The use of triethylene glycol vapor for control of acute respiratory diseases in Navy recruits. I. Physical factors and the effect on air-borne bacteria
Personnel, O.U.ited States, N.val Medical, R.search Unit, N. 4
American Journal of Hygiene 55(2): 203-214
1952
ISSN/ISBN: 0096-5294
Accession: 025970418
During the winter of 1950-51, the effects of TEG on air borne bacteria were investigated. Two 2-story "H" type, Navy recruit barracks, each contain- ing 4 dormitories, were used. TEG concns. were quantitatively measured and the Folin bubbler method was used to obtain counts of air borne bacteria. In the lower dormitory of each barrack containing the vaporizers, the concn. of TEG usually exceeded 2.5 [mu]g. per liter of air and in the corresponding upper dormitories the concns. were generally less. Temps. and relative humidities in the dormitories were within satisfactory ranges for bactericidal and virucidal action of the vapor. At the prevailing humidities and at concns. of 2.5 [mu]g. or greater of TEG, visual estimates based upon fog density were sufficiently accurate for practical use. An avg. reduction of air-borne bacteria by 65% with a range from 30 to 90%, was obtained in theTEG dormitories. Although the magnitude of the bacterial counts was influenced by the activity of the recruits in the dormitory, the relative reductions were not influenced. Oiling of the floors of one barrack reduced air borne bacteria in both TEG and control dormitories but the relative reduction between them remained unchanged. Dispersion of beta hemolytic streptococci into the air during sweeping was not prevented by this additional measure. The effect on acute respiratory infections is reported elsewhere.