CHEMICAL / BIOLOGICAL / RADIOLOGICAL / NUCLEAR (CBRN)
OVERVIEW: “ CBRN ” is a term that covers four distinct groups of hazards . CHEMICAL : Chemical substances, including ex-military chemical warfare agents or legitimate but harmful household or industrial chemicals. BIOLOGICAL : Dangerous bacteria, viruses or fungi, or biological toxins (e.g. ricin, a natural toxin occurring in plants). RADIOLOGICAL : Harmful radioactive materials contaminating the environment. NUCLEAR : Explosion that includes blinding light, intense heat (thermal radiation), initial nuclear radiation, blast, fires started by the heat pulse, and secondary fires caused by the destruction. RESPONDING TO AN INCIDENT CHEMICAL / BIOLOGICAL There is commonality with types and effects of possible chemical or biological agents, but broad generalizations and basic decontamination procedures are virtually the same for both types of incidents. Transmission or contamination generally occurs through inhalation or skin absorption. 1. Protect breathing airways. If masks are not available, use a wet cloth, sleeve, or any article of clothing to help filter the air. 2. Cover exposed skin on arms, legs, and face. Cover or bandage any abrasions, cuts, or wounds. 3. Most air-borne agents are heavier than air. Move to an upper room, close doors and window, and turn off air conditioning or heating systems to minimize circulation of air. 4. Thoroughly scrub skin with large amounts of warm soapy water or a mixture of ten parts water to one-part bleach. If it is a contaminated liquid and water is not available, liberally coat the skin with talcum powder or flour, wait 30 seconds, and thoroughly brush off the powder. 5. Evacuation from the area of attack or contamination is always advisable. Remember that chemical agents typically present an immediately noticeable effect, whereas symptoms from many biological agents may not appear for days. Medical attention should be sought immediately, even if the exposure is thought to be limited. IDENTIFYING SUSPICIOUS MAIL AND PACKAGES 1. No return addresses; 2. Return address differs from postmark; 3. Leaking liquid, strange odor, odd stain, discharge, loose powder, or granular substance; 4. Unusual or threatening wording; 5. Unexpected source or originating location; and
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