msa cbrnprimer

7/27/2019 Msa Cbrnprimer

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Primer for CBRN Respiratory Protection


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Bioterrorism:the intentional use ofmicroorganisms, or toxins, derived from livingorganisms, to produce death or disease inhumans, animals, or plants.

BioterrorismDid you know that the first bioterrorismncident against a U.S. community occurred

n 1984?Oregons local health authorities closed downrestaurants with salad bars after nearly 400people became infected with SalmonellaTyphimurium. A total of 751 people werevictims of a bizarre scheme to hold down voterturnout. A religious cult called theRajneeshees grew their own bacteria andntentionally contaminated salad bars.

SmallpoxIn June 2001, Oklahoma City suffered afictional smallpox attack during a programcalled Dark Winter. Because its highly

contagious, within 13 days the diseasespread to 25 states and 15 countries.

AnthraxIn October 2001, the testing lab at Fort Detrick,Maryland, found that anthrax spores sent toSenator Tom Daschle were extremely potent.It took months to clear all traces of theweapons-grade anthrax from the Hart SenateOffice Building.

Two postal workers in a mail facility thathandled the anthrax-tainted letters also died.

Note:This document covers various elements ofthe NIOSH CBRN Standards. However, it is notntended to serve as a substitute for the NIOSH

documents themselves, which are availableonline at www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/

References Federal Register: September 27, 2002

(Volume 67, Number 188, Notices, page 61108) Protecting Emergency RespondersLessons

Learned from Terrorist Attacks (The RandReport, a report of the December 2001conference sponsored by NIOSH)

Centers for Disease Control and Preventionwww.cdc.gov

Publication of the Statement of Standard forChemical, Biological, Radiological, andNuclear (CBRN) Full-Facepiece Air-PurifyingRespirator (APR)www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/aprstdsite.html

Approval of Self-Contained BreathingRespirators for Emergency Workers inTerrorist Attacks www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/scbasite.html

Images of Smallpox and Anthrax courtesyof CDC.

CNN online www.cnn.com

Mustard GasIn 1996, the Pentagon reportedlyconfirmed a single case ofexposure to Mustard Gas in anIraqi bunker. But eight yearsearlier, on whats now known asBloody Friday, a deadly cloudenveloped Halabja in NorthernIraq, killing 5,000 that day. And65,000 more victims suffer fromlingering skin and respiratorydiseases, elevated rates of cancand birth defects.

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C B R N P R I M E R I N F O R M A T I O N


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Dirty BombsIn November 1995, Chechen Separatists hid a canisterof Cesium-137 in a busy Moscow park. They claimed

to have seven more dirty bombs just like it. Dirtybombs are cheap, easy to make, and the threat ofthem spreads panic in an instant.

Reports of nuclear smuggling raise fearshigher. The Chechens seven canisters werenever found.

According to a United Nations report, Iraqtested a dirty bomb device in 1987 but found thatthe radiation levels were too low to causesignificant damage. Thus, Iraq abandonedany further use of the device.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH),along with the U.S. Army Soldier Biological and Chemical Command

(SBCCOM), and the National Institute for Standards and Technology

(NIST) are continuing their efforts to develop appropriate standards

and test procedures for all classes of respirators that will provide

respiratory protection from Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and

Nuclear (CBRN) agent inhalation hazards.

The Federal InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and

Interoperability (IAB) has worked to identify personal protective

equipment that is already available on the market for responders use.

The IAB has identified the development of standards or guidelines for

respiratory protection equipment as a top priority. NIOSH, NIST, the

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the OccupationalSafety and Health Administration (OSHA) have entered into a

Memorandum of Understanding defining each agency or

organizations role in developing, establishing, and enforcing

standards or guidelines for responders respiratory protective

devices. NIST has initiated Interagency Agreements with NIOSH and

SBCCOM to aid in the development of appropriate protection

standards or guidelines. NIOSH has taken the lead in developing

standards or guidelines to test, evaluate, and approve respirators.

In May 1994, a group of govern-ment and military specialistsformed the Chemical Agent Safetyand Health Policy ActionCommittee (CASHPAC) to address

the need for standards forappropriate respiratory protectionand clothing, and to recommendnew or revised chemical agentsafety and health policy to theDefense Agency.

