Decontamination of buildings and their contents requires the inactivation or removal of biological agents. Decontamination of an entire building presents complex problems because some components or contents of a building could be resistant to treatment with specific chemical decontaminants whereas others might be especially susceptible to treatment. The design and construction of a building also can influence the efficacy of the effort. If the contaminant is a particulate substance and the decontamination method does not contact all contaminated surfaces, the potential for subsequent release of untreated contaminants will remain even after the building reopens. Any chemical decontaminant must penetrate and permeate every part of the contaminated area.

Unlike Chlorine Dioxide which requires high humidity, vapor phase hydrogen peroxide requires relatively low humidity prior to initiation of fumigation activities. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an oxidizing agent recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a microbial Pesticide or decontamination agent.  It is typically provided as concentrated solutions of 30% for industrial applications; dilute solutions (3-10%) are commonly used in medical practices as cleansers for minor cuts. Hydrogen peroxide’s hydroxyl radical is the intermediate product in the reduction of oxygen in water. The hydroxyl radical is said to be the strongest oxidant known. It is by this mechanism that hydrogen peroxide is believed to kill bacteria. The hydroxyl radical attacks membrane lipids, DNA, and other essential cell components. Hydrogen peroxide used as a decontamination agent is commonly known as Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP).

VHP, a low temperature sterilant, is created by a machine known as a generator and is often used as a antimicrobial pesticide for decontaminating sealed rooms or sealed enclosures like scientific workstations, isolators, pass-through rooms, medical and diagnostic devices and other biological safety applications. Recent approvals permit its use to decontaminate aircraft.