If you suspect an intentional release of a chemical, biological or radiological agent (CBRN), you should immediately contact your local emergency response authorities (911) . Additionally, for CBRN incidents occurring:
The following is general guidance and does not serve as specialized incident response training . Do not enter the scene without appropriate training and equipment.
First responders can use the following information to make an initial assessment of a situation they suspect involves criminal or terrorist use of chemical agents, biological agents and/ or radioactive materials (CBRN) . To help with this, the following paragraphs have a list of observable indicators that a CB agent or radioactive material has been used or is present . This section ends with a Safe Stand-Off Distance Chart for various threats when improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are involved .
Chemical and biological agents as well as radioactive materials can be dispersed in the air we breathe, the water we drink, or on surfaces we physically contact. Dispersion methods may be as simple as opening a container, using conventional (garden) spray devices, or as elaborate as detonating an improvised explosive device.
Chemical Incidents are characterized by the rapid onset of medical symptoms (minutes to hours) and easily observed signatures (colored residue, dead foliage, pungent odor, dead insects and animals).
Biological Incidents are characterized by the onset of symptoms in hours to days. Typically, there will be no characteristic signatures because biological agents are usually odorless and colorless. Because of the delayed onset of symptoms in a biological incident, the area affected may be greater due to the movement of infected individuals.
Radiological Incidents are characterized by the onset of symptoms, if any, in days to weeks or longer. Typically, there will be no characteristic signatures because radioactive materials are usually odorless and colorless. Specialized equipment is required to determine the size of the affected area, and whether the level of radioactivity presents an immediate or long-term health hazard. Because radioactivity is not detectable without special equipment, the affected area may be greater due to the migration of contaminated individuals.
At the levels created by most probable sources, not enough radiation would be generated to kill people or cause severe illness. In a radiological incident generated by a “dirty bomb”, or Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD), in which a conventional explosive is detonated to spread radioactive contamination, the primary hazard is from the explosion. However, certain radioactive materials dispersed in the air could contaminate up to several city blocks, creating fear and possibly panic, and requiring potentially costly cleanup.
Not just an occasional road kill, but numerous animals (wild and domestic, small and large), birds, and fish in the same area.
If normal insect activity (ground, air, and/or water) is missing, check the ground/water surface/shore line for dead insects. If near water, check for dead fish/aquatic birds.
Smells may range from fruity to flowery to sharp/pungent to garlic/ horseradish-like to bitter almonds/peach kernels to new mown hay. It is important to note that the particular odor is completely out of character with its surroundings.
Health problems including nausea, disorientation, difficulty in breathing, convulsions, localized sweating, conjunctivitis (reddening of eyes/nerve agent symptoms), erythema (reddening of skin/vesicant symptoms) and death.
Casualties will likely be distributed downwind, or if indoors, by the air ventilation system.
Numerous individuals experiencing unexplained water-like blisters, weals (like bee stings), and/or rashes.
Different casualty rates for people working indoors versus outdoors dependent on where the agent was released.
Numerous surfaces exhibit oily droplets/film; numerous water surfaces have an oily film. (No recent rain.)
Not just a patch of dead weeds, but trees, shrubs, bushes, food crops, and/or lawns that are dead, discolored, or withered. (No current drought.)
Low-lying cloud/fog-like condition that is not consistent with its surroundings.
Unexplained bomb/munitions-like material, especially if it contains a liquid.
Any number of symptoms may occur. Casualties may occur hours to days after an incident has occurred. The time required before symptoms are observed is dependent on the agent used.
Especially if outdoors during periods of darkness.
Devices may not have distinct odors.
Containers may display a “propeller” radiation symbol.
Unexplained bomb/munitions-like material.
Material that is hot or seems to emit heat without any sign of an external heat source.
Strongly radioactive material may emit or cause radioluminescence.
In very improbable scenarios there may be unusual numbers of sick or dying people or animals. Casualties may occur hours to days or weeks after an incident has occurred. The time required before symptoms are observed is dependent on the radioactive material used, and the dose received. Possible symptoms include skin reddening or vomiting.
When you approach a scene that may involve CB agents or radioactive materials, the most critical thing to consider is your safety and that of other responders.
Use protective clothing and respiratory protection of an appropriate level of safety. In incidents where you suspect that CBRN materials have been used as weapons, NIOSH-certified respirators with CBRN protection are highly recommended . Be aware that you may not be able to verify or identify CB agents or radioactive materials, especially in the case of biological or radiological agents.
The following actions apply to a chemical, biological or radiological incident. This guidance is general. Responders will need to apply it on a case-by-case basis.
Approach and response strategies.
In the event of a chemical incident, the fading of chemical odors does not necessarily indicate reduced vapor concentrations . Some chemicals deaden the senses, giving you the false perception that the chemical is no longer present.
If there is any indication that an area may be contaminated with radioactive materials, including the site of any non-accidental explosion, responders:
This equipment should be designed to also alert responders when an unacceptable ambient dose rate or ambient dose has been reached.
