In view of the potential and significant hazards associated with matrix contamination, the United States Fire Administration, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency sponsored this preliminary study to develop a method for determining the presence of chemical contamination in protective clothing used by fire department HazMat teams. Ultimately, the objective of the study was to develop a method to be used by HazMat teams to assess the efficacy of decontamination procedures and to aid in reuse decision regarding reusable CPC.