Basic Level Pre-Course Reading

Chapter 3
CBRN Assessment and Incident Recognition
Table 3
betas, in comparison, can cause radiological damage from both inside and
outside the body.
Early effects of exposure to ionizing radiation (Table 3) only appear after
very high doses are received during a short period of time. For
comparison to the doses listed, Canadians receive an annual dose of 2-4
millisieverts per year (mSv/y) from natural background sources.
Short-Term Effects of Ionizing Radiation
Dose (millisieverts) Probable Effect
0 – 1000 no detectable injury
1000 – 3000 nausea, vomiting, possible fatality but unlikely for healthy
individuals
3000 – 6000 injury and disability certain, death likely for 50% of people
10,000 – and higher fatal to all people
Low doses of radiation over long periods of time are cumulative. Research on the
effects of long-term exposure has indicated that it can result in an increased risk of
cancer. Studies are ongoing to identify other possible long-term effects.
3.3 CBRN Dissemination Devices
As a first responder or someone who may be involved in the early stages of a CBRN
incident, it is important to know the potential methods of dissemination. This knowledge
may enable responders to recognize, avoid, and minimize the effects of an attack.
There are many methods of disseminating CBRN materials ranging from extremely
basic to very sophisticated. Some of these methods have already been used with
varying degrees of success. The poor performance of some improvised devices may
result from lack of research and limited resources for testing effectiveness; however,
even poor dissemination of a CBRN material can be successful in its intent to injure and
terrorize.
Dissemination devices can be packaged in any shape or size. The outer container may
have visible fans or nozzles. In assessing a scene, it is important that responders take
all indicators into consideration such as the location and design of a device, as well
as the signs and symptoms presented by victims.
Dissemination devices fall into four categories:
• Mechanical Action: frangible or soft containers of solid, liquid or gaseous product
that may be propelled by hand or other means
• Chemical Reaction: the effects of mixing two or more materials to produce a
hazardous substance
• Pneumatic: pressurized gasses used to empty or disrupt containers filled with solid,
liquid or other gaseous products
CBRN First Responder Training Program
26
Basic Level Course