What Are the Two Primary Methods of Decontamination?

The primary forms of decontamination are physical decontamination and chemical decontamination. The military uses these methods of decontamination in response to chemical warfare attacks, such as the use of mustard gas.

Decontamination

• The decontamination process is designed to remove contaminants from people or equipment within a controlled hazard and decontamination zone. Within the hazard area, the aim is to contain the contaminant and avoid having the hazard spread to other areas.

Physical

• Physical decontamination can involve flushing or flooding the contaminated skin or equipment with water or aqueous solutions, which can remove or dilute the effects of a contaminating agent. Other types of physical decontamination techniques include using absorbent materials to preserve the decontaminant's surface. One form of absorption is charcoal particles, which can absorb dangerous gases.

Chemical

• The Federation of American Scientists reports that the three types of chemical decontamination are soap and water, oxidation and acid/base hydrolysis. A soap and water solution can remove a chemical agent by using mechanical force or slow hydrolysis; either freshwater or seawater can be combined with soap to allow decontamination to take place. Oxidation uses chlorine to decontaminate the pH level of the material, which must be determined to calculate the amount of chlorine to be used. The hydrolysis method can involve both acid and alkaline, with the use of acid hydrolysis negligible because of the slow hydrolysis rate of acid.

Use

• When using chemical decontamination or detoxification, you must remove contaminants from the individual or equipment in the first few minutes of contamination, the Federation of American Scientists reports. Decontaminants must be readily available for rapid use and for the safety of the decontaminants and those applying them. Decontamination plans must include protective clothing and the location and layout of a decontamination area.