Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 35
In the absence of a history of exposure to a gamma source (such as the iridium-192
containing radiography sources shown), the picture on the left could be of a wound from
a variety of causes (including a traumatic injury, insect bite, or bacterial or fungal
infection). This small wound, shown on the left, with significant surrounding redness
(erythema) and swelling (edema) eventually became a significant ulceration (shown on
the right).
Radiation experts can use the eventual amount of tissue injury to calculate an
approximate radiation dose (retrospective dosimetry). Alternatively, a known time of
exposure to a known source can be used to develop a prediction of the likely extent of
injury for prospective wound and surgical planning purposes.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 398