Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 40
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism:
TICs & TIMs
Lessons Learned
• Highly toxic substances are currently readily available whose
onset of toxicity is delayed
• Toxins with delayed effects can be used to affect large
numbers of people before it is discovered
• The delay in onset of toxicity aids a would -be terrorist in
avoidance of detection and escape
• Widespread exposure and uncertainty re: long -term effects
maximizes the fear factor – serves the purpose of the terrorist
• Even less toxic compounds which are biopersistent and
whose detection is delayed have enormous potential to
cause fear and overwhelm health care resources
Module One - Terrorism by Fear and Uncertainty: Delayed Toxic Syndromes
40
The examples covered in this module should make it clear that there are a number of
available industrial chemicals that cause delayed-onset illness, allowing widespread
exposure and potentially complicating clinical and epidemiologic evaluation. The more
uncertain the source and long-term consequences of an exposure are, the more public
fear (terror) will result.
Because of the delay to onset of toxicity from a variety of available substances with
significant potential to cause harm, many people may be affected – physically and/or
psychologically, with significant impact on individuals and systems. In particular, concern
about possible effects many years in the future (i.e. cancer and second generation
effects), even if poorly supported by data or of little significance to any one individual,
causes fear and initiated requests for monitoring. These considerations should be
included in planning for response and communication post-event.
As has been discussed in other modules today, identification of responsible individuals
and even the source of a toxin may be challenging. This can be seen even with rapidonset
toxins (e.g. Chicago cyanide contamination of over-the-counter analgesics is still
an unsolved crime); identification of the culprit or extent of exposure following
surreptitious use of a delayed-onset toxin will be much more difficult, leading to yet more
fear and uncertainty.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 347