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March 11th, 2003 17:05 |
Biological and Chemical Agent Quick Reference
Biological Agents |
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AGENT |
INCUBATION |
LETHALITY |
PERSISTENCE |
DISSEMINATION |
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Bacteria |
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Anthrax |
1–5 Days |
3–5 days fatal |
Very stable |
Aerosol |
Cholera |
12 hours–6 days |
Low with treatment High without treatment |
Unstable Stable in saltwater |
Aerosol Sabotage of water |
Plague |
1–3 days |
1–6 days fatal |
Extremely stable |
Aerosol |
Tularemia |
1–10 days |
2 weeks moderate |
Very stable |
Aerosol |
Q fever |
14–26 days |
Weeks? |
Stable |
Aerosol Sabotage |
Viruses |
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Smallpox |
10–12 days |
High |
Very stable |
Aerosol |
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis |
1–6 days |
Low |
Unstable |
Aerosol Vectors |
Ebola |
4–6 days |
7–16 days fatal |
Unstable |
Aerosol Direct contact |
Biological Toxins |
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Botulinum toxins |
Hours to days |
High without treatment |
Stable |
Aerosol Sabotage |
Staphylococcal enterotoxin B |
1–6 days |
Low |
Stable |
Aerosol Sabotage |
Ricin |
Hours to days |
10–12 days fatal |
Stable |
Aerosol Sabotage |
Tricothecene mycotoxins (T2) |
2–4 hours |
Moderate |
Extremely stable |
Aerosol Sabotage |
For more detailed information on Biological Agents, see http://www.usamriid.army.mil/education/bluebook.html.
Chemical Agents |
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AGENT |
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS |
DECONTAMINATION |
PERSISTENCE |
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Nerve Agents |
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Tabun (GA) |
Salivation Lacrimation Urination Defecation Gastric disturbances Emesis |
Remove contaminated clothing Flush with a soap and water solution for patients Flush with large amounts of a 5% bleach and water solution for objects |
1–2 days if heavy concentration |
Sarin (GB) |
1–2 days will evaporate with water |
Soman (GD) |
Moderate, 1–2 days |
V Agents (VX) |
High, 1 week if heavy concentration As volatile as motor oil |
Vesicants (Blister Agents) |
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Sulfur Mustard (H) |
Acts first as a cell irritant, then as a cell poison. Conjunctivitis, reddened skin, blisters, nasal irritation, inflammation of throat and lungs. |
Remove contaiminated clothing Flush with soap and water solution for patients. Flush with large amounts of a 5% bleach and water solution for objects |
Very high, days to weeks |
Distilled Mustard (HD) |
Nitrogen Mustard (HN 1,3) |
Mustargen (HN2) |
Moderate |
Lewisite (L) |
Immediate pain with blisters later. |
Days, rapid hydrolysis with humidity |
Phosgene Oxime (CX) |
Immediate pain with blisters later—necrosis equivalent to second and third degree burns |
Low, 2 hours in soil |
Chemical Asphyxiants (Blood agents) |
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Hydrogen Cyanide (AC) |
Cherry red skin or ~ 30% cyanosis. Patients may appear to be gasping for air. Seizures prior to death. Effect is similar to asphyxiation, but is more sudden. |
Remove contaminated clothing. Flush with a soap and water solution for patients. Flush with large amounts of 5% bleach and water solution for objects. |
Extremely volatile, 1-2 days |
Cyanogen Chloride (CK) |
Rapidly evaporates and disperses |
Arsine (SA) |
Low |
Personal Protective Equipment Levels:
- Level A: Fully encapsulated suit with SCBA
- Level B: Non-encapsulated suit with SCBA
- Level C: Splash Suit (tyvex coveralls) with an air purfying respirator (APR)
Contact Phone Numbers:
- CHEMTREC: 800-424-9300
- National Response Center: 800-424-8802
- Center for Disease Control: 888-232-3228
- U.S. Public Health Service: 800-USA-NDMS
For more detailed information on chemical agents, see http://www.sbccom.apgea.army.mil/RDA/msds/index.htm. [ Homeland Defense: Information Products: Biological and Chemical Agent Quick Reference ]
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