Pordecon™ Hazmat Decontamination Tank Systems

Field Decontamination Solution Guideline References

Anthrax Skin Lesion

Reference Source 1: Occupational Safety and Health Guidance manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities; NIOSH/OSHA/USCG/EPA, 1985

Solvent

Soluble Contaminants

Soap and Water

Examples: TSP, Laundry Detergent

Low Chain Hydrocarbons, Inorganic Compounds, Salts, Some Organic Acids and Other Non-Polar Compounds

Dilute Acids

Basic (Caustic) Compounds, Amines, Hydrazines

Dilute Bases

Examples: Caustic Soda, Beach, Detergent

Acidic Compounds, Phenols, Thiols

Organic Solvents

Examples: Alcohols, ethers, ketones, aromatics, hexane, kerosene

Solvent to be used is contaminant specific

Nonpolar compounds

Botulism

Reference Source 2: First Responder Chem-Bio Handbook

Decontamination Solution

Contaminant

Water rinse, Soap and Water Wash followed by wiping with a wet tissue coated with an absorbent material such as flour with final wet tissued wipe.

GD, VX, HD

0.5% Hypo-chlorite solution

Six oz. of Calcium Hypo-chlorite (HTH) to 5 gallons of water

Biological agents, Nerve agents (GA, GB, GD, GF), Cyanide (AC, CK), Blister agents ( H, HD, L, CX) - PERSONNEL AND PATIENTS

5% Hypo-chlorite solution

48 oz. of Calcium Hypo-chlorite to 5 gallons of water

Biological agents - EQUIPMENT

Note: Do not use bleach with VX, degradation products more hazardous

Smallpox

Reference Source 3: Jane’s Chem-Bio Handbook

Decontamination Solution

Contaminant

M291, M258A1, Bleach, Water

Nerve Agents (GA, GB, GD, GF, VX)

M291, M258A1, Bleach, Water

Blister Agents (H, HD, L, CX)

Water

Riot Control Agents (CS, CN)

Bleach

Anthrax, Chlorera

1 - 2 % Solution of HTH

Botulinum Toxin

Soap and Water

Ricin Toxin

Tularemia

Reference Source 4: United States Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Response Team

Decontamination Solution

Contaminant

DS-2

Comments: 30 minute contact time, incompatible with STB and HTH, flammable

All Biological agents minus spores, All Chemical agents

Super Tropical Bleach (STB)

Comments: Use as a slurry paste with 50# STB and 6 gallons of water; gives off toxic vapors with G agents

L, V and G agents

Calcium Hypo-Chlorite (HTH)

Comments: 5% solution for equipment

2% solution for people, Paste: 3 parts HTH to 97 parts water; gives off toxic gases with G agents, will burn in contact with VX

G, V, L and Blister Agents

Steam (equipment only)

Comments: Must collect decontamination water for disposal

G agents

Soap and Water

Comments: Does not neutralize, Decontamination solutions need to be collected for proper treatment and disposal.

Chemical and biological agents

Acetone and Ether

Comments: Does not neutralize, Decontamination solutions need to be collected for proper treatment and disposal.

G, V and Blister agents

Ethylene Glycol

Comments: Does not neutralize, Decontamination solutions need to be collected for proper treatment and disposal.

Chemical agents

Sodium Hypochlorite

Comments: 15 minute contact time for Biological agents

V, Blister, Biological agents (minus spores)

Formaldehyde

Biological agents including spores

Sodium Hydroxide

Comments: Produces toxic gas with V agents

G agents and Biological agents including spores

10% Sodium Carbonate Solution

G Agents

Ammonia

Comments: Toxic byproducts with VX, corrosive at high concentrations, toxic

G Agents and Biological agents (no spores)

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The ICS Pordecon™ Decontamination Tank was designed, patented and is manufactured by a firefighter and his family in Santa Barbara, California, USA since 1984.

Questions, comments, ordering information?    Email us at pordecon@silcom.com