Fumigation vs Fogging in Pharmaceutical Microbiology: Key Differences and Best Practices
Author: Siva Sankar, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Consultant Category: Cleanroom Sanitization / Microbiology Practices Updated: October 2025 🔍 Introduction Maintaining microbial control in pharmaceutical cleanrooms and microbiology labs is critical to ensure product sterility and regulatory compliance. Two common disinfection methods used are fumigation and fogging . Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they differ in chemical, process, and regulatory acceptance. 🧫 What is Fumigation? Fumigation involves vaporizing a disinfectant chemical, typically formaldehyde gas , to sterilize a closed environment. The gas penetrates surfaces and equipment, killing microorganisms including bacterial spores. Chemical Used: Formaldehyde + Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) Advantages: High-level disinfection, effective against spores Disadvantages: Carcinogenic, corrosive, leaves residues, banned by WHO and GMP for pharmaceutical use Regulatory Status: Discon...