How are airborne contaminants from the hot zone avoided?

Setting up decontamination areas upwind of the incident is crucial for minimizing exposure to airborne contaminants. When decontamination areas are positioned upwind, they benefit from prevailing winds that help disperse harmful chemicals and pollutants away from the area, reducing the likelihood of responding personnel or victims being affected by airborne contaminants. This practice supports the safety of all individuals involved in the operation by ensuring that they are not inhaling potentially toxic substances present in the hot zone.

In contrast, other options do not adequately address the prevention of airborne contaminant exposure. Sending only one responder at a time does not mitigate the risk of exposure for the entire team or for victims. Locating decontamination in a valley or ditch could trap contaminants rather than allowing them to disperse, potentially increasing risk. Lastly, while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) provides personal protection from inhaling contaminants, it does not prevent the release or spread of airborne pollutants in the environment. Hence, the strategic position of decontamination zones is vital for effective hazard management in emergencies involving hazardous materials.