Screening of Chemicals for New Vapor-Phase Biological Decontaminating Agents

摘要

The results of prior screening of 553 chemical compounds to appraise their potentials as vapor-phase biological decontaminating agents for materials and enclosed spaces were reviewed. Of the 553 compounds 105 were found to give a 99% or better kill of Bacillus subtilis var. niger (BG) spores in 24 hours or less; 21 of the 105 were considered to be worthy of further investigation. A new screening program was begun using the prior test procedure, which consisted of exposing BG spore-contaminated patches to the chemical vapors under controlled conditions. Eighteen compounds chosen from the former program and 40 new ones were examined. Those of most promise as decontaminants were given a limited number of tests for corrosiveness against common materials. The following are discussed as potential vapor-phase decontaminants: allylic and propargylic compounds, inorganic acids, organic acids and anhydrides, acyl halides and alkyl haloesters, polyfunctional aldehydes, NO2 and other inorganic gases, alkylidene diacetates, hexafluoropropene, trichloroacetonitrile, and various synergistic mixtures. (Author)