Chemical Agents -- Description

Q: What are chemical agents?
A: Chemical agents are poisonous chemical compounds that injure or kill individuals through contact, inhalation or ingestion. Chemical agents can be classified in five broad categories:

• Nerve agents.
  
• Blister agents.
  
• Blood agents.
  
• Choking agents.
  
• Irritants.
  

Q: Have chemical agents been used in traditional warfare?
A: Yes, chemical agents have been used on the battlefield to kill or injure the enemy. In World War I, phosgene, chlorine and mustard agents were all used with deadly effects. Agents have been used more recently in the Middle East.

Q: How have chemical agents been used by terrorists?
A: Terrorists have used chemical agents against civilians. Terrorist incidents in Japan in 1994 and 1995 caused worldwide reconsideration of chemical warfare agents as terrorist weapons. Iraq is reported to have used chemical agents against Iran in the 1980s.

Transmission
Q: How do chemicals enter the body?
A: Chemicals enter the body by several different means: inhalation (breathing), ingestion (eating or swallowing) and through the skin or eyes.

Q: How will I know if chemicals are released?
A: Sometimes a chemical release could result in a fire or explosion. There could be tangible warning signs, such as a particular smell or a vapor cloud. People, small animals or birds succumbing to the chemical could alert you. But, most of the time following a chemical release you will not be forewarned, or see or smell anything unusual.

You can help protect yourself by observing the following rule of thumb:

• If a single person is on the ground, choking or seizing it is likely this individual is having a heart attack or some sort of seizure.
  
• If several people are down, coughing, vomiting or seizing, they could be reacting to the presence of a toxic substance.
  

Symptoms
Q: What are the symptoms of chemical poisoning?
A: There are several symptoms typical of most types of chemical poisoning:

• Difficulty breathing.
  
• Changes in skin color.
  
• Headache or blurred vision, dizziness.
  
• Irritated eyes, skin or throat.
  
• Pinpoint pupils.
  
• Stomach cramps or diarrhea.
  
• Unusual behavior. Clumsiness or lack of coordination.

Q: What could my community be like following a chemical release?
A: You might observe the following:

• There could be significant numbers of casualties.
  
• If there is an accompanying explosion, there could be significant damage to buildings and the infrastructure.
  
• Health and mental health resources in the affected communities can be strained to the limits, maybe even overwhelmed.
  
• There could be heavy law enforcement involvement at local, state and federal levels due to the event's criminal nature.
  
• Workplaces and schools may be closed, and there may be restrictions on domestic and international travel.
  
• You may have to evacuate an area.
  
• Cleanup may take months.
  
• Public fear can continue for a prolonged period.
  

Terrorist threats
Q: What should I do if someone threatens a chemical attack?
A: If you receive a threat:

• Get as much information from the caller as possible.
  
• Keep the caller on the line and document everything that is said.
  
• Notify the police and the building management.
  

After you've received a threat:

• Do not touch any suspicious packages.
  
• Clear the area and notify the police immediately.
  
• Avoid standing in front of windows or other potentially hazardous areas.
  
• Do not block sidewalks or streets to be used by emergency officials.
  

Q: What if I suspect there has been a chemical release and no one else seems to know about it?
A: If you think you have been exposed to a toxic chemical; if you see or smell something that you think may be dangerous; or find someone who has been overcome with toxic vapors, your first job is to make sure that you don't become a victim.

• If you remain in a dangerous area and become injured or unconscious, you cannot help yourself or the victim. Leave the area immediately.
  
• If you think you have been exposed to a toxic chemical, call the poison control center, EMS, 911, or the operator.
  
• Tell the operator the location of the emergency and the phone number from where you are calling. Describe what has happened, how many people are involved and what is being done to help.
  
• Stay on the phone until the operator tells you to hang up.
  
• Then seek immediate medical assistance as close to the area as possible. You may need to be decontaminated.
  

Q: What should I do if I find an unidentifiable substance, and I suspect it's a chemical?
A: Follow these steps:

• Don't touch the substance and do not try to clean up the substance. Alert others near the substance
  
• Leave the room where the substance is, covering your mouth and nose with any available material such as cloth or paper.
  
