disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

• If exposed to small amount - just a drop of sarin on skin
can cause sweating and muscle twitching
• If large amount - can cause convulsions (body can’t stop
the muscles and glands from twitching), paralysis (can’t
move), pass out, stops breathing leading to death
Treatment: Sarin poisoning is treated with antidotes and supportive medical
care. Mainly want to avoid area where released, get decontaminated
(strip & wash), and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• First - leave area as quickly as possible
... if outdoors - move to higher ground and stay upwind
... if in building - get outside to highest ground possible
• If inhaled - get fresh air as quickly and calmly as possible
• If on clothing or skin - remove contaminated clothes and
shoes but don’t pull anything over head - cut it off body.
Seal all in plastic bag, then seal that bag in a bag and ask
how to dispose of. Immediately wash body with clean
water and soap.
• If in eyes - remove contacts if any. If eyes burning or
vision blurred, rinse eyes with water for 10 -15 minutes.
• If swallowed - if someone drinks or eats something
exposed to sarin, do NOT make them puke or drink fluids
- call 9-1-1
Sulfur Mustard / Mustard gas (Blister/Vesicant) - (also known as mustard
agent) can be in the form of a vapor, an oily-textured liquid or a solid
and be clear to yellow or brown when in liquid or solid form. It is not
normally found in the environment, however, if released, can last for weeks
or months under very cold conditions. During normal weather conditions,
it usually only lasts a day or two.
Mustard gas is fairly easy to develop so many countries that decide to have
chemical warfare agents usually stock up on this one. Sulfur mustard was
originally produced in the 1800’s but first used as chemical warfare in
World War I and in many wars since. Exposure to mustard gas is usually not
fatal but could have long-term health effects.
How it spreads: Sulfur mustard / mustard gas can be released into the air
as a vapor or gas and enter a person’s body by breathing or get on skin or
in eyes. The vapor would be carried for long distances by wind so could
affect a wide area. Sulfur mustard is heavier than air so vapors will settle in
low-lying areas. A liquid or solid form could be released into water and a
person could be exposed by drinking it or absorbing it through the skin.
Since it often has no smell or smell doesn’t raise a red flag (can smell like
garlic, onions or mustard), people may not realize they have been exposed.
88 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325