Background: Pathogens that remain on healthcare surfaces after standard cleaning have been reported to cause 10%–30% of all healthcare-associated infections among admitted patients. The study reported here evaluated the effect of a continuous application of low-level gaseous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on microbial surface contamination in a pulmonary specialty unit (PSU) of a large magnet-designated urban hospital. Methods: A baseline surface contamination level was measured by obtaining cultures of 5 high-touch points in 8 patient rooms, a nurse’s station, and a nurse’s charting room to determine the bacterial and fungal microbial burden levels (period 1). No revisions to cleaning practices were made during any period. Also, 8 continuous decontamination devices were installed in the HVAC near the area to be treated. The devices convert humidified air into predominately H2O2, which then exited the ducts, covering all surfaces. Environmental sampling was conducted every 4 weeks for 4 months after activation to measure the effects on the intrinsic microbial burden on surfaces as well as the incidence of MRSA and VRE (periods 2–5). In addition, the unit manager tracked the level of absenteeism of employees in the PCU during the trial to compare results to the same 4-month period from the prior year. Results: In concert with regular cleaning and disinfecting practices, the average bacterial microbial burden levels found on 52 locations prior to the activation of the devices were 6,446 CFU/1002. Incidence of MRSA and VRE were 31% and 10%, respectively. During the intervention, the levels of both bacterial and fungal microbial burden on surfaces were significantly lower, as was the incidence of MRSA and VRE. The continuous application of low-levels of oxidizing molecules exerted a significant 78% and 97% reduction in the average bacterial and fungal microbial burden found on PSU surfaces (1,415 CFU/100 2 and 328 CFU/1002 for bacteria and fungi, respectively). The incidences of MRSA and VRE on surfaces were reduced by 63% and 70%, respectively. In addition, the unit manager reported a significant decline in absenteeism, with a reduction of 550 hours (1,313 vs 752) during the 4-month trial versus the same 4-month period the previous year. Conclusions: The introduction of continuous low-level gaseous H2O2 on all surfaces throughout a PSU reduced the overall bacterial and fungal microbial burden as well as lowered the incidence of both MRSA and VRE on surfaces, and it reduced employee absenteeism, providing a potentially safer environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None