Fumigation and Fogging In Pharmaceutical Industry….

The trend in Pharmaceuticals relatively shifted from Fumigation to Fogging as United Nation Environment Protection Agency (UNEPA) , and Occupational Health and Safety Agency(OHSA) declared Formaldehyde as Carcinogenic . Firstly, we will look into the difference between Fumigation and Fogging .

Fumigation

Formaldehyde fumigation is effective one against all the microorganisms causing potential problems to pharmaceutical products in formaldehyde fumigation formaldehyde is mixed with potassium permagnate to generate fumes . Prior to fumigation area should be sealed and Air handling units should be turned off . However , Fumigation with Formaldehyde is Banned in most of countries as the fumes generated have been declared Carcinogenic by regulatory authorities across the globe . And most pharmaceuticals moved their way towards Fogging .

Fogging

In Fogging equipment called Fogger is used to achieve disinfection . After formaldehyde the regulatory authorities suggested use of Hydrogen peroxide for disinfection . Hydrogen peroxide is relatively safer disinfectant when compared with Formaldehyde . The mechanism of action of hydrogen peroxide involves Chemical oxidation of cellular components .

The Fogger is used to generate 5-10 microns particles of Hydrogen peroxide in Fogger machine the solution of 2% Hydrogen peroxide with water is placed when Fogger is turned on it will heat the solution to create fog which is than mixed with jet of air which will atomize the fog into particles ranging from 5-10 microns and disperse them in air . after fogging cleaning is not required as Hydrogen peroxide automatically decomposes to water and oxygen after Fogging .