User:Sdenviogeo/Decontamination foam

Decontamination foam (known commonly as decon foam) is a spray-on cleaning solution used on surfaces that have been contaminated with biological or chemical agents.

It is intended to be used in areas where large numbers of people have possibly been contaminated, such as conventions, airports and concerts. It has also been applied as a preventative measure at presidential debates.

Effectiveness
Decontamination foams can have varying levels of effectiveness depending on the decon foam, the type of contaminating agent, and the surface that is being decontaminated. Many decontaminants show effectiveness against chemical agents on nonporous and non-permeable surfaces, such as glass and stainless steel, since the contaminant remains on the exterior of the surface and is easily accessible to the decontaminant. However, more porous and permeable surfaces can absorb the contaminant, making it more difficult to decontaminate; decontaminating agents can still leave residual chemical contaminants on these surfaces.

The composition of the decontamination foam is another factor that can influence their efficacy. Solvent-based decontaminants work well on permeable polymers and are made to avoid corrosion, but can possibly alter polymer or plastic surfaces permanently. On the other hand, aqueous-based decontaminants are better with polar surfaces like concrete, but have the potential to corrode surfaces.

For decontamination foam to be successful, it is important to stabilize the foam as this will increase its efficiency. Modifying the surface of silica nanoparticles to a certain level has been found to increase stability of the foam.

Uses
Decontamination foam developed by Sandia National Laboratories was used to decontaminate mailrooms during the 2001 anthrax attacks. The surfaces in the mailrooms were coated with two to three inches of foam and left for an hour before being vacuumed up. The foam was able to kill much of the anthrax without destroying the office equipment or furniture. This foam has been found to make all kinda of chemical and biological agents harmless. In more recent years, it has been used to decontaminate illegal meth labs.

Sandia's formula has been developed for use in mold remediation, disinfection of hospitals and schools, pesticide removal, and military applications. As part of a project to develop a plan for cleaning up subway systems in the case of the release of a biological warfare agent, Sandia created a new version of their decon foam that sticks to the walls of the subway for longer, making it more effective.