RT Journal Article ID 730122e349150969 A1 El Shaer, Mohamed A1 Mobasher, Mona A1 Zaki, A. T1 Low-Cost Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Hand Sanitizer Using Air and Tap Water Enriched by Hydrogen Peroxide JF Plasma Medicine JO PMED YR 2017 FD 2018-01-11 VO 7 IS 3 SP 273 OP 282 K1 DBD K1 sterilization K1 E. coli K1 ozone K1 hydroxyl radicals K1 hand hygiene K1 mist AB A low-cost plasma hand sanitizer with minimum capital and running costs, combining flexibility in operation and high efficacy in treating common pathogens, is proposed for sanitizing the hands of medical doctors and nurses. Hands are exposed to a mist that is generated using tap water and activated by plasma coaxial dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in ambient air. A common ignition transformer operating in the kilohertz range is used for the power supply, and a commercial ultrasonic nebulizer generates the mist. To enhance complete hand sanitization and reduce exposure time without adding oxygen gas to the discharge, solutions of commercial hydrogen peroxide in small concentrations are added to the water that is introduced in the plasma in the form of a mist. The active species produced by DBD during operation as O3 and OH is measured in the treatment zone near the end of the discharge tube. By adding increasing amounts of hydrogen peroxide in the water, we find that OH radicals increase, and measured ozone concentrations in ambient air decrease. This can be considered a beneficial chemical transformation, reducing possible harmful effects of ozone and enhancing sanitization efficacy. Sanitizing effects are reached with a low hydrogen peroxide concentration of 3 mg/L to avoid any harmful effects on the skin of the hands. PB Begell House LK https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/5a5b4a3d419387fb,333d4750362ddd86,730122e349150969.html