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The U.S. Army ensures the primary responsibility to protect the warfighter from exposure to pathogenic microbes such as Bacillus anthracis, Listeria monocytogenes, or Escherichia coli. They can contaminate foods and food preparation surfaces. Accordingly, Army researchers have invented a method for on-site generation of chlorine dioxide liquid disinfectant or gas sterilant to protect the warfighter.

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) inactivates resistant bacterial spores and foodborne pathogens with better material compatibility than other chemical sanitizers. Also minimizing hazards to the user and the environment. This antimicrobial is produced in the field by combining small quantities of two dry powders in water. They produce aqueous chlorine dioxide on-site at any concentration desired within minutes. Concentrations can range from 1-10 ppm, 25-100 ppm, to more than 500 ppm, depending on the application. Chlorine dioxide is a powerful antimicrobial that destroys bacteria, viruses. And some types of parasites and thus ensures range of uses. ClO2 is used in very low doses worldwide to render drinking water safer from harmful organisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

At higher concentrations, it is applicable in many industrial and manufacturing uses. Furthermore, it ensures food safety in washing poultry and fruits and vegetables. It is also applicable in commercial and medical application. They includes gas to sterilize medical equipment, hard surfaces, venting, rooms, and tools. It is not a cure or treatment for medical ailments.

And although there are many methods of generating ClO2. This Army method gives advantage of not requiring electrical power such as for specific field applications or for locations without regular power. The EPA first registered ClO2 as a disinfectant and sanitizer in 1967, and as a gas sterilant in 1988. It is regulates itself under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Frontiers in Microbiology: Fighting Ebola with novel spore decontamination technologies for the military. Disinfectant sprayer for foods and environmentally friendly sanitation.