Decontamination is what? How, by what means and methods are the decontamination of mercury or radiation?

Radioactive substances are the products of the decomposition of certain chemical elements. They not only have a harmful effect on the human body, but also leave their mark in the atmosphere for many years. A vivid example of radioactive decay is the explosion of a nuclear power plant in Chernobyl. Despite the prescription of the case, ecology still suffers near this city. In connection with the impact of radioactive particles, children with developmental anomalies are born, many people become infected with radiation sickness. In order to avoid terrible consequences, it is necessary to carry out decontamination. It can be produced in all environments (in air, in water), on the surfaces of objects, on the human body, and so on.

Decontamination is what?

From Latin, the word is translated as "inaction". And yet many are still unclear, decontamination - this is what. The term is used in many spheres, nevertheless it is directly connected with radioactive substances. So what does this word mean? Decontamination is the process of scavenging a radioactive substance from something. Precipitate particles can settle anywhere. Usually they come to the surface of water, trees, houses, skin, etc. The main place of accumulation of radiation is the air through which molecules are transferred to everything else. Proceeding from this, decontamination is disinfection of the environment. In addition to radioactive substances, chemicals harmful to health, such as mercury, can also be classified as air pollutants.

Methods of decontamination

You can carry out the disinfection process in various ways.

The first method involves the mechanical removal of harmful substances. It is more simple and affordable. Mechanical decontamination is carried out with the help of improvised means, most often at home. Thanks to this method, it is possible to remove radioactive particles from the surfaces of household items, walls, windows, floors, vehicles, etc. Despite the fact that this method is used more often, it is not always safe to apply it. Carry out mechanical decontamination with special care, while spending as little time as possible. This is due to the fact that a person comes into direct contact with harmful substances that are dangerous not only when getting on the skin, but even in the air that is filled with them.

The second method is physical and chemical deactivation. It is carried out in the same way as in the first case, but it has a slight difference. When it is carried out, special solutions are used to remove harmful particles faster and better.

What is necessary for decontamination?

To carry out disinfection of the environment, special equipment is needed. Decontamination means are selected depending on its type. With a mechanical method, the items necessary for cleaning the house are used to remove harmful particles. Clean the surface of furniture, floors and walls with a vacuum cleaner, rags, brooms, various brushes and sponges. To remove harmful substances from clothing, running water is used. When performing physico-chemical deactivation, powders, common salt, oxalic or sulfuric acid, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and other disinfecting solutions are used. It should be remembered that, regardless of what harmful substance has got into the environment, it needs to be deactivated in special clothing. Hands should have strong rubber gloves, on the face - a gas mask or a respirator. In the absence of this, it is necessary to wear a gauze dressing consisting of several layers. Over the clothes you need to throw a special overall or dressing gown. Also suitable are rubber boots.

What is the decontamination of radioactive substances?

The most common harmful particles are the decay products of chemical elements. They have a detrimental effect on the body due to the fact that they have the ability to radiate radiation. These substances can exist in the atmosphere for many years, while their damaging effect persists. Timely and qualitative decontamination of radiation is necessary in order to avoid radiation sickness. It must be remembered that it will not be possible to ensure full cleaning in a short time, therefore, first of all, it is necessary to evacuate people who are in a dangerous zone. When a significant part of the environment is irradiated, a specialized brigade is sent to the affected area, which should carry out decontamination. Clear objects that have been exposed to radioactive particles can be any way, but to improve the quality, both mechanical and physical disinfection are recommended. To remove them from the air, ventilation is required through windows, doors, the presence of air vents, the installation of special filters.

Disinfection of water

The contact of harmful agents on the surface of the liquid can occur primarily or secondarily. If the water was contaminated initially, then the distribution of radioactive substances in it is uneven, so it is necessary to determine their level in several places. Secondary exposure to harmful agents comes from the air, in which case the harmful agents are on the entire surface. Deactivation of water is carried out by sedimentation, distillation, filtration and coagulation. The first method is the simplest, but only insoluble substances can be removed. When coagulated with clay, phosphates or soda ash, the subsequent settling will be more productive. A significant purification can be achieved by filtering the water with sand, gravel or soil. The most qualitative method is distillation, which is carried out through an ion-exchange resin. This method allows you to completely clean the water of harmful particles.

Disinfection of mercury

Harmful properties have many chemicals. Mercury is one of the most common infectious agents, as it is present in almost every home. It is used in medical devices, such as a thermometer or a tonometer (now rarely). If the item containing mercury is broken, it is necessary to immediately collect and remove harmful particles. It should be remembered that it is forbidden to sweep or wash it with a rag, since it will be crushed into smaller balls. Decontamination of mercury requires to be collected by brush on white paper, then placed in a sealed container. The surface, on which the substance was, should be washed with a solution of potassium permanganate and hydrochloric acid. After that, the premises are ventilated. It is best to call specialists on decontamination.

How to remove harmful substances from the skin?

Everyone should have an idea of what skin deactivation is and how to conduct it. If toxic substances enter the open areas (hands, face), disinfection must be carried out no later than 6 hours later. For this, running water is used under a large head, soap, hard wool or a brush. Do not use alcohol solutions, since they only aggravate the situation. Hair and mucous membranes of the mouth should be rinsed with a solution of citric acid. Eyes rinse from the inner corner to the outer.

Why is it dangerous to delay the decontamination?

When harmful substances get on any objects of the environment, it is necessary to immediately disinfect them. The absence or delay of decontamination leads to severe consequences for the organism. Radioactive particles cause such a condition as radiation sickness, a complete cure of which is impossible until now. In addition, harmful substances can affect the health of the offspring. Evaporation of mercury is also toxic to the body, it leads to the defeat of all organs and systems. For these reasons, timely decontamination is extremely important.