Demonstration and evaluation of commercial and municipal equipment for urban biological decontamination.

Large-scale biological contamination incidents pose unique yet significant challenges to remediation operations. Previous incidents have demonstrated the utility of readily available commercial and municipal equipment for conducting remediation tasks. Preidentification and evaluation of such equipment could reduce lag time for response initiation and enhance overall response effectiveness and efficiency.

Monitoring spore washoff during a biological contamination incident response using automated stormwater samplers and sensors to predict contamination movement.

This study examined the washoff of Bacillus globigii (Bg) spores from concrete, asphalt, and grass surfaces by stormwater. Bg is a nonpathogenic surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, which is a biological select agent. Areas (2.

Efficacy of chemical disinfectants against SARS-CoV-2 on high-touch surface materials.

Aims: This study aimed to provide operationally relevant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surface disinfection efficacy information.

Methods And Results: Three EPA-registered disinfectants (Vital Oxide, Peroxide, and Clorox Total 360) and one antimicrobial formulation (CDC bleach) were evaluated against SARS-CoV-2 on material coupons and were tested using Spray (no touch with contact time) and Spray & Wipe (wipe immediately post-application) methods immediately and 2 h post-contamination. Efficacy was evaluated for infectious virus, with a subset tested for viral RNA (vRNA) recovery.

Decontamination efficacy of common liquid disinfectants against non-spore-forming biological agents in soil matrices.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate decontamination efficacy, within three soil types, against Yersinia pestis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, and the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEEV).

Methods And Results: One of three liquid disinfectants (dilute bleach, Virkon-S or Klozur One) was added to three soil types (sand, loam, or clay) and allowed contact for four pre-spike durations: 0, 15, 30 and 60 min. Y.

Residual antimicrobial coating efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.

Aims: This study evaluated the residual efficacy of commercially available antimicrobial coatings or films against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on non-porous surfaces.

Methods And Results: Products were applied to stainless steel or ABS plastic coupons and dried overnight. Coupons were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of 5% soil load.

Influence of wash aids on Bacillus spore removal from an asphalt parking lot using two spray-based washing methods.

Aims: The goal of this study was to measure the removal efficacy of Bacillus atrophaeus spores from a parking lot using spray-based washing methods (a pressure washer and a garden hose) and wash aids. B. atrophaeus is a commonly used nonpathogenic surrogate for B.

Virucidal efficacy of antimicrobial surface coatings against the enveloped bacteriophage Φ6.

Aims: Antimicrobial coatings, for use in combination with routine cleaning and disinfection, were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing virus concentration on stainless steel surfaces.

Methods: Twenty antimicrobial coating products, predominantly composed of organosilane quaternary ammonium compounds, were applied to stainless steel coupons, dried overnight and evaluated for efficacy against Φ6, an enveloped bacteriophage. Additionally, two peel and stick polymer-based films, a copper-based film and three copper alloys were evaluated.

Low-concentration hydrogen peroxide decontamination for spore contamination in buildings.

Remediation and recovery efforts after a release of (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 spores within an indoor environment.

Composite sampling of a Bacillus anthracis surrogate with cellulose sponge surface samplers from a nonporous surface.

A series of experiments was conducted to explore the utility of composite-based collection of surface samples for the detection of a Bacillus anthracis surrogate using cellulose sponge samplers on a nonporous stainless steel surface. Two composite-based collection approaches were evaluated over a surface area of 3716 cm2 (four separate 929 cm2 areas), larger than the 645 cm2 prescribed by the standard Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention cellulose sponge sampling protocol for use on nonporous surfaces. The CDC method was also compared to a modified protocol where only one surface of the sponge sampler was used for each of the four areas composited.

Evaluation of peracetic acid fog for the inactivation of Bacillus anthracis spore surrogates in a large decontamination chamber.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sporicidal (inactivation of bacterial spores) effectiveness and operation of a fogging device utilizing peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide (PAA). Experiments were conducted in a pilot-scale 24 m(3) stainless steel chamber using either biological indicators (BIs) or bacterial spores deposited onto surfaces via aerosolization. Wipe sampling was used to recover aerosol-deposited spores from chamber surfaces and coupon materials before and after fogging to assess decontamination efficacy.