Review of the MDF-LSA 100 Spray Decontamination System.
Scientific Publication
- Report Number:
- DSTO-GD-0662
- Authors:
- Sferopoulos, R.
- Issue Date:
- 2011-12
- AR Number:
- AR-015-184
- Classification:
- Unclassified
- Report Type:
- General Document
- Division:
- Human Protection and Performance Division (HPPD)
- Release Authority:
- Chief, Human Protection and Performance Division
- Task Sponsor:
- IRR
- Task Number:
- 07/079
- File Number:
- 2011/125862
- Pages:
- 6
- References:
- 4
- Terms:
- Decontamination
- URI:
- http://hdl.handle.net/1947/10170
Abstract
This report was prepared to provide a general overview of the history and performance of the Modec Decontamination Foam (MDF)-LSA 100 Spray Decontamination System as well as information regarding the decontamination systems which have since superseded it.
Executive Summary
DSTO were given a sample of the Modec Decontamination Foam (MDF)-LSA 100 Spray Decontamination System and two Force 1 Decon™ products (surfactant and sodium hypochlorite) to evaluate and determine their effectiveness against chemical warfare agents (CWAs). However a laboratory-based evaluation was not undertaken due to the age of the MDF-LSA 100 sample and therefore the sample’s integrity. As a result this report was prepared to provide a general overview of the history of the MDF-LSA 100 Spray Decontamination System as well as information regarding the decontamination systems which have since superseded it. This report also aims to provide brief information on the two Force 1 Decon™ products.; MDF-LSA 100, also referred to as DF-100 (Decontamination Foam -100), was the original decontamination formulation developed by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) during the late 1990s, to provide the armed forces with a single decontaminant that would work effectively against all potential chemical and biological threats. However after testing, it became apparent that the original formulation was less than ideal as it required the pH to be adjusted for optimal decontamination of each specific chemical and biological agent and the formulation was found to degrade sulfur mustard at a relatively slow rate. In late 2000, an enhanced version of the DF-100 was developed, called DF-200 or MDF-LSA 200, which took into account the aforementioned problems.; The MDF-LSA 200 formulation was confirmed by SNL as effective on G agents, VX, sulfur mustard and anthrax simulants, however the EPA found that the formulation was ineffective against anthrax. As yet there have been no independent evaluations on the effectiveness of this new formulation to decontaminate CWAs. Furthermore an MDF 300 concentrate is currently under development.; The two Force 1 Decon™ products, provided to DSTO as refills for the MDF-LSA 100, were found not to be refills, rather they form part of a number of decontamination kits sold by Force 1 Decon™. These products were not evaluated.