Encapsulation of Biological Contaminants in Transportation Systems

TIAX has developed a technology that meets the EPA' s need for decontamination of biological material in railway and subway cars. It provides simultaneous encapsulation and killing of biological contaminants with the added capability for decontamination of chemical and radiological hazards. Current technologies are manpower intensive involving separate steps for site preparation; decontamination; wash-down; and recovery for waste disposal. The TIAX technology combines tasks and reduces the manpewer necessary to complete the remediation. In additiorr, it requires a: smaller logistical response; the remediation process provides protection against worker exposure and environmental cross-contarriination; and reduces hazardous waste disposal volumes versus typical liquid wash-down. TIAX's past research shows essentially complete removal of hazards with a demonstrated 7-log kill of Bacillus atrophaeus and 99.99% removal/recovery for methyl salicylate (at 4g/m2). The technology may be used in response to hazardous material releases in buildings and transportation systems, including trains, buses and aircraft. The technology is transferable to mold remediation with a reported 2003 market of $1.3B. End users include: hazardous materials removal companies for largescale hazmat and mold remediation responses; and home owners on smaller clean-up projects. TIAX has received interest from manufacturers in adding this technology to their existing product lines.