Fogging has very suddenly started to be used more and more in the cleaning process within the food industry, the healthcare sector, and even on public transport. But what is it? How does fogging really work? Here’s everything you need to know about fogging machines and how they are used for disinfecting surfaces.
What Is Fogging?
Fogging is a relatively new cleaning process that is used by professional cleaners in a wide range of sectors in order to disinfect extensive spaces quickly and efficiently. It is a quick process that uses a fog mist of disinfectant to spray a chemical over a large space. It is used for deep cleaning public transport, to disinfect vacated wards and reusable medical equipment, and even to clean food preparation areas in the food industry.
In short, it is the act of spraying a fine mist of cleaning chemicals over a space where there are many people who may potentially be spreading COVID 19 or other diseases. It is deemed an effective tool in disease control.
How Does A Fogging Machine Work?
Fogging machines distribute a sanitising spray (or electrostatically charged mist) from a spray gun. The professional using the spray gun will ensure that the chemical solution is at the right concentration and the appropriate formula, and then will suit up. The person using the fogging machine will need to wear a chemical suit, gloves, an air fed ventilator and a sealed mask.
The room or area that is being fogged will need to be sealed, so that the fine mist cannot pass through to anywhere else. Then, once the room is sealed, the contractor can begin deep cleaning the area. Most computer equipment and other items can stay in the room, as the spray from fogging machines is so fine that it is very unlikely to cause any issues.
The spray that is put out will be at the right concentration to kill off COVID 19 and other diseases like MRSA, and will work to penetrate porous surfaces and kill off any bacteria and viruses in the materials, too. The contractor will have ensured, though, that the active chemical is at the right concentration so that it is not so high as to leave any residue on the surfaces after the fogging process is done.
Why Are Fogging Machines Good?
Using fogging machines for deep cleaning whether it is in the food process industry or in hospital cleaning teams is useful because it kills viruses like COVID 19 that linger in the air and on surfaces.
COVID 19 spreads very quickly, and this is because of the way it is transmitted through air droplets. In medical environments like empty wards, fogging can remove this risk before patients are put back into the space. It can also really help to make using reusable medical equipment like X-Rays and beds much more safe.
In addition to that, COVID 19, like lots of pathogenic viruses, can last up to 72 hours on surfaces. An ordinary deep clean would be likely to miss bits by accident, and these areas of infected water droplets would be left and could put people at risk. In comparison, fogging machines are an effective method of infection control. Using the right disinfectant products at the correct concentration, fogging kills airborne pathogens in under 5 minutes, creating a completely safe environment for people. It can remove pathogens from everything from sides, to door handles, and
Is Fogging Harmful To People?
Exposure to the chemical solution used in a fogging machine can be dangerous, which is why after the process is complete, there is a 6 hour window of waiting time. Exposure to chemicals present in the concoction that is used for fogging can cause skin irritation, eye irritation and respiratory conditions.
There has been some suggestion that breathing in fog can lead to allergic reactions and health risks, but so long as the contractor wears the correct gear and the sealed room is left for sufficient time after the process, there should be no health risks.
That being said, the World Health Organisation did say that they recommend using manual cleaning with warm water and a cleaning product like hydrogen peroxide to remove risk of COVID 19 pathogens on surfaces. This isn’t because it is ineffective at removing COVID 19 or that it is unsafe, but that manual scrubbing of the pathogens may provide better protection against COVID 19 on surfaces.
What Else Is Fogging Used For?
Fogging is most commonly used in the pig industry, chicken business and food industry for cleaning. It is used in these industries to reduce risk of food pollution that could cost firms lots of money and time. The machines are essential and are used in sanitising high risk preparation areas. But what else are they used for?
Insect Control
Fogging machines are used to apply insecticide to crops and surfaces using the ultra low volume method to create super small droplets of concentrated insecticide. This is spread across the area to target a number of bugs. Mosquito, flea and bed bug foggers are incredibly useful and are used by lots of businesses.
Check out: How to keep rodents out of your home
Greenhouses
Foggers can be used in greenhouses to help create the humidity that is required by distributing water vapour at regular intervals.
Odour Removal
Foggers can be used to deodorise sewage treatment plants to make the surrounding areas much more pleasant and workable.
Mould Removal
In particularly damp buildings and workplaces, fogging can be used to kill airborne mould spores. This can be paired with deep cleaning to prevent mould from returning once it has been removed.