These specialists (chartered safety& health professionals from Army

Materiel Command and the USArmy Technical Center forExplosives Safety) gathered todevelop criteria for performance ofchemical protective clothing andrespiratory protection for useunder HAZWOPPER for theChemical Stockpile EmergencyPreparedness Program (CSEPP).Specifically, CASHPAC Protocolcovered testing of Sarin (GB),DMMP (Sarin simulant), HydrogenCyanide (AC), and CyanogenChloride (CK).

MSA worked with CASHPAC toidentify test protocol for APRs.Also, MSA conducted independentlive-agent testing of MSA masksand canisters in accordance withCASHPAC Protocol and the current

thinking for protection ofresponders. Testing of MSAsAdvantage 1000 & Millennium

gas masks used with CBA/RCACanisters was performed at the USArmys Edgewood SBCCom facilityin Maryland and TNO Laboratories

(Netherlands).

MSA then used availableNIOSH testing and

certification standards toreceive NIOSH approvalsfor use against Riot-ControlAgents (O-ChlorobenzylideneMalononitrile [OCBM]and

Chloroacetophenone[CN]) and P100 high-

efficiency particulates.

MSA respirators were identifibeing effective against OC(Oleoresin Capsicum, the actingredient of OC tear gas).

Canisters for the Advantage 1and Millennium respirators co

the same type of fill as C2A1military canisters, which are uwith the MCU2P and M40 militgas masks, in smaller amountThe reduced fill satisfies thesmaller size requirements of lenforcement for riot control a

low levels of toxic gases.These compact military-stylemasks became the preferred mfor law enforcement, with theright or left cartridge mount ofacepiece, third-party-documexceptional face fits, and abilimaintain quality and effective

These masks quickly became market leaders, due to qualitycomfort, fit, and excellent visiTens of thousands of masks wsold into law enforcement and

other first responder communbetween 1996 and the present

Even before September 11, 20growing awareness of increas

threats of terrorism included tthreat of chemical or biologicweapons. No government stafor equipment to protect respoers from these threats existed

In March 1999, government anindustry representatives met aNIOSH in Morgantown, WestVirginia, to review the status orespiratory protection for DomPreparedness, user requiremeand governmental roadblocksAfter collecting information frinterested groups and agencie

they determined how governmapprovals to certify equipmencould be structured to meetresponders needs whileestablishing stronger cooperabetween agencies (CDC, DOJOSHA, DOD).

CBRN Respirator Standards Development

BackgroundIntroduction



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A B O U T T H E N E W N I O S H S T A N D A R D S

Theorizing that terrorists wereas likely to use toxic industrialmaterials (TIMs) as well aschemical, biological, andradiological agents, theydiscussed how a protocol fortesting and certification ofrespiratory protection devicescould be developed for industrialchemicals as well as chemical/biological/ radiological exposures.

New NIOSH Standards

As a result of the 1999 conference,the CDC and NPPTL (NationalPersonal Protective TechnologyLaboratory) determined toestablish new standards for CBRNrespiratory protection. After 9/11,the process was accelerated, anda new agency evolved tocoordinate equipment approvals.The NPPTL was set up inPittsburgh, Pa., to take on thatcertification role, working with theEdgewood Arsenal to jointlyapprove respiratory protection

and clothing.The respiratory protectionapproval process was developedto evolve standards about every 6to 9 months, each based on theearlier findings. The standards arebeing developed through a seriesof concept papers instead of inthe traditional standards-settingprocess.

Each step in the respiratorstandards development is coveredn minute detail on the NIOSH-

NPPTL website. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/standardsdev/cbrn/We shall describe the first,to help you better understandthe processes.

The new NIOSH CBRN Standard forfull-facepiece APRs (gas masks)was issued on March 7, 2003.

Testing

This new standard raises the baron performance. It tests andapproves devices as a system asCBRN-compliant. It establishesvery stringent testing andcertification protocols for:* Chemical, Biological,

Radiological, Nuclear agents

* Mask permeation &penetration* Carry & transportation* Use performance* Quality assurance

How Long?

