Analysis of Expedient Field Decontamination Methods for the XMX/2L-MIL High-Volume Aerosol Sampler

The XMX/2L-MIL is a high volume air sampler used by the Air Force Bioenvironmental Engineering community to collect biological aerosols. Without a verified decontamination technique, however, the XMX cannot be used effectively. The objective of this study is to evaluate several proposed methods for expedient field decontamination of the XMX. This study centers on the inactivation of Bacillus atrophaeus spores and vegetative Erwinia herbicola organisms from the XMX inner canister. The goals this investigation sought to achieve were twofold: 1) to verify the antimicrobial efficacy of a 10% bleach solution and 2) to determine if wiping the components with a bleach-soaked paper towel or submerging the components directly in the bleach solution represents the optimal decontamination procedure. Data was gathered at the Dycor Technologies facility located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.