- If
you believe you have been exposed to a dangerous
chemical, remove your clothing and wash your
body to reduce or remove the chemical. This
process is called decontamination. Most chemical
agents can penetrate clothing and are absorbed
rapidly through the skin. Therefore, the most
important and most effective decontamination
for any chemical exposure is done within the
first minute or two after exposure.
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| Decontamination
Instructions: |
- Quickly
remove your clothing. Cut off any clothing
that needs to be pulled over your head
-
Look for a hose, fountain, or any source of
water, and wash with soap if possible, being
sure not to scrub the chemical into your skin.
-
If your eyes are burning or your vision is
blurred, rinse your eyes with plain water
for 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contacts,
remove them and put them with the contaminated
clothing. Do not put the contacts back in
your eyes (even if they are not disposable
contacts). If you wear eyeglasses, wash them
with soap and water. You can put your eyeglasses
back on after you wash them.
- After
you have washed yourself, place your clothing
inside a plastic bag. Avoid touching contaminated
areas of the clothing. If possible, wear rubber
gloves or put the clothing in the bag using
tongs, tool handles, sticks, or similar objects.
Anything that touches the contaminated clothing
should also be placed in the bag. If you wear
contacts, put them in the plastic bag, too.
-
Seal the bag, and then seal that bag inside
another plastic bag. Disposing of your clothing
in this way will help protect you and other
people from any chemicals that might be on
your clothes.
-
Change into uncontaminated clothing, such
as clothing that has been stored in drawers
or closets.
-
Seek emergency medical attention.
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