The present invention provides a porous paper product impregnated with at least one chemical species. The porous paper product can be in the form of sheets, or compressed pellets. The porous paper can be prepared from a variety of sources, including wood pulp, kenaf, flax, or hemp. The chemical species impregnating the paper react and/or diffuse out of the paper to accomplish a variety of desired results. For example, diffusion of a volatile biocidal chemical out of pores in the paper create a no-growth zone on and immediately surrounding the impregnated paper. In this manner the impregnated paper can provide a sterile environment for activities such as food packaging/storage, the treatment of illness/injury, or waste disposal.