Self-decontamination is the process of removing a hazardous substance from your body to reduce continued exposure and prevent spreading contamination to others, vehicles, or buildings. It is one of the most important actions you can take in the first minutes after chemical, biological, or radiological exposure.
The goal of self-decontamination is not perfect cleanliness — it is rapid reduction of ongoing exposure. Speed matters more than thoroughness in the first step.
The Most Important Step: Clothing Removal
Research consistently shows that removing outer clothing eliminates approximately 80% of contamination. This single action is more effective than any other decontamination step.
How to Remove Contaminated Clothing
- Do not pull clothing over your head — this drags contamination across your face and eyes.
- Cut clothing off if possible — scissors or a knife allows removal without disturbing contamination.
- If you must pull over your head — wrap the collar inward and pull through as a closed bundle, minimising contact with the face.
- Remove jewellery and accessories — watches, rings, earrings can trap contaminants.
- Bag everything — place all removed clothing and accessories into a plastic bag, seal it, and leave it outside or away from clean areas.
- Do not shake clothing — this redistributes particles.
Skin Decontamination
After removing clothing:
- Flush exposed skin with large amounts of clean water — this is the primary decontamination method.
- Use a gentle soap if available — lather gently, rinse thoroughly. Normal hand soap or body wash is effective.
- Do not scrub — friction can drive contaminants into the skin; gentle washing is more effective.
- Flush for at least 10 minutes — the duration of flushing matters as much as the volume of water.
- Pay attention to skin folds — between fingers, armpits, groin, behind ears — contamination accumulates in folds.
- Pat dry with a clean towel — do not rub.
Specific Concerns
Chemical agents: Some chemical agents are oil-based and not water-soluble. Soap is particularly important for blister agents and persistent nerve agents (VX). Blot or dab — do not rub — as rubbing may spread liquid agent.
Radiological contamination: Water and soap washing removes radioactive particles from the surface of skin. This reduces external dose but does not address inhaled or ingested material. Shower thoroughly without damaging the skin.
Biological agents: Soap and water washing is effective for removing biological material from skin. Use a gentle soap; avoid hand sanitiser as the primary decontamination method — it does not remove particulate material.
Eye Decontamination
The eyes are highly sensitive and absorb many chemical and biological agents rapidly:
- Flush with large amounts of clean water — hold the eye open and pour or run water from the inner corner (nose side) outward.
- Do not rub — spreading contamination increases absorption.
- Remove contact lenses if wearing them — these trap contaminants against the eye surface.
- Continue flushing for 10–15 minutes — even if burning subsides.
- Use an eye wash station if available — these are designed for this purpose.
- If water is unavailable, use any non-irritating liquid — normal saline, clean water from any clean source.
Respiratory Tract
If you have inhaled a substance:
- Self-decontamination cannot undo inhalation exposure
- Move to fresh air immediately
- Blow your nose; spit out any excess saliva or phlegm
- Do not induce vomiting — if the agent was swallowed or inhaled and reaches the stomach, inducing vomiting may increase exposure
Wound Decontamination
If you have open wounds in a contaminated area:
- Flush wounds thoroughly with clean water before standard wound care.
- Open wounds absorb agents more rapidly than intact skin — prioritise wound flushing.
- Do not seal wounds before flushing — containment of a contaminated wound is worse than exposed flushing.
After Self-Decontamination
- Put on clean clothing from a sealed container or uncontaminated source.
- Move to a clean area — do not re-enter contaminated spaces.
- Report to emergency services — they need to know about exposure for monitoring and treatment.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke until you have washed hands thoroughly and confirmed you are not contaminated.
- Seek medical evaluation — even if you feel well; some agents cause delayed symptoms.
⚠️ Decontamination before entering a medical facility protects healthcare workers and other patients. Many hospitals will direct you to an outdoor decontamination station — comply with these instructions.
Quick Reference
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|
| 1. Clothing | Remove outer layer; bag it; do not pull over face | Removes ~80% of contamination |
| 2. Skin | Flush with water 10 min; gentle soap; do not scrub | Pat dry; attend to skin folds |
| 3. Eyes | Flush inner-to-outer corner with water 15 min; remove contacts | Do not rub |
| 4. Respiratory | Move to fresh air; blow nose; do not induce vomiting | Inhalation cannot be self-decontaminated |
| 5. Wounds | Flush with water before wound care | Open wounds absorb faster — prioritise |
| 6. After | Clean clothes; clean area; report to emergency services | Do not eat/drink until clean |