In this article, we analyze feedback from simulated casualties who took part in field exercises involving mass decontamination, to gain an understanding of how responder communication can affect people's experiences of and compliance with decontamination. We analyzed questionnaire data gathered from 402 volunteers using the framework approach, to provide an insight into the public's experiences...

OBJECTIVES To determine the effect on mortality of selective digestive decontamination, selective oropharyngeal decontamination, and topical oropharyngeal chlorhexidine in adult patients in general intensive care units and to compare these interventions with each other in a network meta-analysis. DESIGN Systematic review, conventional meta-analysis, and network meta-analysis. Medline, Embase,...

Following a CBRN incident, first responders use decontamination procedures to reduce the risk of exposure. The effect of decontamination on forensic trace material has, however, not been fully examined. This study sought to evaluate the effect of five different physical or chemical decontamination materials on the recovery of latent fingerprints. Fingerprints were deposited on glass slides, dec...

The efficacy of currently available decontamination strategies for the treatment of indoor furnishings contaminated with bioterrorism agents is poorly understood. Efficacy testing of decontamination products in a controlled environment is needed to ensure that effective methods are used to decontaminate domestic and workplace settings. An experimental room supplied with materials used in office...

Although the principles of pediatric decontamination are similar as those for adults, the actual practice is much more challenging. The unique needs and vulnerabilities of children will require health care personnel to be sensitive to developmental stages of the victims and physiological hazards during decontamination. Unless medically indicated, families should undergo decontamination together...

Due to an increase of the nuclear power plant, radioactive waste is also increasing trend and due to the large amount of radioactive waste disposal costs also increase. Decontamination of soil contamination is depending on the soil characteristics and environmental factor, so single decontamination method is difficult for effective decontamination. We need innovative method to decontamination, ...

Vaporous decontamination methods were used in the remediation of anthrax contaminated buildings following the 2001 attacks in the U.S.A. Since then the development of vaporous decontamination methods has received considerable interest with significant advancements in the area of CB decontamination of buildings and sensitive equipment. This document reviews the current state of vaporous decontam...

Firefighters are exposed to carcinogens such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during fires and from their personal protective equipment (PPE). Recent research has shown that decontamination processes can reduce contamination on both gear and skin. While firefighter cultures that honor dirty gear are changing, little is known about current attitude...

Previous studies have demonstrated that rapid evacuation, disrobing and emergency decontamination can enhance the ability of emergency services and acute hospitals to effectively manage chemically-contaminated casualties. The purpose of this human volunteer study was to further optimise such an "Initial Operational Response" by (1) identifying an appropriate method for performing improvised ski...

Recent events have emphasized the threat from chemical and biological warfare agents. Within the efforts to counter this threat, the biocatalytic destruction and sensing of chemical and biological weapons has become an important area of focus. The specificity and high catalytic rates of biological catalysts make them appropriate for decommissioning nerve agent stockpiles, counteracting nerve ag...