Neutralization of ricin toxin on building interior surfaces using liquid decontaminants.

Ricin is a highly toxic protein, capable of inhibiting protein synthesis within cells, and is produced from the beans of the Ricinus communis (castor bean) plant. Numerous recent incidents involving ricin have occurred, many in the form of mailed letters resulting in both building and mail sorting facility contamination. The goal of this study was to assess the decontamination efficacy of several commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cleaners and decontaminants (solutions of sodium hypochlorite [bleach], quaternary ammonium, sodium percarbonate, peracetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide) against a crude preparation of ricin toxin.

Evaluation of steam heat as a decontamination approach for SARS-CoV-2 when applied to common transit-related materials.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of steam heat for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 when applied to materials common in mass transit installations.

Methods And Results: SARS CoV-2 (USA-WA1/2020) was resuspended in either cell culture media or synthetic saliva, inoculated (∼1 × 106 TCID50) onto porous and nonporous materials and subjected to steam inactivation efficacy tests as either wet or dried droplets. The inoculated test materials were exposed to steam heat ranging from 70°C to 90°C.

Effectiveness of formaldehyde in various soil types as a wide area decontamination approach for Bacillus anthracis spores.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the decontamination efficacy of liquid formaldehyde solutions for three soil types (sand, loam, and clay) against spores of Bacillus anthracis (B.a.) and Bacillus atrophaeus.

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.

Formaldehyde Vapor Characteristics in Varied Decontamination Environments.

Introduction: This effort investigated formaldehyde vapor characteristics under various environmental conditions by the analyses of air samples collected over a time-course. This knowledge will help responders achieve desired formaldehyde exposure parameters for decontamination of affected spaces after a biological contamination incident.

Methods: Prescribed masses of paraformaldehyde and formalin were sublimated or evaporated, respectively, to generate formaldehyde vapor.

Decontamination of Spores with Formaldehyde Vapor under Varied Environmental Conditions.

Introduction: This study investigated formaldehyde decontamination efficacy against dried spores on porous and non-porous test surfaces, under various environmental conditions. This knowledge will help responders determine effective formaldehyde exposure parameters to decontaminate affected spaces following a biological agent release.

Methods: Prescribed masses of paraformaldehyde or formalin were sublimated or evaporated, respectively, to generate formaldehyde vapor within a bench-scale test chamber.

Evaluation of altered environmental conditions as a decontamination approach for nonspore-forming biological agents.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of altered environmental conditions on the persistence of Francisella tularensis bacteria and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), on two material types.

Methods And Results: Francisella tularensis (F.t.

Environmental Persistence of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus subtilis Spores.

There is a lack of data for how the viability of biological agents may degrade over time in different environments. In this study, experiments were conducted to determine the persistence of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus subtilis spores on outdoor materials with and without exposure to simulated sunlight, using ultraviolet (UV)-A/B radiation. Spores were inoculated onto glass, wood, concrete, and topsoil and recovered after periods of 2, 14, 28, and 56 days.

Efficacy of liquid spray decontaminants for inactivation of Bacillus anthracis spores on building and outdoor materials.

Aims: To obtain data on the efficacy of various liquid and foam decontamination technologies to inactivate Bacillus anthracis Ames and Bacillus subtilis spores on building and outdoor materials.

Methods And Results: Spores were inoculated onto test coupons and positive control coupons of nine different materials. Six different sporicidal liquids were spray-applied to the test coupons and remained in contact for exposure times ranging from 10 to 70 min.