Long-acting biocidal compositions and method therefor

摘要

There is disclosed, in one aspect, a long-acting biocidal composition. This composition comprises a chlorine dioxide-liberating compound, such as sodium chlorite, and sufficient organic acid-generating compound, such as poly(lactic acid), to lower the pH of the composition to less than about 7. The organic acid-generating compound is present in a form whereby it is released gradually in the presence of water. Preferably the organic acid-generating compound is encapsulated within or by a film-forming polymer. In another aspect, there is disclosed a method of disinfecting a surface over a prolonged period of time. This method comprises applying to the surface a small but effective amount of the long-acting biocidal composition described above.