Dry Decontamination Research Articles

Evaluation of emergency skin decontamination protocols in response to an acid attack (vitreolage)

The incidence of “acid attacks” (vitreolage) is a global concern, with those affected often receiving lifelong medical care due to physical and psychological damage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of several emergency skin decontamination approaches against concentrated (>99 %) sulphuric acid and to identify the effective window of opportunity for decontamination. The effects of four decontamination methods (dry, wet, combined dry & wet and cotton cloth) were assessed using an in vitro diffusion cell system containing dermatomed porcine skin. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) was applied to the skin with decontamination protocols performed at 10 s, 30 s, 8 min, and 30 min post exposure. Skin damage was quantified by tritiated water (3H2O) penetration, receptor fluid pH and photometric stereo imaging (PSI), with quantification of residual sulphur (by SEM-EDS) to determine overall decontamination efficiency. Skin translucency (quantified by PSI) demonstrated a time-dependent loss of dermal tissue integrity from 10 s. Quantification of dermal sulphur content confirmed the rapid (exponential) decrease in decontamination efficiency with time. The pH of the water effluent indicated complete neutralisation of acid from the skin surface after 90 s of irrigation. Wet decontamination (either alone or immediately following dry decontamination) was the most effective intervention evaluated, although no decontamination technique was statistically effective after 30 s exposure to the acid. These data demonstrate the time-critical consequences of dermal exposure to concentrated sulphuric acid: we find no practical window of opportunity for acid decontamination, as physical damage is virtually instantaneous.

Immediate dry decontamination using efficient absorbent materials is beneficial following skin exposure to low-volatile toxic chemicals.

In a chemical mass casualty incident requiring skin decontamination, dry removal using absorbent materials may be beneficial to enable immediate decontamination. The efficacy of absorbent materials has therefore been evaluated, alone or procedures including both dry and wet decontamination, following skin exposure to two low volatile toxic chemicals using an in vitro human skin penetration model. Additionally, removal using active carbon wipes was evaluated with or without the Dahlgren Decon solution. All dry decontamination procedures resulted in a significantly decreased skin penetration rate of the industrial chemical 2-butoxyethanol compared to the control without decontamination. Wet decontamination following dry absorption significantly improved the efficacy compared to dry removal alone. Dry decontamination post-exposure to the chemical warfare nerve agent VX showed no decontamination efficacy. However, dry and wet decontamination resulted in a decreased agent skin penetration rate during the last hour of the experiment. At -15°C, significantly reduced VX skin penetration rates were demonstrated for both dry decontamination alone and the dry and wet decontamination procedure. The Dahlgren Decon solution significantly reduced the amount of VX penetrating the skin, but the active carbon wipe alone did not impact the skin penetration rate. In conclusion, absorbent materials are beneficial for the removal of low-volatile chemicals from the skin, but the degree of efficacy varies between chemicals. Despite the variability, immediate dry decontamination using available absorbent materials prior to wet decontamination is recommended as a general procedure for skin decontamination. The procedure should also be prioritized in cold-weather conditions to prevent patient hypothermia.

Studies of the Dry Decontamination of Building Structures Fouled with Radioactive Materials

Studies of the Dry Decontamination of Building Structures Fouled with Radioactive Materials

CBRN THREATS TO UKRAINE DURING THE RUSSIAN AGGRESSION: MITIGATING GAMMA RADIATION HAZARDS-INNOVATIVE COUNTERMEASURES AND DECONTAMINATION STRATEGIES IN THE CONTEXT OF POTENTIAL DESTRUCTION OF THE ZAPORIZHZHIANUCLEAR POWER PLANT

This paper investigates potential countermeasures to mitigate the disastrous effects of gammaradiation exposure in the event of a possible destruction of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant,Ukraine’s largest nuclear facility, due to escalating conflicts. The potential destruction could resultin an unparalleled release of gamma radiation, posing significant threats to human health andthe environment. By examining the radiological dangers of gamma radiation, past case studiesof radiation exposure, current countermeasures, as well as the limitations and challenges of thesestrategies, we may provide a comprehensive overview of the multidimensional nature of thispotential crisis. The paper also explores innovative approaches in decontamination under resourceconstraints, focusing on dry decontamination, the use of alternative fluids, and the effectivemanagement of decontamination effluents.

Effectiveness of Ultra-High Irradiance Blue Light-Emitting Diodes in Inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Dry Stainless Steel and Cast-Iron Surfaces.

