Analysis of removal and decomposition pathways of Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) for aircraft decontamination operation

In response to possible terrorist attacks and epidemic/pandemic diseases, there is a need for efficient infection control and sanitization of airliners. Use of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is a promising method to achieve the goal. However, the impact of disposed VHP on atmospheric environment after decontamination operation needs to be fully understood to avoid any detrimental consequence caused by airliner decontamination. This paper analyzed the removal and decomposition pathways of VHP in the atmosphere, including physical and chemical pathways. Absorption by water droplets in atmosphere and photolytic decay mechanisms have been investigated. The results show that the uptake to water droplets in the air appears to be a major pathway for the removal of VHP.