Evaluating Dry Air-Driven, Ambulatory Patient Personal Decontamination of Polystyrene Latex Spheres as a Biological Agent Surrogate in Extreme Cold Environments to Reduce Airborne Risks Using a Manikin
Presented During: Poster Session 2 - Student
Tue, 6/2: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
1645
1645
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center
Description
This research investigated air-driven decontamination strategies aimed at reducing biological contamination and limiting the reaerosolization of particles during clothing removal, specifically in support of ambulatory care in arctic or subzero environments. A life-sized manikin representing a fully mobile Airman was outfitted in standard-issue extreme cold weather gear (parka and pants) and contaminated with 1 μm polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres to simulate anthrax spore exposure. The manikin was then subjected to one of three dry decontamination methods: high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuuming, a mobile air shower by HalenHardy (MASHH), or no treatment (control).
After contamination, the uniform was removed, and Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) inhalable air samplers were positioned at two heights in front of the manikin to capture airborne particles and estimate potential inhalation exposure risks to patients and first responders during the disrobing process. The PSL spheres produced a measurable ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence signal, which allowed airborne particle concentrations to be quantified using UV fluorescence microscopy, employing both manual counting and computer-assisted image analysis. Each decontamination method was tested in ten independent trials, for a total of 30 experiments. Statistical analyses using one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05), followed by Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) and the non-parametric Steel–Dwass test, indicated significant differences (p < 0.0001) between the methods and control groups.
On average, HEPA vacuuming reduced airborne PSL concentrations by 98.5%, whereas the mobile air shower achieved a slightly higher reduction of 99.5%. The mobile air shower also exhibited lower variability and a rapid, one-minute cycle time compared to the vacuum procedure, making it highly effective and practical for extreme cold environments. These findings highlight the potential for mobile air shower systems for enhanced personal decontamination that reduce risks to responders and patients during resource-constrained and unique mission operations.
After contamination, the uniform was removed, and Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) inhalable air samplers were positioned at two heights in front of the manikin to capture airborne particles and estimate potential inhalation exposure risks to patients and first responders during the disrobing process. The PSL spheres produced a measurable ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence signal, which allowed airborne particle concentrations to be quantified using UV fluorescence microscopy, employing both manual counting and computer-assisted image analysis. Each decontamination method was tested in ten independent trials, for a total of 30 experiments. Statistical analyses using one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05), followed by Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) and the non-parametric Steel–Dwass test, indicated significant differences (p < 0.0001) between the methods and control groups.
On average, HEPA vacuuming reduced airborne PSL concentrations by 98.5%, whereas the mobile air shower achieved a slightly higher reduction of 99.5%. The mobile air shower also exhibited lower variability and a rapid, one-minute cycle time compared to the vacuum procedure, making it highly effective and practical for extreme cold environments. These findings highlight the potential for mobile air shower systems for enhanced personal decontamination that reduce risks to responders and patients during resource-constrained and unique mission operations.
Co-Authors
J. Slagley, AFIT, WPAFB, OH, USA,
D. Lewis, AFIT, WPAFB, OH, USA,
J. Skipper, AFIT, WPAFB, OH, USA,
D. Lewis, AFIT, WPAFB, OH, USA,
J. Skipper, AFIT, WPAFB, OH, USA,
Acknowledgements & References
711 Human Performance Wing: This work was completed through the support of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s 711th Human Performance Wing Force Health Protection Branch under project # AFIT 2024-116R2.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this poster are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or the United States Government. This material is declared a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the Unites States.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this poster are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or the United States Government. This material is declared a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the Unites States.
Keywords
Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring
Emergency preparedness and response
Respiratory protection
Risk assessment and management
Ventilation