FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-10/5

Title and Subtitle: Evaluation of the Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Common Aircraft Electrical Materials

Report Date: March 2010

Authors: Loo SM, Kiepert J, Klein D, Pook M, Chou SF, Overfelt T, Watson J

Abstract: Aircraft can be contaminated with unwanted chemical or biological elements. For years, hydrogen peroxide has been used to disinfect equipment in the medical community. The diluted vapor form of hydrogen peroxide is being considered for use as a decontaminant/disinfectant/sanitizer of transportation vehicles aircraft, buses, subway trains, ambulances, etc.

Previous work showed that STERIS Corporation's Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) technology could be used successfully in complex transportation vehicles. However, the compatibility of the process with typical aircraft avionics has not been established.

This report documents a preliminary evaluation of the effects of hydrogen peroxide exposure on avionics (i.e., avionics wires, active circuit boards, and dummy circuit boards).

Key Words: Aircraft Avionics, Printed Circuit Board, VHP, High Voltage

No. of Pages: 18