• Close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
  
• Remove any contaminated clothing and place the clothing in sealed bags. Wash your hands and exposed body surfaces and exposed body surfaces thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse your eyes thoroughly.
  
• Seek nearby medical assistance and report the suspicious substance to local authorities.
  

Medical response
Q: If I see someone overcome by chemicals is there something I can do to help him?
A: There is nothing you can do to aid victims, unless you have been trained to assist and are equipped with the proper protective gear.

• Do not attempt to assist the victims.
  
• Call your local emergency responders or seek medical assistance.
  
• If you are in a safe area, remain where you are. Leaving shelter to rescue or assist victims can be a deadly decision.
  
• If you remain in or enter a dangerous area and become injured or unconscious, you cannot help yourself or the victim. Leave an unsafe area immediately, seek nearby medical assistance and wait for trained responders to arrive.
  

Q: What should I do if people around me are exhibiting signs of chemical exposure such as coughing, vomiting and seizures?
A: If you are inside:

• Exit the building as rapidly as possible.
  
• Once outside, immediately shed your clothes – forget modesty. Taking off your outer clothing can remove roughly 80 percent of the contamination hazard.
  
• Thoroughly rinse your skin and eyes.
  
• Seek nearby medical assistance or call 911 or local emergency numbers.
  

If you are outdoors:

• Try to get a physical barrier between you and the toxic cloud.
  
• Get indoors quickly – preferably a building, but even a car could help.
  
• Shut all windows and doors and turn off air conditioners – try to plug all air drafts.
  
• If possible, call 911 or local emergency numbers and notify authorities.
  
• Remove your clothes and if possible place in sealed bag. Thoroughly rinse eyes and wash skin with soap and water.
  
• Remain indoors and listen to local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television stations for emergency information and instruction.
  

Q: Is there any treatment if I am exposed to chemical agents?
A: Yes, in some cases there is some assistance trained medical personnel can provide. Trained medical personnel with the proper protective equipment can administer antidotes if applicable, decontaminate the victim's skin and eyes, treat burns and provide respiratory support.

Q: How are chemical burns treated?
A: Chemical burns are treated using the following steps:

• Flush the eyes with water for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not rub the eyes.
  
• Remove any affected clothing or jewelry from any skin injury.
  
• Use lots of cool running water to flush the chemical from the skin until emergency help arrives. Running water dilutes the chemical, preventing the injury from getting worse. A shower is a good means of flushing the skin.
  
• Cover the wound loosely with dry, sterile or clean cloth so that the cloth does not stick to the wound. Do not cover eyes with bandages. You can cover the eyes with dark glasses.
  
• Do not put medication on wounds.
  
• Seek additional medical attention immediately.
  

Q: Is there any treatment for the other effects of chemical poisoning?
A: The skin and eyes are flushed with copious amounts of water even if there are no apparent burns. Trained medical personnel can also support respiratory function with ventilators and administer antidotes where applicable.

Q: Are there any antidotes for chemical agents?
A: There are antidotes for some, but not all chemical agents. Most antidotes need to be administered within minutes of exposure to be effective. Only trained medical responders can administer antidotes.

Q: Is there anything I can keep in the house that will be an antidote for the chemicals used in chemical warfare?
A: Antidotes for chemical weapons are often, themselves, potent medicines requiring a doctor's prescription. In general, households do not contain materials that are true chemical weapon antidotes. The best course of action if you believe you have been exposed to a chemical weapon is to call for assistance (911), remove clothing, wash with copious amounts of soap and water (shower), and seek medical assistance.

Decontamination
Q: What should I do if I'm in a contaminated area?
A: Follow these steps:

• If you come into contact with gas or chemical weapons, cover your mouth and nose, leaving the area immediately.
  
• Remove and bag contaminated clothing and quickly rinse your eyes and exposed skin thoroughly with water.
  
• Summon nearby emergency help.
  

Q: What if I'm exposed to chemicals, and no one is nearby to help me?
A: Call the poison control center, EMS, 911, or the operator immediately.

• If medical help can not be reached:
  
• Remove your clothing quickly, starting from the top and working your way down to your socks. Place in a sealed container or bag.
  