Systems may be approved fordifferent durations, the shortestbeing 15 minutes. This designationspecifies that the testing will beperformed at the elevated levels of

test agent for 15 minutes. Thedevice cannot reach the

breakthrough target during thattime.

Short-duration devices areapproved in 15-minute intervals (of15, 30, and 45 minutes). Long-duration devices are approved in30-minute intervals, starting with60 minutes, then 90 and 120minutes. Devices for this longerduration would likely be mountedon the back or chest, rather thanfacepiece, due to the need forlarge amounts of carbon fill, so the

standard allows both mask- andback- or chest-mounted canisters.

Where?

The CBRN Standard definesenvironments and identifiesapplications where the masks are

to be used, including warm-zoneapplications and the crisisprovision.

Warm-zone applications areactivities which would be done ata distance from the highestconcentration, where monitoringhas taken place and it has beendetermined that the exposurelevels are stabilized. Thoseoperations would include support,decontamination, and control(possibly long-term use), as well asrescue and recovery.

The Crisis provision is includedbecause of concern that terrorists

could employ a secondary devicewhich would be actuated as theresponders arrive at the scene.Also, this provision considers maskperformance during potentialexposure from pockets ofcontaminants during recovery,during extreme physical demands,or above IDLH (escape) conditions.

What Challenge Agents?The designers of the testingprotocol developed their logicfrom the concept of the mostcredible event. One basis for concept is the number and typchemicals, particularly industrchemicals, which would mostlikely be encountered. Theyidentified 151 Toxic IndustrialMaterials (TIMs), put them intocategories or families, thenreduced them to a list of 10 TeRepresentative Gases. The seis that if you pick the most diffgas within a family, you canprotect against all of the other

Thirteen biological and 16radiological contaminants weidentified. These contaminantare considered particles un

this standard, so there is arequirement for a P100 filter.

NIOSH CBRN Standard for Full-Facepiece APRs (aka Gas Masks)

Test matrixThe test matrix defines testing foreach critical dimension ofrespiratory protection and thehuman interface, including:

1. Both traditional flow(64 Lpm) and high flow(100 Lpm) that could beexperienced during escape.

2. Particulate testing, done undernormal conditions and with hot,cold, and hydrocarbon-laden air

to ensure consistency ofperformance efficiency.

3. Permeation and penetrationprotocols.

4. Fit testingLaboratoryRespiratory Protection Level(LRPL) Fit Factor1) with the device as designed,using the standard Los Alamospanel; and2) to simulate the device beingused with a different canister,

with a panel of 8 individualswith a weighted canister

to meet the maximumrequirements of the standar

5. A lens-abrasion test (opticahaze) to ensure that the useability to see is not impairedbecause of wear and tearduring storage or carry.

6. A communications test(modified Rhyme test) to ensadequate communicationbetween the wearer and otharound him/her.

7. A field of view test to determto what extent vision is reduby wearing the device.

8. A fogging test for cold-temperature operations.

9. A carbon dioxide test to ensproper air exchange within tfacepiece.

10. A specific test for a hydratiodevice, if applicable.

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CBRN Standard for Gas Masks (cont.)

Mustard (HD), which easilypermeates materials, and Sarin(GB), which can find even thesmallest opening, were picked tobe representative of the otherChemical Warfare Agents.

Service Life Testing

Service life testing (at bothtraditional- and high-flow levels fora minimum of 15 minutes) isperformed under variousconditions to simulate many

possibilities of exposure, such ashot and cold conditions, differentevels of humidity, vibration during

transportation, and dropping. Alsocrucial is a maximum breathingresistance requirement to ensurethat users are not over-stressed bytheir respirator.

The 10 representative testchemical agents are listed in atable below, with concentrationsand breakthrough levels. Theevels remain the same for any

duration of canister. The durationis increased to gain the longerlength of approval.

No strict logic governs how thelevels were chosen. They havechanged a number of times

through the concept development.These test levels and breakthroughconcentrations are stipulated in

the final standard.

