ABSTRACT
During the sever pandemic of coronavirus, the development and deployment of efficient disinfection technology have attracted hospitals' attention. Chlorine dioxide (ClO_2) gas has been validated as an efficient disinfector and air pollution control due its high oxidation ability. This article reviewed the principles and application of ClO_2 gas on disinfection, sterilization and air pollutants abatement. The principles of ClO_2 gas production, chemistry and related generator issues were discussed. We also review some case studies of the application of ClO_2 gas in the medical field and food industry as a sterilizer. Oxidation of nitrogen oxide (NO_x), sulfur oxide (SO_x), mercury (Hg), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using ClO_2 gas has been investigated. The process chemistry and demonstration of applying ClO_2 gas for air pollutants oxidation and absorption have also been provided. In conclusion, we suggest the future priority research direction of ClO_2 gas application are included the development of smart and robust ClO_2 gas release system, the integration of an innovative robotic technology in ClO_2 sterilization for epidemic prevention, and the evaluation of ClO_2 emissions impact on indoor air quality in hospitals.
ABSTRACT
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to sweep the world, causing infection of millions and death of hundreds of thousands. The respiratory disease that it caused, COVID-19 (stands for coronavirus disease in 2019), has similar clinical symptoms with other two CoV diseases, severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome (SARS and MERS), of which causative viruses are SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, respectively. These three CoVs resulting diseases also share many clinical symptoms with other respiratory diseases caused by influenza A viruses (IAVs). Since both CoVs and IAVs are general pathogens responsible for seasonal cold, in the next few months, during the changing of seasons, clinicians and public heath may have to distinguish COVID-19 pneumonia from other kinds of viral pneumonia. This is a discussion and comparison of the virus structures, transmission characteristics, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, pathological changes, treatment and prevention of the two kinds of viruses, CoVs and IAVs. It hopes to provide information for practitioners in the medical field during the epidemic season.