Hazards for civilians during evacuation through a ground contamination of chemical warfare agents : a basis for the development of protection manuals

Authors:

  • Karlsson Edvard
  • Koch Bo
  • Kristensson Per-Åke
  • Dufvenberg Toni

Publish date: 2001-01-01

Report number: FOI-R--0179--SE

Pages: 30

Written in: Swedish

Abstract

The hazards for civilians during evacuation through a ground contamination of chemical warfare agents ahve been calculated by using computer models and previously performed field trials. Both the breathing hazard from the secondary cloud and the contact hazard from chemical warfare agents in luquid form were studied. The results show that there are no injuries if the persons have protective masks, rubber boots, plastic bags covering boots and hands, water proof clothes and that the evacuation follows the planned procedure. However, if a person has ordinary clothing and shoes or does mistakes there may be severe injuries. During the winter period the injuries will often be more severe than during summer time due to a larger contamination of the persons by chemical warfare agents in liquid form. Available models and previous experiments do not cover all studied cases, especially not the degree of contamination and penetration of liquid when using protective plastic on the ground and plastic bags over the shoes. Also the available information on penetration of liquid through ordinary shoes and clothing is insufficient. Therefore, the calculations are partly based on assumptions and there is a need for more research and experiments. The work was made under a contract with the Swedish Defence Forces and the Swedish Agency for Civil Emergency Planning.