Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
(HazMat) teams, emergency medical services (EMS), and emergency room staff—
who will need adequate training and equipment.
Hazardous chemicals, including industrial chemicals and agents, can be intro-
duced via aerosol devices (e.g., munitions, sprayers, or aerosol generators), breaking
containers, or covert dissemination. Such an attack might involve the release of a
chemical warfare agent, such as nerve or blister agent or an industrial chemical,
which may have serious consequences.
Table 11.1 lists some indicators of the possible use of chemical agents.
Early in an investigation, it may not be obvious whether an outbreak was caused
by an infectious agent or a hazardous chemical; however, most chemical attacks
will be localized, and their effects will be evident within a few minutes. There are
both persistent and nonpersistent chemical agents. Persistent agents remain in the
affected area for hours, days, or weeks. Nonpersistent agents have high evaporation
rates, are lighter than air, and disperse rapidly, thereby losing their ability to cause
casualties after 10 to 15 minutes, although they may be more persistent in small,
unventilated areas.
Table 11.1
Indicators of Possible Use of Chemical Agents
Stated Threat to Release a Chemical Agent
Unusual Occurrence of Dead or Dying Animals
• For example, lack of insects, dead birds
Unexplained Casualties
• Multiple victims
• Surge of similar 911 calls
• Serious illnesses
• Nausea, disorientation, dificulty breathing, or
convulsions
• Deinite casualty patterns
Unusual Liquid, Spray, Vapor, or Powder
• Droplets, oily ilm
• Unexplained odor
• Low-lying clouds/fog unrelated to weather
Suspicious Devices, Packages, or Letters
• Unusual metal debris
• Abandoned spray devices
• Unexplained munitions
