This study evaluated the inactivation of Bacillus anthracis Ames, Vollum, and Sterne
spores on various materials (glass, Hypalon® rubber glove, and stainless steel) using
vaporous hydrogen peroxide fumigation of a ∼15 m3 aerosol research and
component assessment (ARCA) chamber. Suspensions of each spore type (∼1 × 108
CFU) were dried on coupons made from each type of test surface and exposed to vaporous
hydrogen peroxide fumigation for a decontamination time of 5.5 hours. For these three
materials, the log reductions ranged from 7.7 to 7.9, 8.2 to 8.5, and 7.6 to 7.8 for B.
anthracis Ames, Vollum, or Sterne spores, respectively. The effectiveness of vaporous
hydrogen peroxide fumigation on the growth of Geobacillus stearothermophilus biological
indicators (BI) was evaluated in parallel as a qualitative assessment of decontamination.
At 1 and 7 days post-exposure, all decontaminated BI exhibited no growth. This study
provides information for using vaporous hydrogen peroxide fumigation as an approach for
the surface decontamination of B. anthracis spores within a large-scale chamber.
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