The use of blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is emerging as a promising dry decontamination method. In the present study, LEDs emitting ultra-high irradiance (UHI) density at 405 nm (842 mW/cm2) and 460 nm (615 mW/cm2) were used to deliver high-intensity photoinactivation treatments ranging from 221 to 1107 J/cm2. The efficacy of these treatments to inactivate E. coli O157:H7 dry cells was evaluated on clean and soiled stainless steel and cast-iron surfaces. On clean metal surfaces, the 405 and 460 nm LED treatment with a 221 J/cm2 dose resulted in E. coli reductions ranging from 2.0 to 4.1 log CFU/cm2. Increasing the treatment energy dose to 665 J/cm2 caused further significant reductions (>8 log CFU/cm2) in the E. coli population. LED treatments triggered a significant production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in E. coli cells, as well as a significant temperature increase on metal surfaces. In the presence of organic matter, intracellular ROS generation in E. coli cells dropped significantly, and treatments with higher energy doses (>700 J/cm2) were required to uphold antimicrobial effectiveness. The mechanism of the bactericidal effect of UHI blue LED treatments is likely to be a combination of photothermal and photochemical effects. This study showed that LEDs emitting monochromatic blue light at UHI levels may serve as a viable and time-effective method for surface decontamination in dry food processing environments.

A review of the efficacy of easily accessible dry decontaminants for human chemical contamination.

Soap and water are often considered the gold standard for dermal decontamination. However, recent systematic reviews have shown that these methods often result in incomplete decontamination and may even induce contaminant absorption due to the "wash-in" effect. Therefore, it is important to gain insight on other decontamination methods. A literature search was done using PubMed to find experimental studies relating to dry decontamination performed with readily available items. Seven studies met eligibility criteria, and the study model, dry decontaminant, method of dry decontamination, method of analyzing decontamination, and main conclusions from each study were extracted, summarized, and compared. Important conclusions include that all studies investigated found that dry decontamination yielded decreases in contamination. In addition, it was shown by multiple studies that not only the decontaminant, but the manner in which it is used (method used [blotting, rubbing, etc.], amount used, and whether decontamination instructions are provided to exposed individuals) is vital to success. Finally, in all four studies that investigated wet and dry decontamination combination protocols, combinations were more efficacious than dry decontamination alone. However, this means that dry improvised decontamination can be performed while waiting for the deployment and arrival of further formal decontaminants. These conclusions deserve consideration in the event that universal decontamination guidelines are designed. However, more studies are required in order to draw definitive conclusions regarding the important topic of dermal decontamination.

Вплив герметизації контуру нового безпечного конфайнмента на поверхневе забруднення зовнішніх поверхонь покрівель об’єкта «Укриття» та оцінка можливості їхньої дезактивації

After the sealing of the enclosing perimeter of the New Safe Confinement — Shelter object (NSC-SO) complex (at the end of 2017), unorganized emissions of radioactive aerosols from the Shelter object were dispersed in the environment. Currently, in the closed volume under the NSC arch, a significant amount of dust is settling and accumulating, which is characterized by a high content of radionuclides. In particular, these processes are manifested on the roofs of the Shelter object, where the mass of dust has already reached 15 g/m2 . At the same time, since the sealing of the containment circuit of the NSC-SO complex, the density of total surface contamination by the sum of alpha- and beta-active nuclides has increased by 9.3 times, and the non-fixed form of surface contamination has increased by 5.7 times. According to our data, the formation of dust is the result of the deposition of a construction dust mixture, as evidenced by its significant content of calcium — up to 72% and heavy metals — up to 28% by mass, as well as radioactive aerosols of unorganized emissions from the SO. Currently, the activity of dust on the surface of the roof structures of the Shelter object is up to 580 kBq/kg of α-active, as well as up to 19,300 kBq/kg of beta- and gamma-active nuclides, which allows it to be classified as medium-active radioactive waste. It was established that the use of a vacuum cleaner (dust suction power ≥13 kPa) for the dry decontamination of the surfaces of the metal structures of the SO roofs allows removing from 79 to 98% of the activity of nonfixed surface pollution, which can provide a significant improvement in the radiation situation during the dismantling work of unstable constructions of the SO. At the same time, it is advisable to use autonomous models of vacuum cleaners for decontamination of places where metal structures are cut. For decontamination of arge surface areas of structural fragments that will be transported to the storage site, models of vacuum cleaners with high production capacity are needed to perform this operation as quickly as possible, which will ensure a reduction in the dose of exposure to the working personnel.

