Can chemical poisoning spread from one person to another?
People who only breathe a chemical gas and move quickly out of the area are not likely to have chemicals on their clothes or skin. Chemical poisoning can spread from one person to another only if the clothing or skin of the person initially exposed is covered in large amounts of the gas or soaked in the liquid chemical. To prevent the spread of harmful chemicals: • If any possibility of contamination exists, remove the outer layer of clothing. [As much as 80 -90% of the contamination on a person can be removed just by taking off clothes.] • Avoid touching a contaminated person’s skin or clothing. • If liquid chemical contaminates skin or clothing, then avoid exposing others by not entering buildings or crowded areas until the outer layer of clothing is removed and the skin is washed thoroughly. • It is important that everyone follow the directions of rescuers if asked to “strip and shower” after a large number of people have been contaminated. What should I do with my clothes and other
