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Studies on air-borne virus infections: III. The killing of aerial suspensions of influenza virus by hypochlorous acid

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

D. G. ff. Edward
Affiliation:
From the National Institute for Medical Research, London, N.W. 3
O. M. Lidwell
Affiliation:
From the National Institute for Medical Research, London, N.W. 3
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Experiments are described for determining the effect of hypochlorite mists and hypochlorous acid gas on aerosols of influenza A virus.

The virus aerosol is shown to be at least as easily killed by hypochlorite mists as Streptococcus salivarius. It is also killed by liberating hypochlorous acid gas itself into the atmosphere. A concentration of 1 vol. of gas in 2 million vol. of air is probably effective in destroying 99% or more of virus particles when the proportion of these in the air is small.

Preliminary experiments on mice and cats are recorded which failed to reveal any toxic effects produced by inhaling the gas in relatively high concentrations or for prolonged periods. Acute irritation of mucous membranes only was found. This did not appear to lead to any increased susceptibility of mice to subsequent infection with influenza.

We wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to the late Sir Patrick Laidlaw and to Dr R. J. V. Pulvertaft in co-operation with whom the earlier experiments were made. We also wish to thank Dr W. J. Elford, Dr F. C. MacIntosh, Dr R. K. Callow and Dr T. S. Work for their assistance and advice in parts of the investigation.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1943

References

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