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Effectiveness of Outdoor Environment Decontamination for Biological Agents
Citation:
Calfee, W. Effectiveness of Outdoor Environment Decontamination for Biological Agents. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/S-18/223, 2018.
Impact/Purpose:
Contamination of outdoor environments could result from intentional or accidental releases of biological materials or human or animal disease outbreaks. Outdoor contamination incidents pose significant challenges in determining the extent of contamination, containing the contaminant spread and remediating the areas so that re-occupancy or reuse can occur. Currently, few methods are well-characterized, efficacious, and readily-available for outdoor decontamination; especially for application over large areas. This technical brief summarizes two recent studies that have begun to address the knowledge and capability gaps associated with conducting decontamination for biological agents in outdoor environments and challenging settings (heavily soiled surfaces and cold temperatures).
Description:
This technical brief reports the results of two recent studies that aimed to increase our understanding and capabilities with regards to decontamination of outdoor areas following a biological incident. These data help responders develop remediation plans following outdoor contamination incidents.