Citation:

Mickelsen, L., Joe Wood, W. Calfee, S. Serre, S. Ryan, A. Touati, F. Delafield, AND D. Aslett. Low‐concentration hydrogen peroxide decontamination for Bacillus spore contamination in buildings. Remediation Journal. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, 30(1):47-56, (2019).

Impact/Purpose:

Remediation and recovery efforts after a large release of Bacillus anthracis spores may be difficult and costly. In addition, response and recovery resources may be focused on critical resources, leaving the small business or home owner without remediation options. This study evaluates the efficacy of relatively low levels of hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) for the inactivation of Bacillus spores within an indoor environment. Decontamination evaluations were conducted in a house using both Bacillus atrophaeus var. globigii (Bg) inoculated on carpet and galvanized metal material and Geobacillus stearothermophilus (Gs) as biological indicators on steel. Commercial off-the-shelf humidifiers filled with aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide were used to generate the HPV inside a test house. The total decontamination procedures ranged from four to seven days. Using the longer exposure times, low concentrations of HPV (average levels below 20 parts per million) effectively inactivated Bg and Gs spores on the materials tested. The HPV was generated with commercial off-the-shelf humidifiers and household-strength hydrogen peroxide solutions. The presence of home furnishings did not have a significant impact on HPV efficacy. This simple, inexpensive, and effective decontamination method could have significant utility for remediation following a B. anthracis spore release.

Description:

This study extends laboratory findings to a field‐level evaluation using commercial off‐the‐shelf (COTS) humidifiers and 3% liquid hydrogen peroxide vapor.

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