Chemical indicator and method of use

A peracetic acid decontamination chemical indicator comprising:

• a substrate;
• and
• an indicator composition disposed thereon,
• wherein the indicator composition comprises a colorant that reacts to change color when exposed to a peracetic acid solution but does not change color when exposed to a hydrogen peroxide solution, an acidified hydrogen peroxide solution, or an acetic acid solution, wherein the colorant includes a moiety selected from the group consisting of an azido, a benzothiazole, a benzoxazole, an indole, a pyrazole, a pyridine, a stilbene, a styrene, a sugar, and combinations thereof, and wherein the indicator composition does not include a transition metal salt or a halogen source;
• wherein the substrate is a selected from the group consisting of a nylon membrane, a silica particle, a polyethylene terephthalate film, and combinations thereof;
• wherein the nylon membrane is selected from the group consisting of an uncharged nylon membrane, a positively charged nylon membrane, a negatively charged nylon membrane, and combinations thereof;
• wherein the silica particle is selected from the group consisting of a positively charged silica particle, a negatively charged silica particle, and combinations thereof;
• with the proviso that when the substrate comprises the polyethylene terephthalate film, the indicator composition further comprises a binder.