How much of the contaminants can be removed by simply removing clothing?

Removing clothing is a crucial step in the decontamination process during hazardous material incidents, as it can significantly reduce the amount of contaminants that come in contact with the skin. The correct answer reflects the common understanding in hazardous materials response that approximately 80% of contaminants can be removed through this method.

When clothing is removed, especially if it has absorbed chemicals, it diminishes the transfer of harmful substances to the skin, which helps to prevent further exposure and potential chemical burns or absorption into the body. This initial step is often emphasized in training because it is a quick and effective means of reducing contamination immediately after a spill or exposure.

This statistic underscores the importance of early intervention in managing exposure to hazardous materials and highlights the role of clothing in trapping contaminants. Effective decontamination procedures often begin with this immediate step, followed by further cleaning and decontamination processes as needed.