CAUTION
Avoid direct contact with the sample to prevent exposing yourself to the suspect agent (MOPP 4 is required).
c. Collect samples as soon as possible when directed, upon detection of a suspect substance, or after the alleged incident.
B-11. Collection of Contaminated Vegetation
As with soil samples, vegetation is also a suitable medium to collect as samples for toxic organic compounds.
a. Collect samples of vegetation that appear to be different from normal. Select leaves that have wilted or appear to have been chemically burned. Collect samples of vegetation that appear to have liquid or solid substances deposited on their surfaces (this may be noticed as a shiny or moist area).
b. Collect samples of vegetation at several locations within the suspected contaminated area. Using a cutting tool or any sharp object, cut several affected leaves and/or a handful of grass whenever possible. Do not crush the sample. Place the sample into a Mylar or reclosable bag. Squeeze excess air out of the bag and seal it. Fold the open end of the Mylar bag over two to three times, and wrap it with tape. The minimum size for a sample is three leaves or three handsful of grass. One leaf is of little value, but is better than nothing. Bark is acceptable but not preferred. Mark the bag for identification. Take a control sample of similar material from an unaffected (uncontaminated) area. Fold, seal, tape, and mark the control sample in the same manner as the actual sample.
c. When it is possible to determine a probable center of attack in an area, collect vegetation samples near the center of the area, about 100 meters upwind of the area, and in several 100-meter increments downwind of the area. If the collector can discern a contamination pattern in the area, this should be reported.
B-12. Medical Specimens
a. Just as blood and urine specimens are taken from humans who were allegedly exposed in an attack, also collect specimens from individuals who claim not to be affected by a toxic agent and are from the same group as exposed personnel. The purpose is the same as collecting environmental control specimens; that is, to determine if a toxic substance is present in the individuals' natural environment or if it has been artificially introduced.