HTH for Chem/Bio Decontamination
HDIAC SUCCESS STORY
Customer
U.S. Air Force Headquarters: Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection (AF/A4)
Challenge
Historically, Air Force installations have used a five percent active High Test Hypochlorite (HTH) solution to decontaminate defense materiel and personnel. However, due to increasing product costs and storage considerations, AF/A4 leadership has requested HDIAC’s assistance in determining the lowest appropriate level of HTH for use in decontamination of AF personnel, personal equipment, and weapons.
Approach
HDIAC researched, reviewed, and analyzed the AF/A4 requirements as well as technical approaches for HTH decontamination. HDIAC studied the efficacy and correct procedures for decontaminating both biological and chemical agents. HDIAC found that AF/A4 typically stores HTH in large quantities in order to equip Contamination Control Areas (CCAs) with enough HTH for the preparation of effective decontamination solutions. Building on the analysis of available data, HDIAC determined that a two percent HTH solution is the lowest effective concentration against biological agents and mustard agent on a ship hull. However, decontaminating chemical agents requires the continued use of the five percent active HTH solution.
Value
HDIAC’s research findings provided AF/A4 leadership with actionable information concerning HTH decontamination solution efficacy and bulk storage options. Based on the HDIAC analysis, AF/A4 will be able to update its decontamination procedures to ensure the safety of both personnel and equipment. At the same time, AF/A4 will be able to significantly reduce the cost and storage space required for HTH. HDIAC's finding also has the wide ranging potential to change the way the entire DoD as well as other Federal Agencies use HTH solution for biological agent decontamination.
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