Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-06/10

Title and Subtitle: Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP^®) Decontamination of a Section of a Boeing 747 Cabin

Report Date: April 2006

Authors: Shaffstall RM, Garner RP, Bishop J, Cameron-Landis L, Eddington DL, Hau G, Spera S, Mielnik T, Thomas JA

Abstract: The use of STERIS Corporation's Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP^®)* technology as a potential biocide for aircraft decontamination was demonstrated in a cabin section of the Aircraft Environment Research Facility (an FAA-owned Boeing 747).

When exposed to an appropriate concentration of VHP vapor in the cabin test section, biological indicators inoculated with 10⁶ colony forming units of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores demonstrated a total suppression of culture growth. Efficacy was demonstrated with and without seats in the test section of the aircraft. The importance of adequate air mixing was also demonstrated.

*VHP is a registered trademark of the STERIS Corportation.

Key Words: Aircraft Decontamination, Decontaminants, Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide, VHP Vapor, Aircraft Cabin Airflow

No. of Pages: 14