Radiological Decontamination of Litter-Bound Patients in Arctic Environments: Airborne Exposure Risks and the use of Fixants to Reduce Aerosolization

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

This research investigated the use of chemical binding solutions as an adjunct method for radiological decontamination of litter-bound patients in arctic environments. In such conditions, the established rinse-down decontamination process is often impractical due to extreme cold, limited water availability, and the increased physiological risks that exposure to freezing temperatures poses to patients. Therefore, this study explored an alternative approach designed to minimize secondary contamination and reduce airborne exposure during the patient handling and disrobing process.
Preliminary pilot studies evaluated various binding solution formulations for their ability to suppress aerosolization of a radiological contaminant surrogate, copper oxide (CuO). Through iterative testing, the most effective formulation was identified as a 3:2:1 ratio, three parts glycerin, two parts unscented Baby Dove body wash, and one-part water, which remained unfrozen at –18 °C (0 °F). Subsequent full-scale studies using this formulation achieved a 95.5% reduction (p = 0.00027) in the aerosolization of CuO particles compared to baseline conditions.
Comparative analysis of aerosol concentration data across all trials supports the conclusion that this binding solution provides a significant improvement in contamination control over existing methods. The results suggest that incorporating such a solution into radiological response protocols could enhance safety and effectiveness, particularly in austere or arctic operational environments where conventional decontamination methods are not feasible.

E. White, AFIT/PhD, WPAFB, OH, USA

 

711 Human Performance Wing: This work was completed through the support of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s 711th Human Performance Wing Force Health Protection Branch under project # AFIT 2024-116R2.
The views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, the United States Marine Corps, the Department of War, or the United States Government.
This material is declared a work of the United States Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States.
 

Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring

Emergency preparedness and response

Radiation protection and monitoring

Risk assessment and management

Ventilation