PART B -STANDARD DECONTAMINANTS
Standard decontaminants are those chemical compounds that have been made and issued for the purpose
of decontaminating chemical agents. Standard decontaminants are preferred over other decontaminants.
The standard decontaminants currently stocked for issue are Decontamination Solution No. 2 (DS2),
Supertropical Bleach (STB), Mask Sanitizing Solution, and soap and detergents. Non-standard
decontaminants are those which are not frequently used. A list of these substances, to include their use,
preparation, and cautions can be found in Appendices A through C.
1.
Decontaminating Solution No. 2 (DS2).
a. DS2 is a transparent amber-colored solution used as a general purpose decontaminant. DS2
reacts with most chemical agents to reduce their hazard effect. With sufficient contact time (up to 30
minutes), it is effective against all known chemical agents. Since the spread of the decontamination
varies with the temperature and degree of mixing, it is best to allow the full 30 minutes contact time
when possible.
b. DS2 will remove and destroy most biological agents, but it will not destroy biological spores.
DS2 is degraded by water and carbon dioxide in the air. For this reason, a partially-used container
should not be kept for future use. The solution is effective from -27 C to 52, C (-15, F to 125, F).
c. DS2 is available in 1 1/3 quart cans, 5-gallon drums, and in the 14-liter fluid container of the
M13 DAP, as a ready-to-use solution. DS2 can be applied by spraying, then scrubbing with brooms,
brushes, or swabs. It is best to scrub thickened agents with a stiff bristle brush to speed up the
decontamination process.
WARNING
DS2 is flammable. Avoid spraying DS2 on fires and hot engine manifolds.
DS2 is extremely irritating to the eyes and skin, a protective mask and rubber gloves must
be worn. If DS2 contacts skin, wash with water. Do not inhale the vapors.
DS2 will cause a green to black color change upon contact with ABC-M8 Detector Paper
and cause a false/positive reaction with M9 Paper.
DS2 ignites spontaneously on contact with STB and HTH.
Avoid spilling DS2 on chemical protective overgarment.
CM 2506
3-10
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