MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

SUBJECT: Hospital Ventilation System Decontamination

1.  In response to a request from the office of Senator Sam Nunn, CPT Daniel Caldwell and CPT David Smart, US Army Environmental Hygiene Agency, met with Mr. Larry Foster, president and owner of Air Duct Decontamination, at Senator Nunn’s office on 14 June 1985.

2.  Mr. Foster discussed the services his company provides to hospitals and other facilities. He has developed various techniques for cleaning and disinfecting ventilation duct work. Depending on the type of duct, mechanical scouring, vacuuming, disinfectant fogging, manual wipe down or a combination of methods may be used. Work is planned to minimize disruption of normal operations but does require closing certain areas entirely.

3.  Central to Mr. Foster’s presentation was his experience at Martin US Army Hospital, Fort Benning, GA. He listed additional references in his literature including Fort McPherson, GA and briefly mentioned working with Hospital Corporation of America and Humana Corporation. According to him, all clients have been greatly pleased.

4.  Mr. Foster believes strongly that tight building syndrome can be alleviated by a thorough cleaning of the ductwork. He presented a scientific review of his work at Fort Benning which details the reduction in microbial population achieved by his processes. Conclusions about the effects such cleaning can have on employee health are presented.

5.  As an additional selling point, Mr. Foster stated that tremendous gains in ventilation efficiency, and therefore energy conservation, result following his services. Statistics for Fort Benning included a 25% increase in ventilation efficiency after removal of 4000 pounds of particulates from ductwork.

6.  Mr. Foster’s presentation was professional and informative. He stated he understood that the meeting in no way obligated the government to purchase his services. He was however, interested in pursuing contract work for the Army. Cost was not discussed.

7.  It is the opinion of the AMEDD representatives that there is potential for application of this service within Army hospitals. Verification of references would be necessary prior to referring anyone to him.