Immediate Biodecon System

Surfaces of military vehicles and equipment that are contaminated with biological warfare (BW) or chemical warfare (CW) agents must be rapidly decontaminated to maintain operational tempo. Previous work has shown that an electro¬chemically generated liquid decon solution is effective against the classical CW agents. The focus of this project is to establish the efficacy of the decon solution against biological hazards, including bacterial spores. In Phase I, tests showed that the electro¬chemical decon solution achieved complete kill (> 6-log kill) on spores of Bacillus atrophaeus in less than 5 minutes after application. We also established that the solution is effective on surfaces relevant to military equipment, including stainless steel, CARC-painted aluminum, glass, and styrene butadiene rubber. The focus of the Phase II project is to test the efficacy of the system under more stringent environmental conditions, as well as to conduct tests with live BW agents. The data acquired will support approval of the electrochemical decon system by the EPA as a sporicide under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The proposed work will lead to an approved system that is effective against both BW and CW agents, and thus offers the maximum benefit to the warfighter.