Development and testing of a tool for the decontamination of corners and inner edges on concrete surfaces

Abstract. For the decontamination of flat concrete surfaces, a wide variety of tools are available; however, these tools cannot be used for the decontamination of corners, inner edges, gaps and other geometrical discontinuities. Currently, these areas are worked by hand-held tools with a connected vacuum exhaust system to reduce dust emissions. The combination of using heavy hand-operated tools with exhaust systems on difficult to access areas as well as the forces and vibration of the tools, make the task of decontamination a burden and add additional physical stress for the operator. The goal of the research project called EKont, funded by the German Ministry for Education and Research, BMBF), is, to develop an innovative semi-automated demonstrator for dry mechanical decontamination of corners, edges and geometrical discontinuities in nuclear facilities. The tool will have a flexible housing with an integrated exhaust system to reduce the dust load. This specialized tool should make the decontamination of corners and inner edges more effective regarding time and the generation of secondary waste and should further spare the musculoskeletal system of the operator physical stress by lowering the vibrations and weight of the tool. For this task, a test bench for testing and evaluating different methods of surface decontamination has been set up. The test bench enables the measurement of forces and vibrations of the machine during the decontamination and the dust emissions. Based on the analysis of different decontamination methods and tools, four prototypes are being developed. This project also aims at the scientific investigation of experimentally collected performance parameters, such as feed rate, removal depth per operation, surface roughness and removal rate, in order to determine the relevant parameters of the developed prototypes. A field test of the prototypes together with decommissioning companies is scheduled. The prototype is not limited to use in nuclear facilities but later can also be used in conventional fields, for example in the decontamination of materials containing PCBs and asbestos. In this presentation the EKont test bench and prototypes will be explained and the test results will be presented.

Using environmental sampling to evaluate the effectiveness of decontamination methods to reduce detection of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus RNA on feed manufacturing surfaces.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a possible biological hazard in feed mills. If the virus enters a feed mill, it becomes widely distributed and is difficult to decontaminate from both feed contact and non-feed contact surfaces. The objective of this study was to evaluate a variety of liquid and dry decontamination treatments that could be used to reduce the amount of PEDV found on feed manufacturing surfaces. This experiment was designed as a 5 × 10 factorial with five different feed manufacturing surfaces and 10 decontamination treatments with three replicates of each combination. Surfaces included stainless steel, solid polyethylene, woven polypropylene tote bag, rubber, and sealed concrete coupons. One mL (1×105 TCID50/mL) of stock PEDV was applied to each surface and allowed to dry completely for 60 min. Next, for decontamination requiring surface application, the application was performed and allowed 15 min contact time. The quantity of PEDV RNA was determined using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. A decontamination treatment × surface interaction was observed (P < 0.0001), indicating the efficacy of treatment is dependent upon the surface in which it is applied. Within the cement surfaces, the sodium hypochlorite resulted in the greatest (P < 0.05) cycle threshold (Ct) value, followed by formaldehyde which had a greater (P < 0.05) Ct value compared to remaining treatments. Within polyethylene, rubber, and stainless steel surfaces, the formaldehyde treated surfaces had the greatest Ct values (P < 0.05), followed by the sodium hypochlorite treatment, with other treatments all having lower Ct values (P < 0.05). For the woven polyethylene surfaces, the formaldehyde and sodium hypochlorite treatments had greater Ct values compared to all other treatments (P < 0.05). Additional research is necessary to identify the role of decontamination treatment on PEDV infectivity and develop methods for decontamination of feed manufacturing facilities.

Assessment of the annual dose of the occupational workers involved in dry decontamination of NORM contaminated equipment in Egyptian oil and gas industry

Assessment of the annual dose of the occupational workers involved in dry decontamination of NORM contaminated equipment in Egyptian oil and gas industry

A controlled cross-over study to evaluate the efficacy of improvised dry and wet emergency decontamination protocols for chemical incidents.

