MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES AGAINST BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL

File: 123096_sep96_decls27_0011.txt
Page: 0011
Total Pages: 34

Subject: MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES AGAINST BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL             

Unit: OTSG        

Parent Organization: HSC         

Box  ID: BX003203

Folder Title: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST 3106                                                         

Document Number:          1

Folder Seq  #:         28









                Physical defensive measures to reduce the risk or personnel
             inhaling any biological aerosol which may be present.

             * Early detection.

             Although the detection of a biological aerosol is not itself a
         countermeasure, effective detection plays a key role in enabling
         other countermeasures to be used efficiently.



         PHYSICAL DEFENSE MEASUREE

             Introduction. As the risk of biological aerosol attacks is
         greatest at night, when threat conditions dictate, it is
         recommended that during the hours of darkness as many personnel as
         possible remain inside any available fixed or improvised
         collective protection systems or wear their respirators.

             0 The entry of men or materials into a collective protection
             system does mean that unless suitable precautions are taken,
             infectious or toxic agents could be carried in on clothing or
             surfaces.   However, biological aerosol particles which have
             settled on  hard, firm surfaces are unlikely to cr@-ate a hazard
             since they  are not readily re-aerosolized. The main risk
             comes from  clothing of exposed men and from flexible or
             friable surfaces.


             & The case of personnel who may have been exposed to a
             biological aerosol while outside the facility, a significant
             hazard will only be created by particles deposited on the
             outer layers of their clothing (and possibly their harads, head
             and hair if these were not covered) and only then if they have
             been exposed to a high challenge level. If this is a
             possibility, they should before passing through the airlock,
             remove their outer clothing and should ideally wash their
             hands, face and hair if these have been exposed. Note,
             however, that the hair can adequately be protected by wearing
          simple hoods.

             The Use of Individual Protective Eauipment. The mask is the
         most effective protection against biological agents. Wearin(g a
         respirator provides virtually complete protection against a
         biological aerosol attack. Effective respirator filters wil]L
         remove any biological aerosol particles which are present in the
         air. Provided the masks are properly fitted, there will be
         insignificant leakage of air through the face seal.




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Document 34 f:/Week-36/BX003203/FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST 3106/medical countermeasures against biological mater:12179609282028
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-36
Box ID = BX003203
Unit = OTSG
Parent Organization = HSC
Folder Title = FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST 3106
Folder Seq # = 28
Subject = MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES AGAINST BIOLOGICAL MATER
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 17-DEC-1996