Hydrogen peroxide vapour is an effective replacement for Formaldehyde in a BSL4 Foot and mouth disease vaccine manufacturing facility.

An evaluation of the efficacy of 35% hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) against two strains of FMDV was conducted over a period of 6 months. FMDV biological indicators were produced on-site using strains obtained from a commercial FMDV vaccine manufacturing process. FMDV biological indicators were distributed within a BSL4 laboratory and exposed to short duration hydrogen peroxide cycles. Variations in titre, support matrix (soiling), temperature and humidity were evaluated in a series of 16 exposures using over 200 individual FMDV indicators. Additional verification testing was performed in an operational material transfer lock to replicate real-world use. HPV was found to be efficacious in inactivating FMDV strains; the inoculum titre influenced the level of reduction achieved with the specified cycle. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The classification of formaldehyde as a presumed human carcinogen has presented regulatory challenges for its continued use as a biocidal product. Institutions are actively seeking fumigants to replace formaldehyde and undertaking studies to validate biocidal efficacy, particularly in high-level biosafety facilities where the consequences of pathogen release can be extremely severe. This study builds on the already substantial scientific efficacy base of 35% hydrogen peroxide vapour and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the applicability of hydrogen peroxide vapour as a replacement for formaldehyde within a Foot & Mouth Disease (FMDV) vaccine manufacturing facility.