Authors: Moffett, Peter M.¹; Baker, Benjamin L.¹; Kang, Christopher S.¹; Johnson, Melinda S.²

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 175, Number 3, March 2010 , pp. 185-187(3)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

ABSTRACT

Study objective: The objective was to evaluate the time to decontaminate an area of skin exposed to an oil-based agent using a water-only decontamination protocol. Methods: A fluorescent mock chemical/biological agent was created. Each of 20 subjects had his/her forearm sprayed with the agent. Each subject placed his/her arm under a decontamination shower, which provided water at a pressure of 60-70 psi and 35°C. After 30 sec a black light was used by three evaluators to determine whether the agent was removed. The process of 30 sec decontamination and re-evaluation was repeated for a total of 5 min. The primary endpoint was proportion decontaminated over time. Results: After 90 sec, 100% of subjects were decontaminated. Conclusion: Whereas the data suggest the possibility of rapid water-only decontamination, the applicability of this data in current form is doubtful, but provides a model as a basis for future study.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Madigan Army Medical Center, ATTN MCHJ-EM, Tacoma, WA 98431. 2: Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, 777 Bannock Street, MC 0180, Denver, CO 80204.

Publication date: 2010-03-01

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• Military Medicine is the Association's official monthly journal. The objective of the Journal is to promote awareness of Federal medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to Federal healthcare. Its mission is: To increase healthcare education by providing scientific and other information to its readers; to facilitate communication; and to offer a prestige publication for members' writings.
  
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