Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 16
Before we cover some of these other major industrial gases, it is important to increase
our understanding of the determinants of inhalation exposure. There are several key
factors that determine the toxicity associated with a gas exposure. These factors include
the underlying health of the individual exposed, the exposure circumstances and the
specific properties of the chemical agent. The DOSE of the inhalational exposure is
determined by the concentration, respiratory rate, and duration of chemical exposure.
Ultimately the dose, along with the chemical properties and the health of the individual
exposed will determine the severity of injury. The DOSE is critically important as
something that may be only irritating (sneeze, “tickle in the throat”, uncomfortable) at low
concentration or short-term exposure may become injurious (tissue damage, edema,
inflammation and scarring) at much higher doses.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 140