O. Tarakhno1, L. Ustinova2, V. Bogayenko2, N. Kurdil3, O. Skorodumova4
1Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, The Hague, Netherlands
2Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Kyiv, Ukraine
3L.I. Medved’ss Research Center of Preventive Toxicology, Food and Chemical Safety,Ministry of Health, Ukraine (State Enterprise), Kyiv, Ukraine
4National University of Civil Defense of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
RESUME. The current level of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats in the world is classified as "serious". Ukraine, which is in a full-scale war, has the maximum level of CBRN threats, which is confirmed by hundreds of cases of the use of combat toxic substances by the russian aggressor, both on the battlefield and against unprotected civilians.
Aim. Determination of a priority set of measures to eliminate the consequences of emergencies associated with the release (spill) of CBRN substances and the procedure for applying full mass sanitary treatment, or technical decontamination, in a CBRN hotbed or in a CBRN contamination zone.
Materials and Methods. Generalized standard operating procedures for controlling CBRN contamination and full sanitary treatment (degassing, decontamination) of personnel and equipment, created on the basis of national developments and recommendations of experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Results. This section continues the discussion of the basic principles and tasks of complete mass sanitation (technical decontamination), including in the area of contamination with chemical warfare agents (CWA): drops of stable CWA on the example of VX or mustard gas and vapors of unstable chemical warfare agents on the example of Sarin and Soman. In particular, the authors consider the features of dry and wet sanitation, pay attention to organizational measures and modern technical means for emergency sanitation. Separately, various alternative methods of decontamination of large groups of people are considered depending on the ambient air temperature and available resources of fire and rescue units.
Conclusions. Physical removal of any hazardous CBRN substances is the best method of decontamination in the event of mass casualties. Early removal of CBRN agents prevents damage or reduces negative consequences for human health. Delayed decontamination in a healthcare facility should provide for thorough protection of medical personnel and prevent exposure to other patients.
Keywords: CBRN protection, technical decontamination.
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Стаття надійшла до редакції 01 липня 2025 р
The article was received by the editorial office on July 01, 2025.