• Take a thorough shower or wash skin surfaces with copious amounts of soap and water. Flush your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes with water.
  
• Seek nearby medical assistance.
  

After an attack
Q: If there is a chemical attack what should I do?
A: Follow these steps:

• Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction.
  
• If advised to evacuate wear protective clothing that covers your body as much as possible. Don't forget a hat and eye protection.
  
• If advised to shelter in place or stay where you are, check for injuries in your immediate surroundings. If there are injuries, call for medical assistance and follow directions of medical personnel.
  
• Put your emergency plan into action. Locate your emergency kit and keep it with you. If you don't have one make certain you at least have an adequate supply of water.
  
• If there was an explosion, check for fires or hazards. Shut off damaged utilities. When checking for damage, use flashlights, do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for gas leaks.
  
• Call your family contact. Don't use phone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency. Confine or secure your pets.
  
• Continue to listen to your local EAS station for updated information and instruction.
  

Q: Should I buy a gas mask for protection during a biological or chemical attack?
A: We view the purchase of escape hoods, gas masks and similar equipment a matter of personal choice. If you wish, you may search the Internet for gas masks and escape hoods, or check the Yellow Pages under Safety Equipment and Clothing.

Escape hoods, gas masks and similar equipment are difficult to use properly and have numerous limitations. Escape hoods are made of plastic and have a special filter. They must be put on in a clean environment and taken off promptly after the wearer has gone through a contaminated area.

Gas masks must be fitted to each individual and they must contain the proper filter in order to be effective. With the large number of potential chemical agents, it is impossible to know in advance which filter should be used. With some chemicals, gas masks would be totally ineffective.

Depending on how contaminated the air is, the hood or mask could stop working in less than 20 minutes. Batteries in powered air units typically expire in a few hours.

For the general population, we recommend standard protective actions of sheltering in place or evacuation. You can find guidance about sheltering in place or evacuation on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Web site. (That Web address is www.vaemergency.com.) Or, call your local emergency management office or the American Red Cross chapter.

Tune in to the radio or television station where you normally get your news for information on what actions to take. Where you are in relation to the site of an incident will affect how you should respond. Listen carefully.

Evacuation
Q: Will I be instructed to evacuate if chemical weapons are used?
A: Authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your protection. If you are told to evacuate, listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station.

• Make sure the evacuation order applies to you.
  
• Make sure you know whether you will need to evacuate immediately or if you have time to pack some essentials.
  

If you are told to evacuate immediately:

• Locate your disaster supplies kit and keep it with you.
  
• Only use travel routes specified by local authorities. Don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
  
• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy shoes, hats and eye protection.
  

You can do the following, only if you are sure you have extra time:

• Call your family contact to tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Do not use your telephone again, as the lines should be kept open for life-threatening situations.
  
• Provide for your pets. Pets are not permitted in public shelters.
  
• Shut off water and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so. Leave natural gas service ON, unless local officials advise otherwise.
  

Q: Are there any special precautions I should take while I'm driving to the shelter?
A: Follow these steps:

• For your safety, follow the exact route you are told to take. Don't take shortcuts because a shortcut may put you in the path of danger. Move quickly and calmly.
  
• Take only one car to the evacuation site.
  
• Close your car windows and air vents and turn off the heater or air conditioner.
  
• If possible, continue to listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for updated information.
  

Q: If a terrorist attack occurs during the day my children will most likely be in school, how will I be able to take care of them?
A: In an emergency, your children may be sheltered in place or evacuated from school. Do not go to the school. School personnel are trained to handle emergencies.

• Do not call your child's school. You could tie up a phone line that is needed for emergency communications.
  
• For further information, listen to local emergency radio and TV station to learn when and where you can pick up your children.
  
• You can check with your children's schools prior to an emergency to see what protective plans they have in place.
  
• Make sure the school is aware of any medicines your child needs. Schools have plans in place to provide the medicines during the emergency.
  

Sheltering in place
Q: What does "shelter in place" mean?
A: "Shelter in place" means to stay indoors – in homes, schools, businesses or public buildings during an emergency. Sheltering in place may be used when there is little time to react to an incident – where it would be more dangerous to be outside attempting to evacuate than to remain where you are.

