Pediatric Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness: A ... - PHE Home

• Protective clothing— Disposable clothing, such as Tyvek ® coveralls or something
similar, is probably the least expensive option if an organization must purchase a
large number.
• Monitoring equipment.
The goal of PPE is to prevent an individual from becoming contaminated and to prevent
the spread of contamination from an already contaminated person. PPE does not shield
the wearer from penetrating radiation, such as photons.
First responders. PPE should provide protection to the skin, respiratory and digestive
orifices, and the eyes. Boots are part of the PPE needed to prevent contamination of
footwear with radioactive material. The PPE should be sturdy enough to avoid tearing in
emergency situations. If the PPE is not airtight, tape may be placed where the PPE suit
contacts gloves and boots to avoid radioactive material from getting inside the suit. A
variety of PPE is available commercially. The National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) provides information and a statement of certification for respirators
at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/.
Hospital personnel. Radioactive fallout in the air should not be present inside a medical
facility. Therefore, medical personnel working inside a facility do not need to wear as
much PPE as first responders. Medical personnel who are decontaminating patients or
providing emergency care to patients who have not yet been decontaminated should wear
PPE similar to that worn in the operating room (e.g., head cover, face mask, scrubs or
gown, and shoe covers). Wearing double gloves is recommended, in case the outer glove
tears or breaks.
Differences in PPE for radioactive isotopes and chemical or biological exposure.
First responders should wear PPE appropriate for “all hazards,” because the type of
hazard may not be initially known. However, radioactive material is easier to identify
than chemical or biological material, because it can be readily identified with a RADIAC.
If the hazard is identified as solely radiological, then first responders can reduce their
level of protection to that necessary for radioactive material (e.g., self-contained
breathing apparatus is not usually needed). Waterproof PPE is appropriate if the
contaminant is wet. Otherwise, cotton or Tyvek ® coveralls would be adequate.
Temporary PPE in an emergency. A person without PPE in a radioactive environment
should take immediate emergency precautions, including the following:
• Cover nose and mouth with a handkerchief.
• Try to cover exposed skin.
• Move away from the event.
• Take shelter as soon as possible.
Adults should direct children to do the same and lead the children to a safe area.
Disposal of PPE. PPE may have radioactive contamination after an event. All such PPE
should be collected in one area, placed in plastic bags (preferably red or yellow), and
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