4.
Soap and Detergents.
To decontaminate with soap and detergents, scrub or wipe contaminated surfaces with a hot, soapy
water solution or immerse item in the solution made by mixing 75 pounds of powdered soap in 350
gallons of water. If powdered soap is not available, laundry bar soap may be used. Cut 75 pounds of
soap into 1-inch pieces and dissolve in 350 gallons of hot water. For smaller amounts of soap solution,
use a ratio of approximately 1 pound of soap per gallon of water. Mix 2 pints of detergent to 450
gallons of water in the M12A1 PDDA.
WARNING
Soaps and detergents are effective in physically removing contamination. However,
casualty-producing levels of contamination may remain in the runoff water, which must be
considered contaminated.
PART C - NATURAL DECONTAMINANTS
U.S. Forces may find themselves committed to battle anywhere in the world and in any type of weather.
Weather and terrain conditions will dictate how to fight and what equipment is most effective to support
the fighting force under NBC conditions. Conditions like weather, urban areas, mountains, jungles, and
deserts each have a major influence on decontamination operations.
The common or natural decontaminants normally available for use in decontamination are weathering or
aging, soil, fire, and water.
1.
Weathering or Aging.
a. Weather can be an advantage when used as a natural decontaminant to lessen the hazards of
nuclear, biological, and chemical contamination. However, it could also be a disadvantage if you must
operate under adverse weather conditions (such as extreme cold), which will restrict detection and decon
operations.
b. Weathering is the easiest method of decontamination. It acts upon chemical agents through
evaporation and decomposition. The effects of weathering on biological and chemical contamination,
however, are variable. They depend upon the persistency of the agent, climatic conditions, and types of
surface, so, exercise care within contaminated areas until all vapor and transfer hazards are gone.
3-13
CM 2506
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