Integrated real-time gas analysis solution for chemical decontamination industry - Chemical & Pharmaceuticals

The key issues addressed by government agencies going back into the early 90’s and continuing until today are efficacy, materials compatibility, and practicality of the decontamination process. A number of studies resulting in publications have shown that the Steris Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Decontamination (VHA DECON) process is effective and practical in (1) decontaminating simulants of CBWA in airline cabins, (2) in decontaminating hospital environments where antibiotic-resistant bacteria were detected and killed, and (3) in the real case in Washington, DC buildings where anthrax was detected and decontaminated. In 2008 the EPA issued a report showing the by-products (water and oxygen) of the Steris Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination process are compatible with Wood, Wallboard, Ceiling Tile, Steel, Carpet, Concrete Cinder Block, and circuit breakers, common materials found in residential and commercial buildings. Other studies have shown that one of the most effective means to monitor the effectiveness of VHP DECON is the use of FTIR Spectroscopy to measure the H2O2 concentrations in real time in different locations within a contaminated enclosure to ensure that the levels of H2O2 are maintained at high enough concentration for long enough to render the hazardous agents harmless. Since 2009, the CIC Photonics, Inc. IRGAS DECON systems have been used successfully in providing additional evidence that FTIR Monitoring of H2O2 during AHP DECON is efficacious, is compatible in that materials in the environments where AHP DECON is applied are not adversely affected, and is practical both in being complete within a reasonable amount of time, and being applicable in environments where the contaminant can be contained.