A method and apparatus for purifying air to deactivate toxic chemical and
biological species such as Sarin, mustard gas, phosgene, cyanogen
chloride, Anthrax spores, E. coli bacteria, Salmonella bacteria, Hepatitis
virus, and Norwalk virus. The apparatus comprises a reaction chamber
coupled to a counterflow heat exchanger. Incoming contaminated air is
directed through a heating side of a counterflow heat exchanger to preheat
it. The air is further heated to a temperature of at least 200.degree. C.,
which is sufficient to deactivate common biological toxic species.
Optionally, the reaction chamber may include a catalyst on a surface area
over which the heated air is directed, which enables a thermocatalytic
reaction that is particularly effective in deactivating biological and
chemical warfare agents, such as anthrax and Sarin. Portable embodiments
of the invention are useful in both military and civilian air purifying
applications, while fixed installation of the apparatus are useful in
deactivating toxic species from the air in areas where food is prepared or
stored, or in purifying air in the environment of a living space.