Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 23
The injuries that can be caused by or associated with exposure to large amounts of
radiation or radioactive materials are listed here. Acute radiation syndrome is the most
consequential life threat, though each of the others results in significant physical and/or
psychological concerns. Acute radiation syndrome generally follows whole body high
dose irradiation. Localized radiation injuries are most commonly seen with a small
gamma (or potentially beta) source in sustained contact with the body (such as being
carried in a pocket). We will describe the increased sensitivity of the developing fetus to
radiation in the setting of maternal exposure. .
Contamination – and the importance of limiting internal contamination in the setting of
radiological materials or a “dirty bomb” explosion will be covered. Of course, significant
trauma from shrapnel in this situation should always be considered; missed injuries will
be of more problematic than a short delay in assessment of radiation injury.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 386