Decontamination and management of human remains following incidents of hazardous chemical release.
OBJECTIVE
To provide specific guidance and resources for systematic and orderly decontamination of human remains resulting from a chemical terrorist attack or accidental chemical release.


METHODS
A detailed review and health-based decision criteria protocol is summarized. Protocol basis and logic are derived from analyses of compound-specific toxicological data and chemical/physical characteristics.


METHODS
Guidance is suitable for civilian or military settings where human remains potentially contaminated with hazardous chemicals may be present, such as sites of transportation accidents, terrorist operations, or medical examiner processing points.


METHODS
Guidance is developed from data-characterizing controlled experiments with laboratory animals, fabrics, and materiel.


METHODS
Logic and specific procedures for decontamination and management of remains, protection of mortuary affairs personnel, and decision criteria to determine when remains are sufficiently decontaminated are presented.


RESULTS
Established procedures as well as existing materiel and available equipment for decontamination and verification provide reasonable means to mitigate chemical hazards from chemically exposed remains. Unique scenarios such as those involving supralethal concentrations of certain liquid chemical warfare agents may prove difficult to decontaminate but can be resolved in a timely manner by application of the characterized systematic approaches. Decision criteria and protocols to "clear" decontaminated remains for transport and processing are also provided.


CONCLUSIONS
Once appropriate decontamination and verification have been accomplished, normal procedures for management of remains and release can be followed.
Directorate of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, US Army Public Health Command (USAPHC), Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA.
Veronique D
VD
Hauschild
Annetta
A
Watson
Robert
R
Bock
D001344:Autopsy; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002959:Civil Defense / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D049249:Exhumation / Q000379:methods*; D049429:Forensic Pathology / Q000379:methods; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000145:classification*; D006256:Hazardous Waste / Q000145:classification*; D006801:Humans; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration
D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006256:Hazardous Waste