1. Dry decontamination methods
     Scraping    Absorbent materials    Dec'Pol    FiberTect    RSDL    Fuller's earth    Adsorbent materials    Vacuuming    Pressurized air  

2. Dry decon vs. wet decon
     Advantages of dry decontamination    Time Effectiveness    Cold weather decontamination    Logistical Issues  

3. Mass casualty decontamination

4. References

Dry decontamination methods

1. Scraping
2. Absorbent Materials
3. Adsorbent Materials
4. Vacuuming
5. Pressurized Air

Scraping

Scraping is a process of decontamination in which the bulk contaminant is removed from the victim or environment using a spatula, wood tongue depressor, or other handheld implement. Scraping works best with viscous liquids and solids.

Absorbent materials

Dec'Pol

The DECPOL Emergency Decontamination mitt is a polyvalent device which incorporates superabsorbent material with active agents for the destruction of chemical and biological contamination. The mitt was developed ans is produced in Lyon (France) by Ouvry SAS.^[8] Dec'Pol is available in cases of 20 mitts ^[9]

FiberTect

FiberTect is a multi-layer nonwoven composite fabric that absorbs and adsorbs chemical, biological, and radiological contaminants. It is made of two layers of polyester with an inner layer of fibrous activated carbon.^[6] The three layers are needled-punched to form a single fabric that allows the material to be structurally sound while creating void spaces for better absorption and adsorption.^[5] FiberTect is available in wipes or mitts, which remove up to 90% of contaminants.^[10]

RSDL

RSDL (or Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion) consists of an absorbent sponge applicator and a lotion that neutralizes toxic agents. RSDL removes or neutralizes chemical warfare agents, T-2 toxins, and pesticides.

Fuller's earth

Fuller's earth is any clay material that has the ability to absorb oil, grease, etc. without chemical treatment. It is also used for filtering, clarifying, decoloring, and as a filler in paint. It is used by the military and first responders to decontaminate contaminated clothing and equipment.

Adsorbent materials

Adsorbent materials adhere to and encapsulate contaminants on various surfaces. Adsorbent materials do not increase in volume when a contaminant is absorbed.^[5]

Vacuuming

Vacuuming physically removes solid materials from victims and the contaminated environment. Vacuuming should only be done when the victim and all people in the vicinity are wearing respiratory protection and the usefulness of vacuuming can be limited by the availability of supplies, equipment, and electricity.

Pressurized air

Pressurized air uses low-pressure air streams to remove solid, dry contaminants from equipment and the environment. Like with vacuuming, the use of pressurized air should be limited to conditions when all people in the contaminated area are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). The use of pressurized air is often not recommended because there are many hazards associated with the method, including respiratory and skin damage.^[5]

Dry decon vs. wet decon

Advantages of dry decontamination

Time Effectiveness

The deployment of a dry decontamination system allows the victim to assist in his/her own decontamination. In addition, dry decon operations are expedited by allowing for the quick removal of contaminants from the victim's skin, which reduces the amount of time a victim is in contact with the contamination (which therefore reduces the potential harm caused).

Cold weather decontamination

Because hypothermia when conducting decontamination in temperatures below 36 °F, dry decontamination can be an effective solution that prevents more casualties as a result of hypothermia.^[2] Other sources recommend wet decontamination be avoided in external temperatures of below 65 °F to avoid adverse effects of cold shock.^[5]

Logistical Issues

Wet decontamination lines require not only a water source, but occasionally electricity for deployment. As a rule, dry decontamination is faster both in deployment and clean-up as it does not require an immediate water supply, contaminated water collection basin, resources (like hoses, nozzles, shelters, and other large pieces of equipment), or a large number of personnel.

Mass casualty decontamination

Large scale decontamination often involves civilians who, unlike soldiers and responders, are not trained in decontamination methods. Currently, wet decontamination is most frequently used in large scale decontamination efforts, during which civilians are directed by soldiers and responders to shower (usually with water and a detergent or bleach). Dry decontamination is proving to be a safer, more effective method of decontamination for large scale incidents.^[11][12]

References

• Phyllodromia
• Phyllodromia americana
• Phyllodromia melanocephala
• Phyllogobius platycephalops
• Phyllogomphoides albrighti
• Phyllogomphoides appendiculatus
• Phyllogomphoides stigmatus
• Phylloicus
• Phylloicus aeneus
• Phyllolabis myriosticta
• Phyllomedusa itacolomi
• Phyllomimini
• Phyllomimus
• Phyllomorpha
• Phyllomorpha lacerata
• Phyllomydas
• Phyllomydas bruesii
• Phyllomydas currani
• Phyllomydas parvulus
• Phyllomydas phyllocerus
• Phyllomydas quercus
• Phyllomydas scitulus
• Phyllomys sulinus
• Phyllomyza
• Phyllomyza milnei