Method for neutralizing biological organisms

1. A method of decontaminating an area having biological organisms, the method comprising:

delivering a decontamination device to the area, the decontamination device having an igniter, a first element made from paraformaldehyde, and a second element;

thermally energizing the second element with the igniter;

forming an exothermic reaction in the second element in response to being thermally energized by the igniter;

transforming the paraformaldehyde into gaseous formaldehyde with the exothermic reaction; and

neutralizing the biological organisms with the gaseous formaldehyde.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the exothermic reaction of the second element is a self-sustaining alloying reaction.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the exothermic reaction propagates from a first end of the second element to a second end of the second element.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the propagation of the exothermic reaction occurs at a rate sufficient to convert the first element from a solid to a gas.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the second element is generally cylindrical and is disposed about the first element.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the decontamination device further includes a pyrotechnic delay element and a pyrotechnic charge between the igniter and the second element.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising delivering the decontamination device via an aerial vehicle selected from a group consisting of a mortar shell, an artillery shell, a rocket propelled grenade, a missile and an unmanned aerial vehicle.