Particulate Testing

The particulate efficiency testing

conditions include: hot and cold,humidity, vibration during

transportation, dropping, andmaximum breathing resistance,plus DOP penetration. (Initially,a mechanical P100 filter wasrequired, and the use ofelectrostatic filters was excluded.Because of improved electrostaticperformance, they are nowincluded in this standard, withadditional performance require-ments for the filters, including an

exposure to organic vapors and afollow-up efficiency test.)

Permeation & Penetration

The first test calls for therespirator system to be mountedon a Smartman tester and thenbe exposed to the challenges. Thesystem is first tested with DOP toinsure a good fit to preventcontamination of the equipment bylive agents. The chamber is thenfilled to a concentration of 50

mg/m3

of Mustard. The testproceeds for 6 hours; at the 7thhour, .43 to .86 ml droplets of liquidMustard are placed on varioussurfaces of the mask to simulate asplash. The monitoring continuesfor 2 more hours. As a veryinvasive chemical, Mustard is used

to test for material permeation. Thesecond test exposes the system to210 mg of Sarin for 8 hours. Sarin isa very penetrating chemical thatwill find even the smallest opening.

These are very aggressive tests.

It is clear that a gas mask willneed to be made of either Hycarrubber, butyl, or possibly EPDM, orhave a butyl hood second skin

to cover the elastomer. It is verydoubtful that all gas masks willpass this test.

MSA has tested our Millennium

Gas Mask to these requirements,and found that the Millenniumsystem exceeds the 8-hourperformance requirements for bothMustard and Sarin.

Fit TestingLRPL

What has traditionally been calledfit factor is now described asLaboratory Respiratory ProtectionLevel (LRPL).

A full facepiece is traditionallyassigned a fit factor of 50 ifquantitative fit testing has beeperformed. Most agencies looa minimum of 500 as they perf

the tests. The CBRN standardrequirement for a LRPL of 2000may prevent some existing mafrom being approved. Anotherrequirement involves performmodified LRPL with a smallerpanel of 8 individuals using thmanufacturers canister, butweighted to 500 grams. Thefacepiece must achieve a fitfactor of 2000.

A minimum of 22 test subjectsrequired for the LRPL, and 36 t

trials are required. The exerciare the same as used in traditfit testing, plus sighting a rifle,reaching for the floor and ceilgetting on hands and knees,

turning head from side to sideand facial expressions.

Field of View

The new NIOSH CBRN gas mastandard requires an effectiveof vision of not less than 90%.Using an American MedicalAssociation test method fordetermining vision impairmenpanel must achieve a score ofTypically a binocular facepiecbarely exceed 90, whereas a fvision facepiece will have a snear 100 on a scale of 110. Thiso with MSAs Millennium GasMask, which has an effective of view of 99%, thus fulfilling b

the standards requirements ausers pleas for optimum visio

Another important measure ofvisibility (part of the AMA test)

the overlapped field of view, tharea that can be seen with boteyes. The higher the number isbetter. For example, MSAsMillennium overlap is 81.6%,compared to only 46.1% for anbinocular-style mask.

Canister Test Challenge and Test Breakthrough Concentrations*

Concentration (ppm)Test Breakthrough

Ammonia 2500 12.5Cyanogen chloride 300 2Cyclohexane 2600 10Formaldehyde 500 1Hydrogen cyanide 940 4.7 1

Hydrogen sulfide 1000 5Nitrogen dioxide 200 1 ppm NO2

or 25 ppm NO2

Phosgene 250 1.25Phosphine 300 0.3Sulfur dioxide 1500 5

1 Sum of HCN and C2N2.

2 Nitrogen Dioxide breakthrough is monitored for both NO2 and NO. The breakthrough is

determined by which quantity, NO2 or NO, reaches breakthrough first.

*Table 3 from Statement of Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear(CBRN) Full Facepiece Air Purifying Respirator (APR), revision 1; March 17, 2003.



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A B O U T T H E N E W N I O S H S T A N D A R D S

Interoperability

Among issues that FirstResponders to the Oklahoma City,World Trade Center, and Pentagondisasters have identified as crucialto address is Readiness, includingcaches of standardized equipmentavailable for immediate use,training and proper fitting ofprotective equipment, andcompatibility of equipment amongneighboring groups of responders.

