10% Bleach used in the lab [was EPA Fact Sheet on Bleach (was Re: Coatings and remediator instructio

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, Bleach solution (10%, freshly prepared) is used in the lab to wipe the bench surface (non-porous, non-reactive to bleach) to kill bacteria including bacterial endospores (including anthrax spores). It is effective ONLY when used properly. The surface has to be relatively clean without excessive dust or other material. For all BSL 3 (anthrax spores in powder form) and some BSL 2 microorganisms, the material used to wipe the surface is autoclaved afterward. Please always refer and follow the appropriate guidelines for the microorganisms that is being handled in the lab. In the field, it's a total different situation. The surface to be treated is not like a lab bench surface at all. It could be porous. It might absorb some bleach solution and even react to it (making it less effective). Wei Tang QLab slack.henry@... wrote: -Sorry, but I don't have a clue how to answer your question.I never saw that Web site till yesterday, and never read through it.You can look yourself, athttp://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/bleachfactsheet.htmHenryHenry Slack, P.E.U.S. EPA Region 4Indoor Air ProgramFor more assistance, try

EPA's Web site, www.epa.gov/iaqor call EPA's Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse. Experts are available 9-5 M-F>Question......I understand how a mild bleach solution can be used tokill>the vegetative stage of anthrax bacterium. This said, does the EPAbelieve>that a typical 10% bleach solution will inactivate the spore? And willthat>same bleach solution denature the anthrax spore¹s toxin? Or....does the>concentration of bleach (sodium hypochlorite) have to be increased tobe>effective? Just curious.>> Wei Tang, Ph.D. Lab Director QLab5 DriveCherry Hill, NJ 08003www.QLabUSA.com