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Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering
Published on: June 21, 2022
Laboratory evaluation of large-scale decontamination approaches
M W Calfee1, S P Ryan, J P Wood
1US EPA, Office of Research and Development, National Homeland Security Research Center, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA. calfee.worth@epa.gov
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|February 16, 2012
Summary
pH-adjusted bleach effectively decontaminated surfaces with multiple applications, but surface material and application method impact efficacy and potential contamination spread. Spor-Klenz® RTU showed limited effectiveness on concrete surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Biological contamination incidents pose significant public health risks.
- Effective decontamination strategies are crucial for remediation and preventing pathogen spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of two spray-based decontamination methods (pH-adjusted bleach and Spor-Klenz® RTU) for reducing Bacillus atrophaeus spore contamination on plywood and concrete.
- To evaluate the potential for contamination spread associated with these decontamination methods.
Main Methods:
- Material coupons (plywood, concrete) were contaminated with Bacillus atrophaeus spores.
- Decontaminants were applied using backpack or gas-powered sprayers, with varied contact times and reapplication frequencies.
- Surface removal efficacy and contamination partitioning into rinsate and aerosol fractions were analyzed.
Main Results:
- pH-adjusted bleach achieved ≥6 log reduction with two applications and 30 min contact time on both materials.
- Spor-Klenz® RTU was effective on wood but achieved ≤3 log reduction on concrete.
- Shortened application of pH-adjusted bleach reduced efficacy and increased potential for contamination spread.
Conclusions:
- Surface material type is a critical factor in selecting effective decontaminants.
- Optimizing decontamination conditions is essential to prevent the spread of biological contamination.
- Findings aid in developing remediation plans for biological contamination incidents.
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