Compatibility of Materials and Equipment with Chlorine- and Peracetic Acid-based Sporicidal Liquid Solutions
Citation:
McDonald, S., T. Chamberlain, A. Touati, AND Joe Wood. Compatibility of Materials and Equipment with Chlorine- and Peracetic Acid-based Sporicidal Liquid Solutions. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-22/160, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
In the event of a Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spore release, there are several decontamination techniques available that have proven effective in inactivating the spores on many types of materials. In addition to decontamination efficacy, there are other criteria that may be used as the basis for the selection of a decontamination method, such as its compatibility with materials. Some decontamination technologies may cause corrosion, loss of functionality, leave a residue, and/or cause other damage to materials and equipment. This study focused on the material compatibility of four liquid-based sporicidal decontaminant solutions: pH-adjusted bleach (PAB), diluted bleach, peracetic acid (PAA), and dichloro-s-triazinetrione (dichlor). These decontaminants have been shown to be effective in inactivating B. anthracis or surrogate spores on numerous types of materials. This investigation examined the impact of the four decontaminants on small coupons of eight metals/alloys, twelve plastic materials, two laminate materials, and silicone caulk. In addition, the study evaluated the compatibility with small equipment, i.e., electrical switch boxes, circuit breakers, and single-board computers.
Description:
This investigation examined the impact of four liquid sporicidal decontaminants (used for Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spore inactivation) on metals, plastics and laminates. In addition, the study evaluated the material compatibility with small equipment, i.e., electrical switch boxes, circuit breakers, and single-board computers. The only metals that incurred visual impact to color, presumably because of oxidation/corrosion, were the low carbon steel, copper, brass, and bronze. Comparing the decontaminants using the scoring system, dichlor and PAB had the highest and similarly weighted scores (indicating overall they had most impact on materials), followed by diluted bleach and PAA. PAA had the lowest weighted score, i.e., PAA had the least visual impact of the four decontaminants studied.