DECONTAMINATION OF RESCUE AND DISASTER WORKERS USING OZONE GAS

摘要

A decontaminating system is disclosed for use by scuba divers, corpse removers, and rescue or cleanup workers to reduce their risk of infection and illness due to pathogenic microbes at the site of a disaster or crisis. This system uses a body suit (10) that can be pulled on over a wetsuit or other protective outerwear. During a disinfecting session, the suit (10) is coupled to an ozone generator or tank (20) by hose (24), which supplies a gas containing ozone at a concentration which can rapidly kill microbes, such as about 3% by volume. When the decontamination session is complete, usually within an hour, the body suit (10) is removed, and the wearer removes the sterilized wetsuit or other garment. The garment that has been removed is then placed with other equipment or tools in a tent-like enclosure, which is also filled with gas containing a microbicidal level of ozone, for additional decontamination of the interior surfaces that were not exposed inside the body suit (10).