What is a major risk associated with inadequate decontamination procedures?

Inadequate decontamination procedures can lead to heightened exposure to additional hazards. When proper decontamination measures are not followed, contaminants may remain on the skin, clothing, or equipment of responders. This retention can cause secondary contamination, where responders inadvertently spread hazardous materials, increasing the risk of exposure not only to themselves but also to others in the vicinity.

Moreover, lingering chemicals can also lead to an accumulation of harmful substances, potentially increasing the severity of health effects over time. By ensuring thorough decontamination, responders can significantly mitigate these risks and maintain a safer environment for both personnel and civilians. This emphasizes the critical importance of adhering strictly to established decontamination protocols in hazardous material incidents.