Importance

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Abstract

A system is disclosed in which a surface exposed to, suspected of being exposed to, or in imminent danger of being exposed to a biological warfare agent is treated with an effective amount of a quaternary ammonium compound to inactivate the biological warfare agent. The quaternary ammonium compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of an alkylpyridinium salt, a tetra-alkyl ammonium salt, and an alkylalicyclic ammonium salt. The quaternary ammonium salt is more preferably an alkylpyridinium salt and is most preferably cetylpyridinium chloride ('CPC'). The compound is preferably present in solution in a weight percent that is substantially within a range of from approximately 0.5% to approximately 5.0% and is more preferably present in solution in a weight percent of approximately 1%. The compound may be applied as a mist, spray, or fog. Air or other gases that have been exposed to or that are suspected of being exposed to a biological warfare agent may also be treated by passing the air or gas through a filter impregnated with an effective amount of a quaternary ammonium compound to inactivate the biological warfare agent.

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First Claim