S85: Evaluation of peroxide-based solutions for facility decontamination

In support of the Interagency Biological Restoration Demonstration we are evaluating methods that may be useful for decontamination of residences, small business and other small facilities that are not heavily contaminated and are a low-level priority for cleanup. The remediation of a large number of contaminated facilities will likely be a limiting step in the recovery of an urban area following a wide area release of a biological warfare agent due to the limited number of resources. A potential option for remediation of residences and small businesses is to provide training, resources and instructions for using a simple liquid decontamination material. The USEPA has developed and evaluated the use of pH-amended bleach for self-decon; we are evaluating another common household cleaning agent, peroxide.

Our intent was to evaluate the application of the decon material in a room-size aerosol chamber while monitoring the concentration of airborne spores during the decon procedure. Activated peroxide solutions and H₂O₂/peracetic acid solutions are effective sporicides on non-porous surfaces and are reasonable materials for owner/occupant decontamination. However, important issues surrounding the safety of those conducting the decontamination, and the thoroughness of the process, remain. Spore-particle movement in air currents and/or thermals confounded the settling velocity predictions. Without suitable secondary containment, airborne spore-particles can increase the zone of contamination. Workers should be aware of the potential for tracking spores out of the contaminated zone. An important consideration for owner/occupant decontamination is to provide decon workers with knowledge and materials to protect themselves while limiting contaminant spread.