Low ‐concentration hydrogen peroxide decontamination for Bacillus spore contamination in buildings

This study evaluates the efficacy of relatively low levels of hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) delivered from off ‐the‐shelf equipment for the inactivation ofBacillus spores within an indoor environment. Decontamination evaluations were conducted in a house using bothBacillus atrophaeus var.globigii (Bg; as surrogates forB. anthracis) inoculated on the carpet and galvanized metal as coupons andGeobacillus stearothermophilus (Gs) as biological indicators on steel. The total decontamination time ranged from 4 to 7 days. Using the longer exposure times, low concentrations of HPV (average levels below 20 parts per million) effectively inactivatedBg andGs spores on the materials tested. The HPV was generated with commercial 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 aB. anthracis spore release, such as following a terrorist attack.

Source: Remediation Journal - December 2, 2019 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Ronald Leroy Mickelsen, Joseph Wood, Michael Worth Calfee, Shannon Serre, Shawn Ryan, Abderrahmane Touati, Francis Robbins Delafield, Lola Denise Aslett Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research