What should be done with contaminated clothing after an incident?

Contaminated clothing should be stored until proper decontamination because it ensures that hazardous materials or substances do not pose a risk to others. Storing the clothing properly prevents the spread of contaminants and allows for a safe and thorough cleaning process to be executed later.

This procedure is crucial in ensuring the safety of both responders and the general public, as simply discarding items may not address the potential hazards posed by the contaminants. Proper protocols typically involve using specialized facilities or methods for decontamination, ensuring that any hazardous materials are handled safely and effectively.

Furthermore, washing contaminated clothing with regular laundry could inadvertently expose others to the contaminants, which highlights the importance of strict adherence to decontamination protocols. Reusing contaminated clothing without appropriate cleaning would increase the risk of spreading contamination, which is why the proper storage and decontamination processes are essential.