The UK Initial Operational Response (IOR) to chemical incidents includes improvised decontamination procedures, which use readily available materials to rapidly reduce risk to potentially exposed persons. A controlled, cross-over human volunteer study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of improvised dry and wet decontamination procedures on skin, both alone, and in sequence. A simulant contaminant, methyl salicylate (MeS) in vegetable oil with a fluorophore was applied to three locations (shoulder, leg, arm). Participants then received no decontamination (control) or attempted to remove the simulant using one of three improvised protocols (dry decontamination; wet decontamination; combined dry and wet decontamination). Simulant remaining on the skin following decontamination was quantified using both Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MSMS) for analysis of MeS and UV imaging to detect fluorophores. Additionally, urine samples were collected for 24 hours following application for analysis of MeS. Significantly less simulant was recovered from skin following each improvised decontamination protocol, compared to the no decontamination control. Further, combined dry and wet decontamination resulted in lower recovery of simulant when compared to either dry or wet decontamination alone. Irrespective of decontamination protocol, significantly more simulant remained on the shoulders compared to either the arms or legs, suggesting that improvised decontamination procedures are less effective for difficult to reach areas of the body. There was no effect of decontamination on excreted MeS in urine over 24 hours. Overall, findings indicate that improvised decontamination is an effective means of rapidly removing contaminants from skin, and combinations of improvised approaches can increase effectiveness in the early stages of decontamination and in the absence of specialist resources at an incident scene. However, the variable control and consistency of improvised decontamination techniques means that further intervention is likely to be needed, particularly for less accessible areas of the body.

Development of a prototype dry decontamination method for particulate contamination: The DryCon system.

This article describes the development of a prototype dry decontamination system (DryCon) for use in the event of a contamination incident involving a particulate contaminant. Disrobing and showering is currently recommended almost exclusively in mass decontamination, although it may not be feasible when water is scarce, in cold weather environments, or when there may be compliance issues with the requirement to disrobe, ie, unwillingness to disrobe. During disrobing, dust particles could also re-aerosolize, leading to inhalation of contaminants. The DryCon prototype uses air jets for dry decontamination. The system is portable and can run on building-supplied 220-V power or generator power. Multiple contaminated persons can be treated rapidly, one after the other, using this system. We tested DryCon in a controlled environment, using a manikin and three different types of fabric squares to investigate its effectiveness, with a decontamination time of 60 seconds. At the higher airflow tested, ie, 90 percent of full blower speed or approximately 540 cfm (15 m3/minute), mean decontamination efficiencies of 56.8 percent, 70.3 percent, and 80.7 percent were measured for firefighter (FF) turnout fabric, cotton denim, and polyester double knit fabric, respectively. Removal of this easily re-aerosolized fraction of the contaminants helps protect contaminated people, as well as healthcare providers they come in contact with, from the potential risk of further inhalation exposures from the re-aerosolization caused by doffing clothing. The results demonstrate the promise of the DryCon system for use where water is not available, as a first step prior to wet decontamination, or in an industrial setting for post-work-shift decontamination. Further lab and field research will be necessary to prove the effectiveness of this technique in real-world applications and to determine if respiratory protection or other personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed during use of the DryCon system.

Impact of Repeated Exposure and Cleaning on Protective Properties of Structural Firefighting Turnout Gear

The US fire service has become acutely aware of the need to clean PPE after fires. However, there is concern that damage from repeated cleaning may impact critical protection from fireground risk. Using a protocol that included repeated simulated fireground exposures (between 0 cycles and 40 cycles) and/or repeated cleaning with techniques common in the fire service, we found that several important protective properties of NFPA 1971 compliant turnout gear are significantly changed. Outer shell and thermal liner tear strength showed a statistically significant reduction when laundered as compared to wet or dry decontamination. Larger changes in outer shell tear strength resulted when the coat closure incorporated hook & dee clasps as compared with garments using zippered closures. Total Heat Loss was reduced for all samples that underwent any form of cleaning while Thermal Protective Performance was only increased in the gear that was laundered. These results suggest that some important protective properties of bunker gear can be decreased after repeated exposure/cleaning cycles relative to their levels when tested in a new condition. For the specific materials tested, outer shell trap tear strength in the fill direction and seam strength dropped below NFPA 1971 requirements after 40 laundering cycles. The findings for this study may have utility for setting preconditions for the measurement of certain performance properties in future editions of NFPA 1971.

