Definitions

First of all, there are three important definitions relating to the topic decontamination one should internalise: incorporation, contamination and decontamination.

Incorporation

Incorporation means HNS in form of particles, dust, aerosols, liquids or gases getting into the body via

• the respiratory system (inhalation),
• the digestive system (ingestions),
• skin lesions (e.g. animal bites as well) or body fluids (e.g. blood, saliva, semen, vaginal secretion),
• the skin (absorption).

Incorporation has to be excluded by all means!

Contamination

Contaminations means the pollution of surfaces of creatures (e.g. skin, hairs, clothing), soil, waters and objects with HNS. The agent causing the contamination is called contaminant.

Contamination can further spread into non contaminated areas by wind, movement of contaminated personnel or similar factors.

Contamination has to be avoided or minimized at least!

Decontamination

Generally, decontamination means reducing the contamination of surfaces of creatures (e.g. skin, hairs, clothing), soil, waters and objects.

Decontamination by rescue units includes coarse cleaning of rescue personnel (including their PPE) or other persons, of injured persons and equipment or objects.

During decontamination measures further spreading of contamination has to be avoided!