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Low‐concentration hydrogen peroxide decontamination for Bacillus spore contamination in buildings
Author(s) -
Mickelsen Ronald Leroy,
Wood Joseph,
Calfee Michael Worth,
Serre Shan,
Ryan Shawn,
Touati Abderrahmane,
Delafield Francis Robbins,
Aslett Lola Denise
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
remediation journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.762
H-Index - 27
eISSN - 1520-6831
pISSN - 1051-5658
DOI - 10.1002/rem.21629
Subject(s) - human decontamination , spore , bacillus anthracis , hydrogen peroxide , contamination , environmental remediation , chemistry , geobacillus stearothermophilus , bacillus (shape) , microbiology and biotechnology , food science , waste management , toxicology , biology , bacteria , biochemistry , engineering , ecology , thermophile , genetics , enzyme
Remediation and recovery efforts after a release of Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores may be difficult and costly. In addition, response and recovery technologies may be focused on critical resources, leaving the small business or homeowner without remediation options. This study evaluates the efficacy of relatively low levels of hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) delivered from off‐the‐shelf equipment for the inactivation of Bacillus spores within an indoor environment. Decontamination evaluations were conducted in a house using both Bacillus atrophaeus var. globigii ( Bg ; as surrogates for B. anthracis ) inoculated on the carpet and galvanized metal as coupons and Geobacillus 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 inactivated Bg and Gs 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 a B. anthracis spore release, such as following a terrorist attack.