New technique to rid hospitals of deadly microbes

"This is the future, because many hospital deaths are preventable with better cleaning methods," said Dick Zoutman, researcher at the Queen's University.

"It has been reported that more than 100,000 people in North America die every year due to hospital acquired infections at a cost of $30 billion. That's 100,000 people every year who are dying from largely preventable infections," Zoutman added.

The new technology involves pumping a ozone and hydrogen peroxide vapour gas mixture into a room to completely sterilize everything - including floors, walls, drapes, mattresses, chairs and other surfaces.

"It is far more effective in killing bacteria than wiping down a room. He has also used this technology to kill bed bugs," said Zoutman, according to a university statement.

A major US hotel chain has already expressed interest in the technology because of its potential to save the company millions of dollars in lost revenue and infected furniture.

Zoutman worked with Michael Shannon of Medizone International located in Innovation Park, Queen's University.

Medizone is commercializing the technology and the first deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2012.