Soap Evaluated for Efficacy and Safety in Decontaminating Toxic Materials
With the goal of decontaminating toxic materials like TICs and TIMs, MRIGlobal researched development and testing of a soap that is safe for skin and surfaces called Dahlgren Decon Skin Soap (DDSS). Established as a broad-spectrum, low-volume decontaminant that shows good reactivity and efficacy against a broad array of Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents, Dahlgren Decon is overpowering for many common hazardous materials. Our work examined a reformulated and diluted version of the Dahlgren Decon chemistry known as Dahlgren Decon Skip Soap (DDSS), with a formulation that may provide a decontamination solution for use on a variety of common hazardous threat materials and on surfaces that includes human skin.
Hazardous materials of concern were chosen for testing by a stakeholder committee of military, federal, state and local agency representatives. These included ten Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs), each representing broader classes of hazardous materials. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 was also included.
We evaluated DDSS against each of these TICs, showing activity against six of the 10 target chemicals at a 1:10 ratio, and activity against all targets at 1:50 ratio, reducing seven of ten by 95 percent or greater in 50 minutes or less. Our work also demonstrated 99.99 percent efficacy on SARS-CoV-2 virus on a stainless-steel surface with a one-minute contact time.
As a next step, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, tested DDSS against B. anthracis spores. Results showed DDSS yielded complete spore inactivation of ≥7 log10 of B. anthracis spores from all test coupons treated with DDSS at room temperature for a five-minute contact time.
The DDSS formula showed promise as an effective decontaminant that is non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-corrosive, and environmentally friendly. Additional Phase 2 studies are ongoing to further examine its efficacy against emerging biological threats, toxicity, and skin efficacy.
GETTING STARTED AT MRIGLOBAL
Contact MRIGlobal to further understand our work in defense against chemical and biological threats. We work with our clients to test and evaluate current methods to detect, prevent, decontaminate, protect, and destroy these materials.
If you are part of an agency, business, or academic institution seeking assistance with a project, use our Project Quote Tool to get started.
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
Sign up for the MRIGlobal newsletter! It’s the best way to get the latest updates in the world of applied scientific engineering research delivered directly to your inbox.