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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1971 December; 22(6): 1138-1140
Copyright © 1971 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Effect of Relative Humidity on Formaldehyde Decontamination

Commodity Development and Engineering Laboratories, U.S. Army Biological Defense Research Center, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland 21701

ABSTRACT

Death rate studies were conducted to determine the effect of varying the concentration, humidity, and type of surface on the sporicidal activity of formaldehyde gas. Washed and unwashed spores were similarly exposed to detect the influence of residual nutrient growth medium upon the rate of kill. The results indicated that the sporicidal activity of formaldehyde gas varies directly with its concentration. Relative humidities (RH) over 50% proved essential for sterility. Spores on a porous surface (cotton cloth) were more readily killed at lower RH than those on a nonporous surface (glass). The reverse occurred at very high RH. At 75% RH, the unwashed spores on glass were killed faster than the washed spores.