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14 - Decontamination

from PART II - OPERATIONAL ISSUES

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 August 2011

By
Howard W. Levitin  and
Christopher A. Kahn
Edited by
Kristi L. Koenig  and
Carl H. Schultz
Kristi L. Koenig
Affiliation:
University of California, Irvine
Carl H. Schultz
Affiliation:
University of California, Irvine
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Summary

DEFINITION OF DECONTAMINATION

Decontamination is the reduction or removal of contaminating material by a dilutional, chemical, and/or mechanical process. It should be performed whenever there is likelihood of contamination or risk of secondary exposure.

In general, decontamination is accomplished by removing the victim's clothing followed by copiously rinsing the patient with tepid water. Gently scrubbing the skin with soap and a soft brush removes any remaining fat-soluble chemicals and solid materials. Eliminating contaminants from a victim's skin and clothing is important for two reasons. It reduces the risk for further absorption or inhalation and the subsequent toxicity caused by the offending agent. In addition, decontamination helps to prevent others from becoming secondarily exposed or contaminated.

The degree of decontamination performed depends on the situation. In general, removing and bagging the victim's clothing eliminates 60%–90% of the contaminants (depending on the extent of clothing worn at the time of exposure) and minimizes the risk of spreading the toxic agent to others. This initial step in the decontamination process should always be performed regardless of the agent or setting. Depending on the availability of resources, the victim's symptomatology, and the availability of resources, additional decontamination measures may be necessary.

In this chapter, discussion will be limited to the decontamination of humans after exposure to a hazardous substance. Issues related to regulatory standards, personal protective equipment (PPE), and training are addressed elsewhere.

Keywords

decontaminationemergency decontamination operationemergency responsehealth workersmedical workersenvironmental protectionhazardous substance
Type
Chapter
Information
Koenig and Schultz's Disaster Medicine
Comprehensive Principles and Practices
 , pp. 195 - 202
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2009

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