Chemical/biological contamination of a deep base presents a significant, possibly systems negating, non-nuclear threat. Microwave induced ionization of chemical warfare agents will enable the use of non-toxic decontaminating agents. Microwave ionization is related to IR spectrophotometry, a technology widely used in industry. If microwaves are proven to cause the transition of electrons in organophosphorous compounds, chemical warfare agents can be ionized to increase the affinities of these compounds for mild decontaminants compatible with state of the art electronics. Ionized chemical warfare agents will react rapidly and completely. Large volumes of contaminated air entering a deep base through the ventilating system can be purified with microwaves and mild decontaminants. Purified air can be used to pressurize interior manned spaces in order to continuously flush out contaminants seeping into the base through minute openings. New decontaminants and the timeliness of their development, however, are uncertain. Microwave ionization will improve respirable air decontamination processes at minimal cost with little risk of implementation.
