title: A systematic methodology for selecting decontamination strategies following a biocontamination event.
abstract: Decontamination and recovery of a facility or outdoor area after a wide-area biological incident involving a highly persistent agent (eg, Bacillus anthracis spores) is a complex process that requires extensive information and significant resources, which are likely to be limited, particularly if multiple facilities or areas are affected. This article proposes a systematic methodology for evaluating information to select the decontamination or alternative treatments that optimize use of resources if decontamination is required for the facility or area. The methodology covers a wide range of approaches, including volumetric and surface decontamination, monitored natural attenuation, and seal and abandon strategies. A proposed trade-off analysis can help decision makers understand the relative appropriateness, efficacy, and labor, skill, and cost requirements of the various decontamination methods for the particular facility or area needing treatment--whether alone or as part of a larger decontamination effort. Because the state of decontamination knowledge and technology continues to evolve rapidly, the methodology presented here is designed to accommodate new strategies and materials and changing information.
authors.affiliation: Chemical & Biological Systems, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94551-0969, USA. pkraute@sandia.gov
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Krauter
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tucker
mesh_terms: D000881:Anthrax / Q000517:prevention & control; D001408:Bacillus anthracis; D055885:Biohazard Release / Q000517:prevention & control*; D023482:Bioterrorism / Q000517:prevention & control; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014504:Urban Health