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Evaluation of Spray-Based, Low-Tech Decontamination Methods under Operationally Challenging Environments: Cold Temperatures
Citation:
Calfee, W., L. Mickelsen, S. Serre, R. Rupert, AND M. Nalipinski. Evaluation of Spray-Based, Low-Tech Decontamination Methods under Operationally Challenging Environments: Cold Temperatures. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-17/211, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
NHSRC strives to provide expertise and products that can be widely used to prevent, prepare for, and recover from public health and environmental emergencies arising from terrorist threats and other contamination incidents. Further, NHSRC provides expertise and guidance on the selection and implementation of decontamination methods that may ultimately provide the scientific basis for a significant reduction in the time and cost of remediating contaminated sites. The project evaluated decontamination solution efficacy under challenging temperature conditions on two common building material surfaces: concrete and glass. The test decontamination solutions were applied with a low-tech spraying device. Low-tech applications were of particular interest for this project because in the event of a widespread urban bioterrorist incident, use of relatively inexpensive off-the-shelf materials could be critical for mobilizing an effective and swift remediation response. This research effort specifically focused on the evaluation of bleach decontamination formulations, specifically formulated to remain liquid at temperatures well below the freezing point for water. These formulations could be beneficial when conducting remediation activities during cold weather conditions
Description:
Report