Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Module Three Summary
This module presented a detailed overview of chemical compounds that are produced in large
quantities as part of America’s industrial complex. Many of these compounds are amenable for
use as large scale terrorist weapons and may be released in the form of toxic gases. Exposure
to these toxic gases will create serious health implications for its victims. The clinical symptoms
created by exposure to toxic gases will be determined by the dose (concentration of chemical
and duration of exposure), the unique properties of the agent (e.g. water solubility), and the
underlying health status of the exposed individual. Clinical management of these patients
includes immediate removal from the exposure and the initiation of appropriate management
strategies. Care must be taken to ensure that rescuers and other first receivers do not become
victims as well. Because of the major role these compounds play in modern industry, community
hazard vulnerability assessment using the expertise of a variety of responsible individuals within
the public health, emergency planning, responder, medical care provider, industry and lay public
is critical to prepare for accidental and intentional releases.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 181