Date of Award

3-2025

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 research investigated a mobile air shower as an alternative to water washing for personnel chemical decontamination in Arctic environments, where traditional methods like disrobing and rinsing are impractical. Interest in Arctic operations has grown with recent U.S. military focus on strategic advancements by Russia and China, yet research on air shower effectiveness for chemical decontamination remains limited. This study examined whether a commercial off-the-shelf air shower could effectively decontaminate methyl salicylate (MES), a surrogate for chemical warfare blister agents, from a manikin outfitted in military cold-weather gear. Researchers used a ppbRAE 3000 photo-ionization detector to measure MES concentrations following personnel decontamination using three conditions: no decontamination, decontamination with air shower only, and decontamination with a military M295 kit plus air shower. Each condition used a sample size of 10, assuming an alpha of 0.05, effect size of 0.60, and power of 0.80. MES airborne concentration results were gathered continuously over 30 minutes using the photoionization detector. Analysis of the detector’s area under the curve (AUC) values of concentration and time indicated significant differences between the No Decon condition and both air shower conditions. Airborne MES concentrations after air shower decon were lower than no decon (p=.0024). Airborne MES concentrations after M295+air shower were lower than no decon (p=.0011). High humidity conditions also showed significant differences between No Decon and M295+air shower. These findings suggest that mobile air showers may help reduce airborne contamination risks, benefiting both military and civilian responders. Study limitations include potential MES absorption by the parka. Future research should quantify the air shower’s removal efficiency across various chemical agents and assess containment measures to prevent contamination between uses.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-25-M-083

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this work.

Distribution Statement A: Distribution Unlimited. Approved for public release. PA case number: 88ABW-2025-0325

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