentration has been reached for the desired amount of time, the ozone generator is turned off. After turning off the ozone generator, the ozone decomposes and the ozone concentration reduces to a level below 0.05 ppm. It is preferable to permit the passage of at least 1 to 2 hours to facilitate such ozone decomposition.
• a reservoir containing tea tree oil is placed into the air handling system.
• the tea tree oil is provided as a composition that can dissipate into the air such that air that is drawn into the air handling system comes into contact with the dissipating tea tree oil.
• the air handling system accordingly disperses the tea tree oil into the enclosure. It is preferable that the tea tree oil is positioned such that air entering the air handling unit contacts the dissipating tea tree oil prior to flowing over the fan blades and heat exchange tubing typically found in an air handling system. It is believed such positioning maximizes contact between the tea tree oil and surfaces in the air handling system.
• the tea tree oil is provided in a reservoir such that the tea tree oil can dissipate through an opening in the reservoir. Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is considered that dissipating tea tree oil contacts surfaces of the air handling system and surfaces of the enclosure, thereby inhibiting microbial growth on these surfaces and enhancing the effect of the method.
• Tea tree oil is available through a variety of commercial sources. Preferred tea tree oil formulations are provided as gels. More preferred is a pharmaceutical grade tea tree oil formulation provided as an emulsified gel comprising about 8% pure tee tree oil and about 1% lemon tea tree oil. Subsequent to placing the tea tree oil into the air handling system, operation of the air handling system is initiated.
• the air purifier is one that comprises a HEPA filter and an active carbon filter. It is preferable that the air be circulated through the filter continuously at a flow rate sufficient to enable three changes of air in the enclosure per hour.
• the method of the invention was performed in a conventional hotel room which was regularly occupied by hotel guests in the normal course of business.
• the room was approximately 250 square feet in size. Performing the method of the invention on the hotel room is referred to in this Example as “conversion.”
• test periods were:
• the Immediate Post Conversion period is considered to have begun after the air purifier has been placed into operation.
• Test parameters were divided into two categories: Snap Shot Samples and Continuous Monitoring Samples. Snap Shot Samples are samples taken at a single point in time. Continuous Monitoring Samples are recorded continuously throughout the test period.
• Table 1 is provided data regarding airborne fungal spore amounts as they are affected by the method of the invention.
• the total airborne fungal spore count in the room air was 60. This compares with 40 in the outside air sample, indicating an amount of fungal spores of 1.5 times more in the room as compared to outside levels.
• the total fungal spore count in the room air was 80. This compares with a count of 160 in the outside air sample indicating an amount of airborne fungal spores two times lower in the room as compared to the amount outside the room.
• Table 2 is provided data related to the number of viable surface fungal spores in the room (as determined by colony forming units) compared to pre-conversion amounts of viable surface fungal spores in the room.
• Table 3 data related to total surface fungal spores (viable and non-viable) as determined in a swipe sample.
• surface fungal spore amounts as measured in spores per cubic centimeters, showed a significant decrease during all of the Post Periods as compared to the Pre Period.
• total surface fungal spores were reduced by more than 5 fold.
• amounts were reduced to more than 40 fold compared to the Pre-Period.
• amounts of total surface fungal spores were more than 5 fold lower than the Pre Period.
• Temperature levels averaged 72 degrees F. throughout the test periods indicating maintenance of an acceptable comfort level for occupants.
• Relative humidity levels were normal (average of 52%) during pre and Immediate Post period. Levels reached a high of 77% on during the conversion period. Levels remained relatively elevated (around 60%) until the day following the conversion and then returned to the normal range. During the 30 Day Post Period, average humidity levels were 60% due to the air handling unit being shut down and higher levels outdoors. During the 90 Day Post Period humidity levels averaged 52%.
• Small particles as measured per cubic meter of air, decreased significantly during the Immediate Post Conversion Period as compared to the Pre Conversion Period. Small particles were relatively high during the Pre Conversion Period (9 million average) and even higher during the conversion period (peak reaching over 20 million). Levels returned to below threshold limits of 1,000,000 after the completion of the conversion. During the Immediate Post Conversion period, particles averaged around 300,000. During the 30 Day Post Conversion Period, small particles spiked initially, however, dropped and remained at lower levels (approximately 30,000) as compared to the Immediate Post Conversion period. During the 90 Day Post Period, small particles were below threshold limits (1 Million average), and 9 times lower than the Pre period.
• TVOC's did not fluctuate throughout the duration of the monitoring periods and remained within acceptable limits during all the test periods. During the 30 and 90 Day Post periods, levels increased, but were still below the threshold levels.
• Carbon Monoxide levels remained within acceptable limits throughout the test periods.
• Radon levels remained well below threshold levels throughout the duration of the periods.
• Amounts of airborne fungal spores were significantly lower during the Post Periods as compared to the Pre Period; amounts of surface fungal organisms were significantly lower during the Post Periods as compared to the Pre Period; small airborne particles were significantly lower during the Post Periods as compared to the Pre Periods; other potential indoor air quality parameters such as radon, ozone, large particles, and total volatile organic compounds were maintained within acceptable ranges; ventilation remained adequate; and, temperature and humidity were maintained within normal comfort ranges.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
• Ventilation (AREA)

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Citations (10)

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• 2005
  • 2005-10-12 WO PCT/US2005/036738 patent/WO2006042291A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2005-10-12 EP EP05804379A patent/EP1814644B1/en not_active Not-in-force
  • 2005-10-12 AT AT05804379T patent/ATE516868T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2005-10-12 AU AU2005295093A patent/AU2005295093B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2005-10-12 US US11/248,355 patent/US20060075896A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-10-12 CA CA2583896A patent/CA2583896C/en active Active
  • 2005-10-12 NZ NZ554432A patent/NZ554432A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2007
  • 2007-05-09 NO NO20072391A patent/NO20072391L/no not_active Application Discontinuation
• 2009
  • 2009-10-28 US US12/607,159 patent/US7767141B2/en active Active
• 2011
  • 2011-10-19 CY CY20111100989T patent/CY1112219T1/el unknown

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