Fundamental Study on Particle Behavior and Decontamination Characteristics in Dry Decontamination Device

Fundamental Study on Particle Behavior and Decontamination Characteristics in Dry Decontamination Device

ESTIMATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE DRY METHOD OF DECONTAMINATION OF SURFACE CONTAMINATION OF ALPHA-EMITTING-RADIONUCLIDES

The article describes the evaluation of the efficiency of using the technology of dry method of decontamination of α-radionuclides from working surfaces of premises for different materials, equipment and building structures. Materials and methods. Instruments for measuring of ambient dose equivalent rate (ADER) with a lower limit of 0.03 μSv/h. Specific activity of α-radionuclides in the samples was determined by radiometric, radiochemical and spectrometric methods using standard methods in the accredited laboratory. The measurements in situ were also carried out using the ISOCS «CANBERRA» mobile gamma-ray spectrometry system with high purity germanium detector and a collimator. Technological equipment included industrial vacuum cleaner with nozzles; high-pressure device; packing sets for RAW collection; HEPA filters; personal protective equipment. Results. Maps of spatial distribution of surface α-contamination in the building was constructed. We performed cluster analysis of data for zoning of contaminated surfaces. The decontamination factor for porous (brick, concrete), smooth (wood, brown tiles, laminate) and sticky (bitumen, mastic) surfaces was determined. Conclusion. The cluster analysis made it possible to identify 4 levels of surface α- and β- contamination, particles/cm2 ∙ min: zone I - for α- above 50, for β- above 10,000; zone II - for α- 5-50, for β- 2,000-10,000; zone III - for α- no more than 5, for β- 2000; zone IV - corresponds to the background values of the workspace surfaces. The dry decontamination method revealed a high content of fine dust aerosol fraction deposited in the lungs. To increase the efficiency of dust suppression, water aerosol with droplet size of 100 - 400 microns and quartz sand with particle size of 100-200 microns were sprayed at the rate of 200-400 g per 1 m2. The decontamination coefficient depends on the coating material and the level of surface contamination: concrete - 91 to 97.8%; brick - 85-86%, wood - 38.8-53%; brownstone tiles - up to 29%; mastic - 22-28%; bitumen - 15.9-20%. To protect the personnel, radiation-hygienic rationing of PM10 and PM2,5 content is necessary.

Efficacy of Different Hair and Skin Decontamination Strategies with Identification of Associated Hazards to First Responders

Background: Established procedures for mass casualty decontamination involve the deployment of equipment for showering with water (such as the ladder pipe system [LPS] and technical decontamination [TD]). This necessarily introduces a short, but critical delay. The incorporation of dry decontamination to the incident response process offers the potential to establish a more rapid and timely intervention. Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of various dry (DD) and wet decontamination strategies for removing a chemical warfare simulant (methyl salicylate; MS) from the hair and skin of human volunteers. Methods: The simulant was applied to volunteers via whole body exposure to an aerosol. Three decontamination protocols (dry, LPS and technical decontamination) were applied, singly and in various combinations. The efficacy of the protocols was evaluated by fluorescent photography and analysis of residual MS from skin/hair swabs, decontamination materials and air samples. Results: Dry decontamination was effective, with the greatest reduction in skin and hair contamination arising from the "Triple Protocol" (DD+LPS+TD). Secondary hazards associated with contaminated individuals and equipment decreased as the number of decontamination procedures increased. In particular, dry decontamination reduced the potential contact and inhalation hazard arising from used washcloths, towels and vapor within the TD units. Discussion: The introduction of dry decontamination prior to wet forms of decontamination offers a simple strategy to initiate treatment at a much earlier opportunity, with a corresponding improvement in clinical outcomes and substantial reduction of secondary hazards associated with operational processes.

Decontamination and Management of Contaminated Hair following a CBRN or HazMat Incident.

This in vitro study evaluated the “triple protocol” of dry decontamination, the ladder pipe system (a method for gross decontamination), and technical decontamination for the decontamination of hair following chemical contamination. First, we assessed the efficacy of the 3 protocols, alone or in combination, on excised porcine skin and human hair contaminated with either methyl salicylate (MS), phorate (PHR), sodium fluoroacetate (SFA), or potassium cyanide (KCN). A second experiment investigated the residual hair contamination following decontamination with the triple protocol at different intervals postexposure. In a third experiment, hair decontaminated after exposure to MS or PHR was evaluated for off-gassing. Though skin decontamination was highly effective, a substantial proportion (20%–40%) of the lipophilic compounds (MS and PHR) remained within the hair. The more water-soluble contaminants (SFA and KCN) tended to form much smaller reservoirs within the hair. Interestingly, substantial off-gassing of MS, a medium volatility chemical, was detectable from triple-decontaminated hair up to 5 days postexposure. Overall, the decontamination strategies investigated were effective for the decontamination of skin, but less so for hair. These findings highlight the importance of contaminated hair serving as a source of potential secondary contamination by contact or inhalation. Therefore, consideration should be given to the removal of contaminated hair following exposure to toxic chemicals.

