NCJ Number
199007
Journal
Homeland First Response Dated: January-March 2003 Pages: 16-19
Date Published
January 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In examining a hazmat scenario for the deployment of a chemical weapon, this article discusses blood agents, pulmonary agents, nerve agents, and blister agents, along with protective equipment for first responders, decontamination planning, and response and resources.
Abstract
Although sarin, VX, and mustard gas come to mind when discussing chemical weapons, the chemicals of chlorine, anhydrous ammonia, and cyanide exist in industry and are transported daily on roads and railways. All three can be easily obtained and put to use as powerful weapons. Two have already been weaponized and used. There are several aspects of chemical weapons that first responders must have knowledge of before an event occurs. These are blood agents, which enter the body through breathing to interfere with the body's ability to use oxygen; pulmonary agents, which attack the lungs and lung tissue after inhalation; nerve agents, which attack the nervous system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase in tissue; and blister agents, which severely damage tissue, eyes, lungs, the GI tract, and other internal organs. This article also discusses any antidote or treatment for exposure to these types of chemical weapons. Personal protective equipment for chemical incidents is the same as for any hazmat call with level A-D protection. To effectively respond to an event with a possible chemical release, plans should be in place for dealing with large numbers of patients, both ambulatory and non-ambulatory, who will need to be decontaminated. Personal protection is the top priority for responders to any incident, but particularly when chemical exposure is a possibility. Knowing the basics of chemical agents, how to manage them, and how to protect oneself and colleagues is a vital first step for ensuring a successful first response to a chemical incident. A chart lists various toxic chemicals, along with the persistence of their volatility, hazard characteristics, signs and symptoms, and physical characteristics. 3 references