Disinfection of a Contaminated Environment

Abstract

A formulation to reduce the numbers of bacteria, particularly Gram positive bacteria, in a space such as a waste disposal bin, via the vapor 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 vapor-producing composition for disinfecting a space comprising one or more essential oils or essential oil components, and a mixture of volatile and non-volatile solvents absorbed on a carrier. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , comprising an essential oil component that is selected from the group consisting of cinnamic aldehydes, cinnamic alcohol, eugenol, tea tree oils, and cinnamon oil. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the volatile solvent is an alcohol. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the non-volatile solvent is water or a glycol. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the ratio of volatile to non-volatile solvents is in the ratio 10:1 to 1:10. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is a non-woven material. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is cardboard, sintered plastic, or amorphous silicon dioxide. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier has one dimension of at least 200 mm. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is a self-adhesive item or label. 
     
     
         10 . A vapor-producing formulation comprising one or more essential oils or essential oil components and a mixture of volatile and non-volatile solvents in a viscous liquid. 
     
     
         11 . The formulation of  claim 10 , wherein the essential oil component is selected from the group consisting of cinnamic aldehydes, cinnamic alcohol, eugenol, tea tree oils, and cinnamon oil. 
     
     
         12 . The formulation of  claim 10 , wherein the volatile solvent is an alcohol. 
     
     
         13 . The formulation of  claim 10 , wherein the non-volatile solvent is water or a gycol. 
     
     
         14 . The formulation of  claim 10 , wherein the ratio of volatile to non-volatile solvents is in the ratio 10:1 to 1:10. 
     
     
         15 . The formulation according to  claim 10 , wherein the viscosity is modified by addition of silicon dioxide. 
     
     
         16 . A carrier material, comprising one or more essential oil or essential oil components impregnated thereon, wherein the carrier is a resilient or rigid material having a length of at least 200 mm. 
     
     
         17 . A method for sanitizing and deodorizing a waste disposal bin wherein said method comprises the use of:
 a) a vapor-producing composition for disinfecting a space comprising one or more essential oils or essential oil components, and a mixture of volatile and non-volatile solvents absorbed on a carrier;   b) a vapor-producing formulation comprising one or more essential oils or essential oil components and a mixture of volatile and non-volatile solvents in a viscous liquid; or   c) a carrier material, comprising one or more essential oil or essential oil components impregnated thereon, wherein the carrier is a resilient or rigid material having a length of at least 200 mm.   
     
     
         18 . A waste disposal bin comprising:
 a) a vapor-producing composition for disinfecting a space comprising one or more essential oils or essential oil components, and a mixture of volatile and non-volatile solvents absorbed on a carrier;   b) a vapor-producing formulation comprising one or more essential oils or essential oil components and a mixture of volatile and non-volatile solvents in a viscous liquid; or   c) a carrier material, comprising one or more essential oil or essential oil components impregnated thereon, wherein the carrier is a resilient or rigid material having a length of at least 200 mm.