Radiological Decontamination Methodologies on Litter-Bound Patients in Arctic Environments, and the Associated Airborne Risks Posed to First Responders

Author

Juan S. Alb

Date of Award

3-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Jeremy M. Slagley, PhD

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine if air-based decontamination (decon) methods would be effective at both treating patients exposed to dry, radiological contamination as well as reducing its re-aerosolization during the disrobing process, such that these methods could be applied on litter-bound patients in extreme cold environments. A litter-bound, full-size mannequin dressed in a set of standard military issue extreme cold weather jacket and pants coated in 27 g (1 Tbs) of Copper Oxide (density 6.315 g/cm³ ) was given one of three treatments for dry aerosol decon. The three cleaning treatments included high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum, a makeshift air shower, and a no-treatment control. Following the treatment, researchers removed the uniform off the mannequin and optical particle counters (OPCs) were used to take air samples in the immediate area of the simulated litter-bound patient to estimate airborne total dust concentrations posing risk to first responders during disrobing. Each treatment was conducted ten times for a total of 30 trials. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test ( α=0.05 ) and Tukey Inferential test for multiple comparisons determined that HEPA vacuuming was significantly better than no treatment ( p=.0498 ) and resulted in an 86% reduction of re-aerosolized contaminant (mg/m3 ) during disrobing. Conversely, the air shower was significantly worse than no treatment ( p

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-24-M-104

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.

Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.

Recommended Citation

Alb, Juan S., "Radiological Decontamination Methodologies on Litter-Bound Patients in Arctic Environments, and the Associated Airborne Risks Posed to First Responders" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 7735.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/7735