The Science Behind Disinfectant Fogging

At Build With Robots, we believe that science and scientific evidence are necessary to make good informed decisions. This blog series was created to help you, our users and users of equipment like ours, to better understand the science and technology behind disinfection and disinfecting solutions. These answers are derived from frequently asked questions that we get from our users. And if you do not see an answer to your question here, please reach out and ask us.

Are Breezy Blue™ and Breezy One™ foggers or sprayers?

Both Breezy Blue™ and Breezy One™ use fogging technology. These Breezy products generate a dry fog with particle sizes between 20 microns and 100 microns, which provides superior coverage for disinfecting surfaces and can penetrate crevices and porous surfaces.

How does fogging with Breezy Blue™ compare to electrostatic spraying or UV light?

What is the coverage capacity?

With our Breezy automated foggers, depending upon the openness and airflow of the space to be disinfected, one gallon of Breezy BioCare™ RTU disinfectant can cover between 150,000 to 600,000 cubic feet (ft³) of volume.

Breezy Blue™ holds up to 1.25 gallons which equates to approximately 200,000 ft³ of disinfection. For each gallon of Breezy BioCare™ RTU, Breezy Blue™ can disinfect approximately 33 rooms or 67 vehicles.

Breezy One™ holds up to 8 gallons and can typically disinfect a 3,000,000 ft³ facility with one hour of fogging time.

What is the approximate time and cost to fog?

For physical spaces larger than 9,000 ft³, coverage is best achieved with multiple Breezy Blue™ foggers operated simultaneously at different fogging locations.

In most applications, a 10-minute settling time after fogging allows enough contact time with surfaces to ensure optimal disinfection.

How long do I have to wait to re-enter a room after fogging?

With still air (HVAC off, doors closed), a 10-minute settling time allows for the small fog particles to dwell around surfaces as they slowly fall from the air. After the 10 minutes of dwell time, all particles larger than 10 microns will have settled on surfaces and the floor, and the hydrogen peroxide concentration will be less than 1 ppm (the OSHA limit). After 10 minutes, airflow (HVAC on, doors open) will dissipate any remaining fog particles.

Is there any residue after fogging?

When the Breezy foggers are used according to the recommended concentrations for disinfection, the dry fog leaves no residue.

Do I need to wipe surfaces after fogging?

Wiping is not required in nearly all situations. One exception: food contact areas should be rinsed with potable water after fogging according to our SDS and instructions for use.

Is the fog safe around electronics, monitors, and similar items?

When the Breezy foggers are used according to the recommended concentrations for disinfection the fog is non-corrosive and electronics safe.

Will the fog wet papers and other items?

When the Breezy foggers are used according to the recommended concentrations for disinfection, the dry fog does not saturate the air nor create any wetness on surfaces, papers or other items in the space being fogged.

Will the fog set off smoke detectors?

When the Breezy foggers are used according to our instructions for use, the dry fog will not set off smoke detectors. Do not point the Breezy foggers directly at a smoke detector.

Are there any objects or materials that I should not fog around?

You can safely fog around most objects and materials including electronics, fabrics, papers, most metals, leathers, and wood surfaces. Avoid fogging people or pets. Avoid fogging around untreated soft metals like aluminum and brass, and avoid fogging any antiquities on which you would not allow water. Contact Build With Robots if you have specific compatibility questions.

Do I need to wear any special PPE when filling or fogging?

Our Breezy fogging automation products are designed to keep users away from chemical exposure while fogging. As with all disinfectants, handle Breezy BioCare™ RTU in accordance with good industrial hygiene, safety practices and our instructions for use. When filling, safety glasses and gloves are recommended. If you must enter a space less than 10 minutes after fogging when the hydrogen peroxide concentration is greater than 1 ppm (the OSHA limit), eye protection and a mask should be worn.

Where can I get an SDS for the disinfectant?

All chemical products are required to produce a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that provides technical and safety information on a product. The SDS for Breezy BioCare™ RTU is available on the Build With Robots website.

What is the basic first aid if I am exposed to the disinfectant?

In case of inhalation, remove person from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen and get medical aid.

In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician. Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. If irritation develops, get medical aid.

In case of skin contact, flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists.

In case of ingestion, do NOT induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cups of milk or water. Get medical aid if irritation or symptoms occur.