VHP is registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a '' sterilant '' , which the EPA defines as " a substance that destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life in the inanimate environment , including all forms of vegetative bacteria , bacterial spores , fungi , fungal spores , and viruses " . As a sterilant , VHP is one of the chemicals approved for decontamination of anthrax spores from contaminated buildings , such as occurred during the 2001 anthrax attacks in the U.S . It has also been shown to be effective in removing exotic animal viruses , such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease from equipment and surfaces
2001 anthrax attacks
2001 anthrax attacks
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide