Fumigation is a chemical process which is used in many testing lab or industry for kill the pests and control the growth of microorganisms. In this process the area is filled with gaseous fumigant. Fumigation is generally called a Exothermic Process, because it releases heat in the form of fume to its surroundings. The most common form of fumigation involves the chemical reaction,between potassium permanganate(KMnO4) and formalin or formaldehyde .In this reaction it produces Formaldehyde gas.
Chemicals And Equipments Used In Fumigation
Chemicals Used
- Potassium permanganate (KMnO
4) – It is a powerful chemical agent which is used as disinfectant. - Formalin or Formaldehyde– It is also a chemical agent used with KMnO
4to control the growth of microorganisms.
Equipments Used
- Plastics Bowl– Plastics bowl is used to hold the chemicals during fumigation process.
- Gloves and Masks– Gloves and masks are used as protective equipments that to prevent inhalation .
- Fumigation logbook– Fumigation logbook is also used in this process to keep the record.
Procedure we followed to Fumigate the lab
| Preparation of Equipments | Take the proper protection with the help of Gloves and Masks. |
| Preparation of Chemicals | Weigh 10 gm potassium permanganate in required quantity of bowl (as per room). |
| Place the Bowl | Place the bowl on the floor of every room.(Samples recieving area, chemical testing room, hot room,microbiological testing rooms and bathroom). |
| Add the Formalin | Pour 30 ml formalin or formaldehyde in each bowl. |
| Closed the Door | While formalin is pour into the KMnO |
| Suppressing of Fume | After 24 hr -48 hr of fumigation pour some water into the chemicals |
How to check Fumigation is done properly?
To know if the fumgation is properly done we Bio-burden Test in our lab.Process described below:
- Prepare sterile Plate Count Agar plates.
- Label each plate with Location, Date, and Time of exposure.
- Place the plates on designated locations on floor.
- Remove lid carefully and place it inversely beside the plates. Expose the plates for 15 minutes.
- After exposure, replace lid immediately.
- Incubate the plates in inverted position at 30°C for 72 hours
- Count visible colonies. Record results as CFU/plate/15 minutes
Why fumigation is done in the lab or industry ?
- Reduction of bacterial growth– Fumigation used for controls bacterial growth and minimize the microorganisms in the testing laboratory and also used in hospitals, offices etc.
- Clean Environments: Labs and pharmaceutical facilities use it to maintain sterile manufacturing zones.
- Eradication of Pests– It penetrates deep into structures of the pests and It kills pests .
Precaution should be taken during fumigation to prevent risks:
- Get to fresh air -Fumes are injurios for our health for contains of toxic compounds. After fumigation we immediately move from this place to get fresh air.
- Remove all items – Remove all the items like bags, phone, water botle etc. from the lab before fumigation .
- Wash hands – After the fumigation wash the hands properly with the help of soap before consumption.
- Improper protection– Improper protection defects our health. The Uses of Gloves and Masks is mandatory to avoid inhalation the fume.
Conclusion of Fumigation:
Fumigation is a simple, rapid and effective method to minimize the bacterial count of the environment inside the lab. It provides a sterile environment to avoid contamination in microbiological testing area as well as in chemical testing laboratory.It is used in all places like laboratories, hospitals, industries and offices.By following these method, you can easily do the fumigation of any water at laboratory & also manufacturing industry with availability of the equipments & chemicals. If you can’t understand the procedure you can check our real time photo attached with this writing or also you can reach to Pro Research & Testing Laboratory for the advance testing
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)- Fumigation In Our Lab
What is fumigation?
Fumigation is a process of using chemical agents to disinfect, sanitize and eliminates pests and control the growth of microorganisms.
Why we need the protection before fumigation?
We need proper protections because when we used toxic agents as fumigants.These are not only toxic for pests and bacteria but also harmful for human, animals .
What is Exothermic Process?
Exothermic Process is a chemical process where two chemical agents reacts and release energy into fume,and rise the temperatures of the environment.
Why we do settle plate method before and after fumigation?
To differentiate the microbial growth of before & after fumigation by settle plate method that confirm the proper fumigation.
Which chemicals are used in fumigation?
We use two chemical reagents in Fumigation that are Potassium permanganate and Formaldehyde.
How We Verified This Testing/Research Procedure :
This testing procedure is done under qualified analyst .Continually monitored by expertise.Repeatedly testing is always done to get accurate result.
Written by
Ankita Samanta (M.Sc Microbiology,Vidyasagar University)
Designation – Junior Microbiologist
Reviewed by
Sramana Ghosh (M.Sc. Microbiology, MAKAUT)
Designation – Quality Manager
Verified By
Tathagata Talukdar (M.Sc,Microbiology) University of Calcutta
Designation – Senior/Chief Microbiologist
Experience – 12 Years + of experience including medical microbiology (NABL 15189) and general microbiology (NABL 17025)