| abstract |
A system and method for disinfecting and detoxifying an enclosed space includes a generator for producing ClO 2 in aqueous solution via reactions of a hydroxy carboxylic acid, a companion acid that substantially does not react with an alkali metal salt of a chlorite ion, and an alkali metal salt of a chlorite ion. Substantially pure gaseous ClO 2 is stripped through a packed column, the effluent air flow from the stripper containing pure ClO 2 . The gaseous ClO 2 product is added to the enclosed space at a predetermined concentration for a predetermined period of time sufficient to substantially destroy airborne microbial contamination therein, after which the enclosed space is evacuated. A second aspect of the present invention is a system and method for disinfecting surfaces, including an apparatus for generating aqueous ClO 2 . The aqueous ClO 2 is diluted to a predetermined concentration and applied to a surface desired to be disinfected. |