One of the most common methods of disinfection or elimination of unwanted pests or bacteria is fumigation. One reason fumigation treatments are so popular is due to the effectiveness they provide. Fumigants can reach areas and kill pathogens that other methods of disinfection cannot. On top of this, part of the popularity of fumigation treatments comes from the many different types of fumigation treatments there are. Gases like Chlorine Dioxide, Sulfuryl Fluoride, and Methyl Bromide are often used – even certain liquid solutions, such as Formalin, can be used for fumigation purposes.
What is a fumigation treatment?
A fumigation treatment is a method of disinfection or sterilization commonly used to eliminate odors, bacteria, or other unwanted pathogens. The fumigation process involves the use of a specialized gas to get rid of whatever the cause of the problem is in a certain area or environment. This process is frequently used in settings where pests or bacteria have become resistant to other forms of treatment, or when the infestation becomes too large to be successfully controlled through other means.
Different Types of Fumigation Treatments
Chlorine Dioxide Fumigation Treatments
Chlorine Dioxide is a colorless gas and is highly reactive. It is typically pushed into sealed-off buildings or rooms through A/C ducts or small holes drilled into the walls. It is highly effective against many bacteria and pathogens, while being less harmful to the environment as some of the other methods available. Chlorine Dioxide is a fumigation method popularized in 2001 when chlorine dioxide fumigation was utilized at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. for decontaminating Anthrax.
Sulfuryl Fluoride Fumigation Treatments
Sulfuryl Fluoride is a colorless, odorless gas. Like Chlorine Dioxide, it is diffused throughout buildings and structures to disinfect and eliminate unwanted bacteria, pests, and pathogens. While highly effective and disinfection, Sulfuryl Fluoride can be dangerous if not handled properly, and requires specialized equipment and trained professionals to perform this type of fumigation.
Methyl Bromide Fumigation Treatments
Methyl Bromide is another colorless, odorless gas. It is also typically injected into buildings or structures to disinfect the inside of the building. While Methyl Bromide is highly effective at eliminating bacteria and viruses, like Sulfuryl Fluoride, it can be dangerous if not handled properly. This gas is an ozone-depleting substance, and is being phased out as a commonly used fumigant because of this.
Formalin Fumigation Treatments
Formalin fumigation treatments are a bit different than other types. The main difference is that this method uses a liquid solution of formaldehyde and water, rather than a gas. The liquid is injected into the area being treated, similarly to the other methods, and diffuses throughout to eliminate the unwanted substance. Like many of the other methods, it can be dangerous if not handled properly, and should be performed with the right equipment and trained personnel.
The diversity in options paired with the effectiveness of fumigation treatments makes them one of the best choices for disinfection purposes. It should be noted that, while effective, some of these methods, such as Sulfuryl Fluoride, Methyl Bromide, and Formalin treatments are considered dangerous and must be used with upmost care by professionals. Even Chlorine Dioxide, while seen as a much safer method than these, still requires professionals that specialize in this form of treatment.
If you would like to learn more about Chlorine Dioxide fumigation treatments and whether a treatment may be a fit for your business, please fill out the contact form below and a PureLine professional will contact you to discuss your needs!