VA Business Toolkit
Citizen Corps
How can we make this site better?
Let us know ...
Terrorism Home • Terrorism Basics • VDEM Terrorism Toolkit
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:
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.
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:
Q: What are the symptoms of chemical poisoning?
A: There are several symptoms typical of most types of chemical poisoning:
Q: What could my community be like following a chemical release?
A: You might observe the following:
Q: What should I do if someone threatens a chemical attack?
A: If you receive a threat:
After you've received a threat:
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.
Q: What should I do if I find an unidentifiable substance, and I suspect it's a chemical?
A: Follow these steps:
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.
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:
If you are outdoors:
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:
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.
Q: What should I do if I'm in a contaminated area?
A: Follow these steps:
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:
Q: If there is a chemical attack what should I do?
A: Follow these steps:
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. 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.
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.
If you are told to evacuate immediately:
You can do the following, only if you are sure you have extra time:
Q: Are there any special precautions I should take while I'm driving to the shelter?
A: Follow these steps:
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.
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: 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:
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.
Q: What emergency supplies should I keep on hand in case there's an attack?
A: Keep these supplies on hand:
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.