Indoor air purification and ventilation systems sanitation with essential oils

Essential oils are one means to prevent microbial development, and are low in toxicity. The authors selected a pathogenic test strain and followed the Afnor NF T72-282 standard in the aim of proposing an indoor purification method based on the germicidal and odorant properties of essential oils. The protocol was both applied to one of the most active essential oils, mountain savory, and to a solution of formol, a chemical reference in hospitals. The results were satisfying for the essential oil with a bacteria reduction rate close to the total disinfection achieved with evaporated formol.