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April, 26 2021

A History Of Pandemic Response

SteraMist by TOMI Environmental Solutions has a robust and proven track record in combating some of the most dangerous biological threats the world has faced, from weaponized attacks to widespread pandemics. This extensive history is rooted in its innovative ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP) technology, which offers a superior solution for disinfection and decontamination. Let’s delve deeper into how SteraMist has consistently risen to the challenge in critical moments.

A Legacy Born from Crisis: Fighting Anthrax with iHP Technology

The origins of SteraMist’s groundbreaking iHP technology are deeply embedded in national security. Following the devastating anthrax attacks of 2001, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) sought a revolutionary solution to neutralize such formidable biological agents. This urgent need led to the development of SteraMist, making it the first and only disinfection system to utilize ionized Hydrogen Peroxide.

This innovative approach transformed the landscape of decontamination. Prior to SteraMist, effectively combating highly resistant spores like anthrax often involved cumbersome, time-consuming, and sometimes damaging methods. The iHP technology offered a rapid, broad-spectrum, and material-compatible solution, a critical advancement for protecting both people and infrastructure. What began as a vital tool for military and government agencies to combat dangerous pathogens was subsequently commercialized, making this powerful disinfection and decontamination capability available to a wider public, including healthcare, commercial, and institutional sectors.

Rapid Response on the Front Lines: Combating Ebola in Africa

When the devastating Ebola outbreak gripped West Africa, a swift and effective disinfection solution was paramount to containing its spread and protecting healthcare workers. Recognizing the unparalleled efficacy and speed of SteraMist, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) selected it for deployment to the affected regions.

One of the significant challenges in fighting Ebola was the immense volume of personal protective equipment (PPE) that required rapid and thorough disinfection to prevent cross-contamination. Traditional disinfection methods, often involving chlorine bleach, were not only corrosive to equipment but also time-consuming, hindering the rapid turnaround of essential PPE. SteraMist provided a crucial alternative, treating vital PPE in less than 8 minutes. This accelerated process not only enhanced safety but also significantly improved operational efficiency within the strained healthcare systems, allowing medical professionals to continue their life-saving work with greater confidence.

Global Readiness: Addressing MERS-CoV in Healthcare Settings

The emergence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) presented another formidable challenge to global public health. When cases appeared in Zarqa, Jordan, and subsequently in Saudi Arabian hospitals, the need for rapid and comprehensive disinfection of healthcare environments became critically apparent. SteraMist was quickly deployed to a Saudi Arabian hospital to address this threat.

Upon setup, SteraMist demonstrated its exceptional speed and efficacy, successfully disinfecting all surfaces within a remarkable 10 minutes. This included not only readily accessible areas like walls and handles but also intricate and sensitive equipment, such as rails and patient monitors. The ability of SteraMist to reach complex geometries and treat sensitive electronics without causing damage was a key advantage in a demanding hospital environment. Furthermore, in a testament to its versatility and effectiveness, SteraMist successfully decontaminated CT scanners that had been used to treat a MERS-positive patient at Seoul National University Hospital, reinforcing its crucial role in containing the spread of highly contagious respiratory viruses within critical medical facilities.

SteraMist vs. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

The most recent and widespread global health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus, underscored the enduring need for advanced disinfection technologies. As positive cases surged worldwide, SteraMist by TOMI once again stepped up to the challenge, becoming an indispensable tool in the global fight against the virus.

Throughout the pandemic, SteraMist has been rapidly deployed to a diverse array of environments where preventing viral transmission is critical. This includes high-stakes government facilities, cutting-edge laboratories conducting vital research, bustling universities striving to maintain safe learning environments, and commercial establishments like restaurants working to protect their patrons and staff. SteraMist’s ability to provide a fast, effective, and environmentally responsible solution for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces has made it a cornerstone of infection prevention protocols. To this day, TOMI continues to support efforts to mitigate the spread of respiratory pathogens, demonstrating SteraMist’s enduring relevance and effectiveness in safeguarding public health against evolving biological threats.

DISEASE X

In the face of the hypothetical global challenge posed by Disease X, SteraMist’s iHP technology stands ready as a crucial line of defense. Its proven efficacy against a wide spectrum of pathogens, combined with its rapid deployment capabilities and ability to decontaminate sensitive environments, positions it as an essential tool for containing and mitigating the spread of novel infectious agents. As the world prepares for future health crises, the adaptable and powerful disinfection offered by SteraMist provides a vital layer of protection for healthcare facilities, public spaces, and critical infrastructure.