Decontamination Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.
These are the MediaLab courses that cover Decontamination and links to relevant pages within the course.
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| Advantages of using Biological Agents (cont.) They can have a psychological impact.Biological WMD’s could possibly have a psychological impact that will go far beyond their actual effect. The very thought of exposure to a biological agent may possibly cause many people to panic. Biological WMDs can tie up resources.Some biological agents can be a hazard for lengthy periods. The use of these agents may require tedious, time-consuming, resource-intensive decontamination and monitoring of facilities before they can be returned to service. Defense may be difficult.It is very difficult for civilian government agencies to prepare for biological terrorist incidents. While most civilian agencies have some kind of hazardous material or HAZMAT response teams; in the event of a biological terrorist incident, these teams are likely to be challenged beyond their capability in terms of human resources, and equipment. | View Page |
| What do I do if I find a suspicious package? If a package or envelope appears suspicious: DO NOT OPEN IT and if at all possible, DO NOT TOUCH IT any more than necessary! If powder has spilled, do not clean it up. Leave the area and close any doors, but stay near the area. The reason for this is to lessen the chance of contaminating others and to warn others not to enter the room. Make sure you supervisor and emergency personnel have been notified immediately. As soon as security is in place, wash your hands with soap and water. After evaluation and if so deemed, pre-designated personnel should shut down the air handling system in the building. Make a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all persons who were in the area to share with law enforcement and emergency officials if requested. Follow decontamination procedures as instructed by emergency authorities. | View Page |
| In Case of a Chemical Attack Listen to the radio for instructions from authorities on whether to evacuate or stay put. If told to stay inside, seek shelter in an internal room or a room with as few doors and windows as possible. Turn off all ventilation and as best as possible seal all openings in windows and doors. Continue to monitor the radio. A minimal amount of protection may be provided by breathing through a damp cloth. Do not go outside to assist someone injured in the attack unless authorities say it is safe. If you think you have been exposed during a chemical attack and cannot get to immediate medical help, begin decontamination by removing all clothing, glasses, and contact lenses. Cut clothing rather than pull it over your head and either leave the clothing outside or place it into a plastic bag. Be sure to flush your eyes with lots of water and gently wash any exposed skin with soap and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. Change clothing. Seek medical evaluation. | View Page |
| Avoid skin contamination Normal skin is not sterile – it contains numerous bacteria.These normal skin bacteria can contaminate a blood culture, causing a false-positive blood culture result.Thorough decontamination of the skin puncture site is therefore essential prior to obtaining the blood culture specimen. | View Page |