Decontamination Costs Buildings contaminated in a biological attack would likely require some level of decontamination, the cost of which would depend on the type and extent of contamination and the method(s) required to decontaminate the building and certify it for re-occupancy.52 While the actual costs for decontamination in any given event would be situationally dependent, the experience following the 2001 anthrax attack through the Unites States Postal System are instructive. In October 2001, Bacillus anthracis spores were sent through the U.S. mail to news media companies and to U.S. Congressional offices, resulting in 22 cases of anthrax (11 inhalational and 11 cutaneous) and 5 deaths.53 Numerous sites were contaminated with B. anthracis spores as a result of direct contact with the spore laden letters or as a result of secondary or cross contamination.52,53 Where contamination was limited, surface treatments with liquid agents (e.g., bleach) were sufficient. In sites where contamination was significant, fumigation was required. Buildings that required fumigation were closed for months or years, and the costs of fumigation efforts ranged from $464 thousand to $200 million.52 For more information, see: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC):
| ||||||