Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Biological Agents
Recognition of a biological hazard can occur through several methods, including
identification of a credible threat, discovery of bioterrorism evidence, diagnosis,
and detection.
When people are exposed to a pathogen, such as anthrax or smallpox, they may
not know that they have been exposed, and those who are infected, or subsequently
become infected, may not feel sick for some time. This delay between exposure and
onset of illness, the incubation period, is characteristic of infectious diseases. The
incubation period may range from several hours to a few weeks, depending on the
exposure and pathogen.
Unlike acute incidents involving explosives or some hazardous chemicals, the
initial detection and response to a biological attack on civilians is likely to be made
by direct patient care providers and the public health community.
Terrorists could also use a biological agent that would affect agricultural com-
modities over a large area (e.g., wheat rust or a virus affecting livestock), potentially
devastating the local or even national economy. The response to agricultural bioter-
rorism should also be considered during the planning process.
Responders should be familiar with the characteristics of biological agents.
Table 11.2 lists some indicators of the possible use of biological agents.
Nuclear/Radiological Agents
The difficulty of responding to a nuclear or radiological incident is compounded
by the nature of radiation itself. In an explosion, the fact that radioactive material
was involved may or may not be obvious, depending on the nature of the explosive
device used.
The presence of a radiation hazard is difficult to ascertain, unless the respond-
ers have the proper detection equipment and have been trained to use it properly.
Although many detection devices exist, most are designed to detect specific types
Table 11.2
Indicators of Possible Use of Biological Agents
Stated Threat to Release a Biological Agent
Unusual Occurrence of Dead or Dying Animals
Unusual Casualties
• Unusual illness for region/area
• Deinite pattern inconsistent with natural disease
Unusual Liquid, Spray, Vapor, or Powder
• Spraying; suspicious devices, packages, or letters
