Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Module Three
Toxic Industrial Gases as Terrorist Threats - Administration
Page
Chemical compounds are produced in massive quantities as part of America's industrial
complex. Many of these compounds are amenable to use as large scale terrorist weapons.
These chemicals are produced, transported, and stored in communities across our nation and
are easily accessible by all. These chemicals pose a significant health risk to individuals and
populations should they be released either intentionally or accidentally. Exposure to toxic gases
will create serious health implication for victims. Many of these irritive gases, such as chlorine,
phosgene, and ammonia, exert their effects by the production of corrosive agents, such as
hydrochloric acid and ammonium hydroxide. Other agents, such as hydrofluoric acid, also
produce systemic effects. Individual characteristics of each gas will determine its toxicity and
health effects. Quick response and appropriate clinical management will be critical to reducing
morbidity and mortality. Prevention includes methods to decrease the likelihood of exposure and
mitigation efforts will be important. Current legislation under the community right to know act
mandates disclosure of the presence of toxic chemicals within communities.
Duration
45 minutes
Scope Statement
This module will address a number of chemicals, such as phosgene, chlorine, and anhydrous
ammonia, which might be disseminated as inhalational threats. Historical examples of the
release of these gases and their impact on the community will be reviewed. Their
pathophysiology, treatment, and potential sources in the community and in the transportation
system will be discussed.
Terminal Learning Objective (TLO)
• Understand the threat posed by toxic industrial gases and the
recognition, assessment and management of exposed patients.
Enabling Learning Objectives (ELO)
Resources
• Review the history of industrial gas exposures and regulatory
response
• Identify major compounds of interest
• Understand the varying clinical picture created by the gases, based
on their physical properties and toxicity
• Address methods to decrease likelihood of exposure and illness
Each of the eight course modules is deployed as an interactive, instructor-lead, MS PowerPoint
presentation containing didactic content, historical examples, and selected case studies. All
presentations are included in a printed participant guide (PG) containing the modules’ overview,
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 120