Evaluation of US Federal Guidelines (Primary Response Incident Scene Management [PRISM]) for Mass Decontamination of Casualties During the Initial Operational Response to a Chemical Incident

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and operational effectiveness of US federal government guidance (Primary Response Incident Scene Management [PRISM]) for the initial response phase to chemical incidents. The study was performed as a large-scale exercise (Operation DOWNPOUR). Volunteers were dosed with a chemical warfare agent simulant to quantify the efficacy of different iterations of dry, ladder pipe system, or technical decontamination. The most effective process was a triple combination of dry, ladder pipe system, and technical decontamination, which attained an average decontamination efficiency of approximately 100% on exposed hair and skin sites. Both wet decontamination processes (ladder pipe system and technical decontamination, alone or in combination with dry decontamination) were also effective (decontamination efficiency >96%). In compliant individuals, dry decontamination was effective (decontamination efficiency approximately 99%), but noncompliance (tentatively attributed to suboptimal communication) resulted in significantly reduced efficacy (decontamination efficiency approximately 70%). At-risk volunteers (because of chronic illness, disability, or language barrier) were 3 to 8 times slower than ambulatory casualties in undergoing dry and ladder pipe system decontamination, a consequence of which may be a reduction in the overall rate at which casualties can be processed. The PRISM incident response protocols are fit for purpose for ambulatory casualties. However, a more effective communication strategy is required for first responders (particularly when guiding dry decontamination). There is a clear need to develop more appropriate decontamination procedures for at-risk casualties.

Optimization of Nonambulant Mass Casualty Decontamination Protocols as Part of an Initial or Specialist Operational Response to Chemical Incidents

Objective: The UK's Initial Operational Response (IOR) is a new process for improving the survival of multiple casualties following a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incident. Whilst the introduction of IOR represents a patient-focused response for ambulant casualties, there is currently no provision for disrobe and dry decontamination of nonambulant casualties. Moreover, the current specialist operational response (SOR) protocol for nonambulant casualty decontamination (also referred to as “clinical decontamination”) has not been subject to rigorous evaluation or development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to confirm the effectiveness of putatively optimized dry (IOR) and wet (SOR) protocols for nonambulant decontamination in human volunteers. Methods: Dry and wet decontamination protocols were objectively evaluated using human volunteers. Decontamination effectiveness was quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the recovery of a chemical warfare agent simulant (methylsalicylate) from skin and hair of volunteers, with whole-body fluorescence imaging to quantify the skin distribution of residual simulant. Results: Both the dry and wet decontamination processes were rapid (3 and 4 min, respectively) and were effective in removing simulant from the hair and skin of volunteers, with no observable adverse effects related to skin surface spreading of contaminant. Conclusions: Further studies are required to assess the combined effectiveness of dry and wet decontamination under more realistic conditions and to develop appropriate operational procedures that ensure the safety of first responders.

Public perceptions of emergency decontamination: Effects of intervention type and responder management strategy during a focus group study.

In the event of an incident involving the release of a hazardous chemical, first responders may decide to initiate emergency decontamination in order to remove any contaminant from affected casualties. Recent initiatives such as the UK Home Office-led Initial Operational Response Programme have introduced new evidence-based decontamination protocols that reduce the time taken to initiate the decontamination process, including an increased emphasis on rapidly removing contaminated clothing (disrobe), and the use of improvised dry decontamination methods. The current study used a series of focus groups to examine public perceptions of different decontamination interventions and responder management strategies. Results revealed that a decontamination shower was perceived to be more effective than dry decontamination methods and that a management strategy that included effective responder communication resulted in increased willingness to comply with the need for decontamination. This study demonstrates that public understanding and acceptance of novel decontamination methods such as dry decontamination may present additional challenges for first responders. Increased emphasis on effective communication during decontamination is needed. Furthermore, provision of information during the focus group study resulted in an increase in participants’ knowledge and confidence in taking recommended decontamination actions, which was maintained three months after the study. The longitudinal nature of these effects suggest that it may be possible to increase public awareness about actions to take during chemical incidents by developing pre-incident public education; however, further research is needed to examine this more fully.