Uploaded February 2017 | Updated September 2026, 9 hours ago
A training video from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the use of Sodium Hypochlorite, or common household bleach, as an effective sporicidal disinfectant against Bacillus anthracis, or anthrax. Research has shown that when modified, a bleach solution is effective in achieving up to a six- to seven-log reduction in anthrax spores when applied to hard, non-porous surfaces that stay wetted with the solution for up to 60 minutes. Historically, chlorine-based decontamination systems have been effectively employed against chemical and biological agents. The use of hypochlorite solutions (aqueous and non-aqueous) or solid/slurry hypochlorites has been wide spread for military applications. Hypochlorite is a standard decontaminant in military applications, excluding shipboard use. This general purpose decontaminant has been used on personnel, equipment, clothing, building surfaces, and soil. It is relatively easy to obtain and inexpensive. While an effective decontaminant, it is corrosive, can form toxic by-products, and has irritant properties that are undesirable. The military typically uses HTH (high test hypochlorite) and STB (super topical bleach), along with household bleach solutions, for agent spills and personnel decontamination. In addition, EPA evaluated data on one hydrogen peroxide and four hydrogen peroxide/peracetic acid mixtures. Based on efficacy at contact times ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, EPA issued a crisis exemption for the use of these products on building surfaces. Because of the wide experience in its application and its commercial availability, this technology was further evaluated in this report. For much more, read the March 2005 EPA report, Compiliation of Available Data on Building Decontamination Alternatives at cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_file_download.cfm?p_download_id=514244 . This video is one of 129 created by the wonderful Environmental Response Television (ERTV) which provides video support to U.S. EPA's Environmental Response Team (ERT). ERTV responds to request for the ERT to provide broadcast-quality documentary video programs on alternative hazardous waste treatment technologies, unique hazardous waste sites, site investigations, and other ERT activities.
A training video from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the use of Sodium Hypochlorite, or common household bleach, as an effective sporicidal disinfectant against Bacillus anthracis, or anthrax. Research has shown that when modified, a bleach solution is effective in achieving up to a six- to seven-log reduction in anthrax spores when applied to hard, non-porous surfaces that stay wetted with the solution for up to 60 minutes. Historically, chlorine-based decontamination systems have been effectively employed against chemical and biological agents. The use of hypochlorite solutions (aqueous and non-aqueous) or solid/slurry hypochlorites has been wide spread for military applications. Hypochlorite is a standard decontaminant in military applications, excluding shipboard use. This general purpose decontaminant has been used on personnel, equipment, clothing, building surfaces, and soil. It is relatively easy to obtain and inexpensive. While an effective decontaminant, it is corrosive, can form toxic by-products, and has irritant properties that are undesirable. The military typically uses HTH (high test hypochlorite) and STB (super topical bleach), along with household bleach solutions, for agent spills and personnel decontamination. In addition, EPA evaluated data on one hydrogen peroxide and four hydrogen peroxide/peracetic acid mixtures. Based on efficacy at contact times ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, EPA issued a crisis exemption for the use of these products on building surfaces. Because of the wide experience in its application and its commercial availability, this technology was further evaluated in this report. For much more, read the March 2005 EPA report, Compiliation of Available Data on Building Decontamination Alternatives at cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_file_download.cfm?p_download_id=514244 . This video is one of 129 created by the wonderful Environmental Response Television (ERTV) which provides video support to U.S. EPA's Environmental Response Team (ERT). ERTV responds to request for the ERT to provide broadcast-quality documentary video programs on alternative hazardous waste treatment technologies, unique hazardous waste sites, site investigations, and other ERT activities.
