Contamination chemical warfare materials

Quality and holds an ASQ certification as a Manager of Quality/Oiganizational Excellence (CMQ/OE). He has been responsible for management and supervision of numerous projects related to the investigation and remediation of sites contaminated with unexploded ordnance and chemical warfare material. 

Misuse of various chemicals including industrial pesticides, toxic substances, and chemical warfare agents (CWAs) requires adequate personal protective equipment and immediate skin decontamination [151]. Since the time of World War 11, scientists have made a concerted effort to improve prophylactic and therapeutic interventions to counteract cutaneous exposure to CWAs [147]. To curtail dermal systemic exposure to environmental contaminants, most material safety data sheets (MSDSs) recommend either water rinsing or soap-and-water decontamination to remove chemicals from the skin surface [152, 153]. However, it is vital that the skin be washed in such a way that does not elicit the wash-in (W-I) effect [154], The W-1 effect is defined as an enhancement of percutaneous absorption elicited specifically by skin decontamination, particularly with water. It simply means that as some chemical contaminants are washed off the skin, the chemical substance may also wash into the skin and thus become more systemically bioavailable. 

Chemical warfare imposes a logistical burden on both the user and the target. In addition to the needs of casualties, protective kit and decontaminating equipment must be transported forward, provision made for respirators to be changed, and for the disposal of contaminated material. Decontamination requires extra fuel and water. 

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