Initial actions to consider in a potential CBRN/Hazmat Terrorism Event:
DECONTAMINATION MEASURES
For chemical and biological agents: Emergency responders should follow standard decontamination procedures (flush-strip-flush). Mass casualty decontamination should begin as soon as possible by stripping all clothing, and flushing with soap and water. For further information, contact the agencies listed on the inside back cover of this guidebook.
For people contaminated with radioactive material: Take care to minimize the spread of the contamination to the extent possible. Move them to a low radiation area if necessary, and if it can be done safely. Remove their clothing and place it in a clearly marked and sealed receptacle, such as a plastic bag, for later testing. Use decontamination methods described above, but avoid breaking the skin (e .g ., vigorous brushing). External radiological contamination on intact skin rarely causes a high enough dose to be a hazard, to either the contaminated individual or the first responders. For this reason, prioritize medical stabilization for a contaminated injured individual.
NOTE: The above information was developed in part by the Department of National Defence (Canada), the U.S. Department of the Army, Aberdeen Proving Ground and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WARFARE AGENTS
Chemical and biological warfare agents do not have an assigned ID number because they are not commercially transported. In an emergency situation, the assigned guide (orange section) will provide guidance for the initial response.
Biological Warfare Agents:
| Biological agents | Pathogens (bacteria, viruses, etc.) that are dispersed with criminal intent. They can cause disease or death in otherwise healthy humans. Examples: Anthrax, plague, smallpox virus. Refer to GUIDE 158. |
| Toxins | Poisonous or toxic material from a plant, animal, or bacterial source. Examples: Botulinum toxin, ricin. Refer to GUIDE 152. |
Chemical Warfare Agents:
| Blister agents (vesicants) | Substances that cause blistering of the skin. Exposure is through liquid or vapor contact with any exposed tissue (eyes, skin, lungs). Examples: Lewisite, Mustard. Symptoms: Red eyes, skin irritation, burning of skin, blisters, upper respiratory damage, cough, hoarseness. |
| Blood agents | Substances that interfere with cell respiration (the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and tissues). Examples: Arsine, cyanogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide. Symptoms: Respiratory distress, headache, unresponsiveness, seizures, coma. |
| Choking agents | Substances that cause physical injury to the lungs. Exposure is through inhalation. In extreme cases, membranes swell, and lungs become filled with liquid (pulmonary edema). Death results from asphyxiation. Examples: Diphosgene, phosgene. Symptoms: Irritation to eyes, nose, and throat, respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting, burning of exposed skin. |
| Incapacitating agents | Materials that make people unable to think clearly or that cause an altered state of consciousness (possibly unconsciousness). Examples: 3-Quinuclidinyl benzilate (Buzz). Symptoms: Hallucinations, confusion, agitation, dilated pupils, blurred vision, dry/flushed skin, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, elevated temperature. |
| Nerve agents | Substances that interfere with the central nervous system. Exposure is primarily through contact with the liquid (via skin and eyes) and secondarily through inhalation of the vapor. Examples: Sarin, Tabun, VX. Symptoms: Pinpoint pupils, extreme headache, severe tightness in the chest, dyspnea, runny nose, coughing, salivation, unresponsiveness, seizures. |
| Tear gas agents | Chemical compounds that temporarily make people unable to function by causing irritation to the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin. Examples: Bromobenzylcyanide, chloroacetophenone. Symptoms: Excessive tearing, burning eyes, blurred vision, redness of the eyes, burning and irritation to mouth, difficulty swallowing, chest tightness, coughing, choking sensation, skin burns and rash. |
| Vomiting agents | Chemicals that cause rapid onset of irritation of the eyes, upper airway, and skin, and also nausea and vomiting. Examples: Adamsite, diphenylchloroarsine. Symptoms: Irritation of the eyes, noses, burning in throat, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps. |
INITIAL ISOLATION AND PROTECTIVE ACTION DISTANCES
| Chemical warfare agents | Guide | Initial isolation | Small release | Large release | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meters | (Feet) | Kilometers | (Miles) | Kilometers | (Miles) | ||
| Blister agents (vesicants) |
153 | 200 | (600) | 0.4 | (0.3) | 1.6 | (1.0) |
| Blood agents | 117 | 400 | (1200) | 0.9 | (0.6) | 3.2 | (2.0) |
| Choking agents | 125 | 100 | (300) | 0.3 | (0.2) | 1.1 | (0.7) |
| Incapacitating agents | 153 | 1000 | (3000) | 1.7 | (1.1) | 7.8 | (4.8) |
| Nerve agents | 153 | 400 | (1200) | 1.0 | (0.6) | 4.0 | (2.5) |
| Tear gas agents | 159 | 30 | (100) | 0.2 | (0.1) | 0.6 | (0.4) |
| Vomiting agents | 153 | 100 | (300) | 0.6 | (0.4) | 1.1 | (0.7) |
For biological warfare agents, refer to the respective Guide for distances.
IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE (IED)An IED is a “homemade” bomb and/or destructive device used to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract . Because they are improvised, IEDs can come in many forms, ranging from a small pipe bomb to a sophisticated device capable of causing massive damage and loss of life.