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Systems designed to kill, remove, or render inert pathogenic microorganisms present in a closed environment and on hard inanimate surfaces and objects located in that environment. These systems are intended to remove microorganisms from the environment (i.e., most viruses and bacteria, including mycobacteria) but not necessarily all microbial forms such as spores. There are several different technologies appropriate for use by the systems, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation using dedicated lamps (e.g., mercury, xenon) and systems using hydrogen peroxide vapors as a chemical disinfectant. Other less frequently used technologies (e.g., ozone gas) are also available. Environmental disinfection systems are intended for short-term use (e.g., from several minutes to a few hours) in patient rooms, operating rooms, and other healthcare facility closed areas.
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