DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

Business Continuity tips - See APPENDIX B to learn about resources thatcan help businesses and employees prepare for the unexpected.ABOUT CHEMICAL AGENTSChemical agents are toxic vapors (gas), sprays (aerosols), liquids or solidsthat can poison people, animals and the environment. Some compounds oragents do have industrial uses, but many are man-made substancesdesigned, developed and stockpiled as military weapons around the world.A known terrorist tactic combines bombs and chemical trucks to spreaddeadly fumes. Most chemical agents are difficult to produce and very hardto deliver in large quantities since they scatter so quickly. Most are liquidsand some may be odorless and tasteless. They could be inhaled, absorbedinto the skin, or swallowed from a contaminated food or water source.Chemical agents can take effect immediately or over several hours or days- and can be deadly if exposed to enough of the agent. If exposed, the bestthing to do is distance yourself from the agent and area and get fresh air.What chemical agents could be used in an attack?According to the CDC, there are several categories of chemical agents thatcould potentially be used in a terrorist attack - some common ones include:• Blister Agents / Vesicants (Sulfur Mustard / Mustard Gasor Lewisite) - primarily cause blisters but can also damageeyes, airways, and digestive system• Blood Agents (Arsine or Cyanide) - gets in blood streamand prevents cells from absorbing oxygen so cells die• Choking / Lung / Pulmonary Agents (Ammonia orChlorine) - cause breathing problems and lack of oxygendamages organs• Incapacitating Agents (BZ or LSD) - disrupts centralnervous system, causes confusion, and slows breathing(makes you woozy or knocks you out)• Nerve Agents (Sarin, Soman, Tabun or VX) - the mosttoxic agents -- basically turns “off” the body’s ability tostop muscles and glands from twitching (body goes intoconvulsions). Most agents were originally developed aspesticides / insecticides.Some other categories include ... Biotoxins (like Abrin or Ricin), Caustics(Hydrofluoric Acid), Metals (Arsenic or Mercury), Organic Solvents(Benzene), Riot Control Agents / Tear Gas (CS or CN), Toxic Alcohols(Ethylene Glycol), and Vomiting Agents (Adamsite).88 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325