How should a person removed from a clandestine laboratory be decontaminated?
The answer to this question depends entirely upon the exposure history of the involved persons. For example, a police officer involved in warrant service in a lab may only need decontamination of his/her boots with a soap and water solution. An adult suspect removed from a lab must have all clothing removed and be thoroughly washed with soap and running water, typically using portable warm water and then dried and dressed in clean clothing. The best recommendation for a child is to have a facility such as a tent or camper available at the scene in which the child can be given a warm shower and then dressed in age and gender appropriate clothing to minimize the psychological impact of the decontamination process. Regardless of other decontamination procedures, children should have their clothing removed and be provided clean clothing by the responding agencies or an acceptable outside source. Decisions regarding specifics of decontamination are most appropriately made by trained HAZMAT
Related Questions
- What is meant by the term "decontamination" in reference to persons removed from a clandestine laboratory, why is it necessary and when should decontamination be performed?
- What clinical laboratory assessments should be performed on an asymptomatic child removed from a clandestine lab?
- How should a person removed from a clandestine laboratory be decontaminated?
