Previous studies have examined technologies for decontami-
nation of biological and chemical agents on both military [4] and civilian surfaces [2,5], but very few studies have examined the effectiveness of these technologies against chemical or biological agents on PPE-related surfaces. Methods for a realistic evaluation of hazard reduction due to responder PPE decontamination are not well established. Further, decontamination studies have not examined the efficacies at dwell times that are representative of those used in the CRZ prior to PPE doffing. Dwell times during the decontamination of PPE are inherently shorter (2 min or even less, depending on the urgency to doff the PPE) than typical building material dwell times (30 min or longer). In addition, the ratio of decontamination solution active ingredient amount over chemical contaminant amount may not be as high as during building surface decontamination. Laboratory studies are also often conducted using (stirred) solutions, facilitating the anticipated reaction chemistries [6]. Information on short (less than 5 min) neutralization reaction times is limited. Seto [7] reported the fast hydrolysis of G-series nerve agents during a 2-min incubation time in a weakly alkaline solution while hydrolysis of VX was slower with significant amounts left after 10min. Wet chemistry methods provide a first indication of whether reaction chemistry may be occurring. However, the operational decontamination process can be mass transfer limited, considering the more static environment of only a droplet of decontaminant interacting with a contaminated surface. Scrubbing or wiping may enhance the mass transfer. However, such physical process would only be beneficial if any chemical decontamination reaction occurs, and if the physical process used does not enhance contaminant penetration of the PPE [8].