RADIOLOGICAL DECONTAMINATION: CLOTHING TRIALS

Abstract : A series of trials in which men crawled for short distances on damp grass contaminated with a simulant representing insoluble particulate fall-out, has demonstrated that very high levels of contamination can result on various parts of the clothing. As would be expected, the heaviest deposits occurred on knees and forearms though considerable contamination was also found on some occasions over the thighs and abdomen. The contamination levels were frequently such that, in terms of H + 1 hour fall-out, the beta dose to the underlying skin would be greatly in excess of that given as permissible, even in an emergency. Contamination on the combat suit, though often well above the permissible level, was invariably lower and less extensive than that on serge battledress. Preliminary trials involving decontamination by brushing and by vacuum cleaning, indicated that neither procedure could be relied upon for the removal of contamination associated with moisture and mud. Brushing appeared to be more effective on combat suiting than on serge but vacuum treatment was very inefficient on both types of cloth. Experience has shown that a proper assessment of decontamination methods will not be possible with the present trials conditions.