Emergency action : chemical and biological warfare agents by D. Hank Ellison

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Field Detection and Identification Pathogens can be detected and/or identified by a variety of field instruments. Due to the lack of vapor associated with most chemical agents in C01: “White Powders” • 3 this class, field screening with many portable field systems may not be possible. Systems that utilize some form of spectral analysis with comparison to a known library will work provided that the appropriate reference spectra are available. Various wet chemistry tests may be used. Personal Protective Requirements Assume that agents pose both a severe respiratory and contact hazard.

4 pounds (enough to fill a box approximately 5 inches on a side), immediately isolate an area around any contamination for at least 200 feet in all directions. 1 miles at night. For a large release of up to 55 pounds (enough to fill a box approximately 12 inches on a side), immediately isolate an area around any contamination for at least 1300 feet in all directions. 4 miles during the day or 5 miles at night. Depending on the sophistication of the pulverization process, the agent vapor deposited out of the cloud may be reaerosolized by response activities in the downwind area.

2 C02: Nerve Agents—“G” and Novichok Series TOXICOLOGY Effects Nerve agents are the most toxic of all man-made chemical warfare agents. These compounds are similar to, but much more deadly than, agricultural organophosphate pesticides. Nerve agents disrupt the function of the nervous system by interfering with the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Exposure to solids, liquids, or vapors from these agents is hazardous and can result in death within minutes of exposure. , breaks in the skin or penetration of the skin by debris).