Evaluation of the sterilization effect of gas fumigation on bacterial contamination on paper surfaces
This study evaluated the sterilization efficacy of gas fumigation as an environmentally friendly and effective method for microbial control in archival document disinfection. Considering the challenges associated with disinfecting archival materials and environmental concerns related to conventional chemical disinfectants, an ethylene oxide-based mixed fumigant was used to assess its bactericidal efficacy against harmful microorganisms on paper surfaces. Five bacterial species inoculated onto six different paper types were examined by comparing microbial survival before and after fumigation. Complete (100%) microbial inactivation was achieved immediately after fumigation and was maintained for at least 1-2 weeks following treatment. These results demonstrate that gas fumigation using an ethylene oxide-based mixed fumigant is an effective and safe disinfection method for the preservation of archival materials.