Disinfection of a contaminated environment
A formulation to reduce the numbers of bacteria, particularly Gram positive bacteria, in a space such as a waste disposal bin, via the vapour phase, and active over a long period, typically several weeks. The product comprises one or more essential oils or essential oil components plus a mixture of volatile and non-volatile solvents, on a carrier such as a non-woven, sintered plastic or cardboard.
1. A vapour-producing composition for disinfection of a space via the vapour phase, comprising:
an essential oil component, an essential oil and a mixture of a volatile solvent and a non-volatile solvent absorbed on a carrier,
wherein the weight ratio of volatile to non-volatile solvent is in the range 10:1 to 1:1,
wherein the essential oil component is cinnamic aldehyde and the essential oil is cinnamon leaf oil;
the volatile solvent is iso-propanol;
the non-volatile solvent is monopropylene glycol,
wherein when absorbed on the carrier, the composition permits release of the active vapour over a period of up to four weeks.
2. The vapour-producing composition according to claim 1 , wherein when absorbed on the carrier, the composition permits release of the active vapour over a period of up to six weeks.
3. The vapour-producing composition according to claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of volatile to non-volatile solvent is 3:1 to 1:1.
4. The vapour-producing composition of claim 1 , wherein the carrier is (i) amorphous silicon dioxide, (ii) a non-woven material comprising cellulosic fibers and plastic, or (iii) a resilient or rigid material.
5. The vapour-producing composition of claim 1 , wherein the carrier is a resilient or rigid material and is cardboard.
6. The vapour-producing composition of claim 1 , wherein the carrier is a resilient or rigid material and has one dimension of at least 200 mm.
7. The vapour-producing composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition does not contain water.