Decontamination Procedures
Decontamination Advisory - Clean up of Suspicious Powder/Substance (Antrhrax Concern)
The specific decontamination procedure to be recommended depends on the specific circumstances. Use common sense in assessing situations. Anthrax is transmitted only by direct skin contact or direct inhalation of aerosolized anthrax spores. These recommendations are not intended for confirmed anthrax contamination.
| Scenario 1: Suspect powder/susbstance is contained in an unopened envelope or container. Human contact only with outside of envelope/container. | |
|---|---|
| Area Decon: | None required |
| Personal Decon: | Wash hands with soap and water |
| Scenario 2: Suspect powder/substance has spilled on environmental surface and hands only. | |
| Area Decon: | Wash down thoroughly with 1:10 dilution of household bleach (0.5% hypochlorite solution) |
| Personal Decon: | Wash hands and forearms with soap and water |
| Scenario 3: Suspect powder/substance has spilled on hands, clothes and environmental surfaces. | |
| Area Decon: | Wash down thoroughly with 1:10 dilution of household bleach (0.5% hypochlorite solution) after approval by law enforcement |
| Personal Decon: | Wash hands and forearms with soap and water Remove contaminated clothing, double bag and hold for environmental test results Take shower with soap and shampoo at earliest opportunity Medical evaluation not necessary |
| Scenario 4: Suspect powder/substance has spilled with massive facial or body exposure or direct inhalation exposure. | |
| Area Decon: | Wash down thoroughly with 1:10 dilution of household bleach (0.5% hypochlorite solution) after approval by law enforcement |
| Personal Decon: | Wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water Remove contaminated clothing, double bag and hold for environmental test results Take shower with soap and shampoo at earliest opportunity Refer for medical evaluation if testing of environmental sample not possible in 24 hours |
REVISED: New York State Department of Health, 10/18/01
