Are there any special decontamination procedures for vesicant exposure?
Mustard agent is rapidly absorbed through inhalation or contact with the skin. Patients whose skin or clothing is contaminated with mustard can contaminate first responders and other health care personnel through direct contact or vapors. All personnel must be trained and appropriately clothed before coming into contact with a patient who has not been decontaminated. It is recommended that respiratory and ocular protection include a pressure-demand, self-contained breathing apparatus or a chemical-protective, full-face mask with an activated charcoal canister. For skin protection, a chemical-protective overgarment, butyl rubber chemical-protective gloves, and boots should be worn. Ideally, all patients should be decontaminated before transport to the hospital. However, if this is not possible, decontamination must take place in a facility capable of containing the contamination. All of the patient’s clothing must be removed, and the patient must be showered with soap and warm water, us
