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Antimicrobial Pesticide Product Registered for Anthrax Spore Decontamination
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National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) 1-800-858-7378
Current as of May 28, 2009
"Peridox with Electrostatic Decontamination System” (Peridox) is the first registered, or licensed antimicrobial pesticide product to inactivate anthrax spores on dry, precleaned, hard, non-porous surfaces. It can be used by specially trained individuals to decontaminate buildings, structures, vehicles, ships, aircraft, personal protective equipment, and other articles/items infected with anthrax spores.
Stringent Review
EPA reviewed extensive data provided by the manufacturer, Clean Earth Technologies, of St. Louis, Missouri, to ensure that the product, which has the active ingredients hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acid, is effective and does not cause unreasonable adverse effects when used as directed.EPA also reviewed the labeling of Peridox and associated training materials to ensure that they are consistent with EPA’s Pesticide Registration Notices 2008-2, which specifies the terms and conditions of registration that would apply to anthrax products.
Setting Guidelines
The PR Notice was issued to provide guidance to prospective applicants of antimicrobial products that make labeling claims to “inactivate Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores.” This guidance should help the United States be better prepared to respond to incidents involving anthrax spores by assuring that EPA-registered anthrax-related products bear appropriate labeling and that they are effective when used as directed.In addition, this guidance will help protect public health from the potential risks of anthrax spores by employing terms and conditions of registration that limit the use of anthrax-related products. Peridox will only be sold to or used by Federal On-Scene Coordinators, the U.S. Military, and persons trained and certified to be competent by the registrant.
While Peridox is the first pesticide registered to inactivate anthrax spores, EPA previously issued crisis exemptions to allow use of unregistered antimicrobial chemicals for cleaning up buildings and their contents contaminated with anthrax spores.
Anthrax is a severe disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. It affects both humans and animals. If untreated, it can cause acute illness or death.
Related Information
For more information about anthrax, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.