Q: If I'm told to "shelter in place" what should I do?
A: "Shelter in place" may be one of the basic instructions given during an emergency. This is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while remaining in your home or other location. If you are told to shelter in place:

• Stay in a building or other shelter. If you are outdoors, go inside immediately. If there are contaminants, you can provide a minimal amount of protection by covering your mouth and nose with a cloth or other material such as newspaper. If you have to gather up family members, protect your body as much as possible.
  
• If possible, bring your pets indoors, but do not put yourself at risk for your pets.
  
• Locate and keep your disaster supplies kit with you. Make sure your radio is working and that you have an adequate supply of fresh water.
  
• Close all windows. Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.
  
• Go to an above ground room (not the basement) with the fewest windows and doors. Take your family disaster supplies kit with you.
  
• Wet some towels and jam them in the crack under the doors. Use duct tape to seal around doors, windows, exhaust fans and vents. Use plastic garbage bags to cover windows, outlets and heat registers. (See the question below.)
  
• If you are told there is danger of explosion, cover the windows with shades or blinds and stay clear of them.
  
• Stay in the room and listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio and television station for information and instruction or until you are told all is safe.

Q: Should I use duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal my home?
A: Authorities may ask you to tape and seal an interior room with duct tape and plastic. These items should be included in your disaster supplies kit. You will not only need to seal the windows and doors but also the cracks and openings in the walls, floors and ceilings, light fixtures, fans, plumbing, electrical outlets, door handles and even locks. Also shut down all air-handling units.

Preparing a safe room is one positive step you can take to protect your family, but it is important to remember that sealing a room is only a temporary protective measure. You would have to seal the room as tightly as possible to prevent even small quantities of the chemical from seeping into the room. If the agent cannot cross the barrier, however, oxygen will not be able to penetrate it either. Be aware that you will run out of oxygen if you stay in a sealed room too long.

Awareness and notification
Q: Will authorities notify me if chemical weapons are used?
A: Yes, in the event of a public health emergency, local and state health departments will inform the public about the actions individuals need to take.

Q: How will I be notified if chemical weapons are used?
A: Information will be broadcast over your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station. In the event of a major chemical emergency, authorities could also get your attention in several other ways: A siren could sound, you may be called by telephone, emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker or officials could come to your door.

Q: If I listen to the local EAS radio station what kind of information will I get about a chemical release?
A: You could be told:

• The type of health hazard.
  
• The area affected.
  
• How to protect yourself.
  
• Evacuation routes, if necessary.
  
• Shelter locations, if necessary.
  
• Type and location of medical facilities.
  
• Phone numbers to call if extra help is needed.
  

Q: Should I call 911 to get information on what's happening immediately following a chemical attack?
A: Listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for the latest information.

Dial 911 or EMS numbers only for a life-threatening emergency.

Emergency supplies
Q: What emergency supplies should I keep on hand in case there's an attack?
A: Keep these supplies on hand:

• A three-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day).
  
• Food that won't spoil.
  
• One change of clothing and footwear per person, and two blankets or a sleeping bag per person.
  
• A first aid kit that includes any family prescription medications.
  
• Emergency tools.
  
• A battery-powered radio, flashlights and plenty of extra batteries for each. An extra bulb for the flashlight.
  
• Cash, traveler's checks, credit cards and important family documents in a waterproof container. An extra set of car keys.
  
• Sanitation supplies.
  
• Special items necessary for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

Community readiness
Q: Are hospitals in my area prepared to handle a chemical emergency and its demands for health care?
A: The preparedness level in hospitals depends on the chemical agent used in an attack. Because a sudden surge in patients could overwhelm an individual hospital's resources, hospitals collaborate with other hospitals in their area to respond effectively to an attack on a citywide or regional basis.
Hospitals are required to maintain disaster response plans and to practice applying them as part of their accreditation process. In an emergency, local medical care capacity will be supplemented with federal resources.

Q: Does every community have an adequate emergency response system? How quickly can it be implemented?
A: The emergency response system varies based on each community's needs and resources. Some emergency system components can be implemented very quickly, while others may take longer.

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