Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E35 on Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents, this test method was withdrawn in January 2022 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

5.1 This test method provides defined procedures for creating fluidized spore aerosols with particular emphasis on particle size distribution and spore preparation.

5.2 The efficacy of disinfection technologies can be evaluated on finished items, as well as those under development.

5.3 This test method defines procedures for the validation of the aerosol generator, preparation of the test specimen, application of the aerosolized spores, enumeration of viable spores, assessing data quality, and determining effectiveness of SSAMs.

5.4 Safety concerns associated with aerosolizing microbial agents are not addressed as part of this test method. Individual users should consult their safety authority, and a detailed biological aerosol safety plan and risk assessment must be established prior to using this method. Users are strongly urged to consult Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories.⁷

1.1 This test method is designed to uniformly apply fluidized spores to surfaces as an aerosol under defined conditions.

1.2 This test method is specific to B. anthracis Delta (Δ)Sterne (BAΔS), but could be adapted for work with other types of Bacillus species.

1.3 This test method is suitable for working with any type of environmental surface.

1.4 This test method should be performed only by those trained in aerobiology, microbiology, or a combination thereof.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.