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Compatibility of Electronic Equipment and Other Materials with Peracetic Acid Fog and Low Concentration Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor
Citation:
McDonald, S. AND J. Wood. Compatibility of Electronic Equipment and Other Materials with Peracetic Acid Fog and Low Concentration Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-20/171, 2020.
Impact/Purpose:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others have evaluated and demonstrated numerous decontamination techniques that can be used effectively to inactivate Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis, the causative agent for anthrax) spores on a wide variety of materials and in different environments. In addition to efficacy, other criteria such as material compatibility, may be used to select which decontaminant to employ in the event of a B. anthracis contamination incident. The fogging of peracetic acid (PAA) has been shown to be an effective decontaminant against B. anthracis spores. Similarly, the generation of low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide vapor (LCHPV) by vaporizing either 3% or 8% aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions in off-the-shelf humidifiers, is also an effective decontamination technique. These decontamination approaches are effective as well as relatively simple to use, although the detrimental effects they may have on various types of materials and equipment are unclear.
Description:
The purpose of this study was to determine the impacts of PAA fog and LCHPV on representative indoor materials and electronic equipment. The fogging of PAA solution caused visually observed appearance changes (e.g., discoloration, oxidation, residue) on the copper, low-carbon steel, 304 stainless steel, and aluminum metal coupons. Some minor corrosion and/or residue was also observed on the electrical switch box, incandescent light, and the smoke detector battery terminals. For the computers, the external, non-metal surfaces had a moderate amount of white, salt residue. Internal and external metal surfaces showed small amounts of rusting and a significant amount of white residue.