Another issue is interoperability.

Because the CBRN Gas Maskstandard has established commonspecifications for canister andfacepiece threads, gaskets, andresistance, the interchange-ability of manufacturers NIOSH-approved CBRN gas maskcanisters with other facepiecess possible. Its important to note

that this concept does NOTpromote mixing manufacturerscomponents during regular use,and NIOSH testing is done withONLY the manufacturers own

system components. The cautionsand warnings specificallyndicate that users should nevernterchange components among

manufacturers.

Implementation

After public meetings andcomments on the concept draft inlate 2002, the final NIOSH CBRNFull-Facepiece APR Standard waspublished on March 7, 2003,released to manufacturers onMarch 11, and made effectiveimmediately.

MSA received NIOSH approval forour Millennium CBRN Gas Maskin March 2004.

The mask connector andcanister thread must be 40 mmor EN 148.1. Military threadssuch as those on MSAsMillennium and M40 gas masksare accepted.

The canister can be mounted tothe facepiece on the middle oreither side. The gasket materialis specified as EPDM (known

for good permeationresistance), but a manufacturercan use another material withperformance documentation.The diameter (both ID and OD),

thickness, and hardness (of 65+/- 10 Shore A) are specified.

Bayonet or other proprietaryconnectors, adapters, or twcartridges are not permitted

The system resistanceincluding facepiece andcanister cannot exceed 65 mof water. The maximum caniresistance is 50 mm.

Maximum canister weightcannot exceed 500 grams,

and the widest part of thecanister cannot exceed 5 toenable interchangeability ofmanufacturers canisters an

to ensure visibility.

Did you know?Over 7 million MSA Gas Maskincluding the M17, M23, and MSeries, have protected US milforces throughout the pastcentury.

The new CBRN Standard promotes the objective ofinteroperability, using these specifications.

CyanideAuthorities can only speculate what JosephKonopka had in mind for a cache of cyanide a

other chemicals hed hidden in a Chicago subtunnel. They charged him with possession of chemical weapon in March 2002.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does CBRN mean?

A: CBRN is an acronym forChemical, Biological,

Radiological, and Nuclear usuallyollowed by a word like agents,weapons, or warfare. The

CBRN Standard includes a fullpectrum of potential and non-raditional threats from terrorism.

Q: What is the differencebetween radiological andnuclear agents?

A: A number of radiologicalagents are described within thetandard. Classical nuclear

hazards are associated with theaftermath of nuclear devices.Radiological hazards can occurrom nuclear devices as well as adirty bomb which disbursesadiological hazards by means

of a non-nuclear device.

Q: Whats the difference betweenchemical and biological

agents?

A: Chemical agents are typicallyman-made compounds. Thesegaseous or vapor hazards includeToxic Industrial Materials (TIMs)and military chemical weapons.

Examples: Some chemical agents,ke Sarin and VX, attack the

nervous system, disabling thebodys off switch, causingmuscles and organs to workhemselves to death. Mustard Gass a blistering agent that attackshe skin and mucous membranes

on contact.

Biological agents are bacteriaor viruses that are dangerous tohe life and/or health of biological

organisms, specifically humanbeings.

Examples: Anthrax is an infectiousdisease that kills by multiplyinginside the body and releasing

toxins into the blood. Botulismis a muscle-paralyzing diseasecaused by a toxin made outside thebody. Smallpox is a viral infection

that can be spread by human-to-human contact.

Note: See the list of selectedchemical and biological agentson page 8.

Q: What is a NIOSH approval?A: NIOSH is the National Institutefor Safety and Health, a part of theCenters for Disease Control (CDC).NIOSH has been the product-certification agency of RespiratoryProtective Devices for use inaccordance with the requirementsof the Occupational Safety andHealth Act (OSHAct). Certifiedproducts must meet stringentgovernment standards developedand established by NIOSHscientists along with industry

experts. A product which bears aNIOSH certification label assures

the user that the product has beentested by an independent agencyand is consistently manufacturedin accordance with a consistentand audited quality plan.

Q: Why do we need NIOSHstandards for CBRN respirators?

A: NIOSH has traditionallyestablished performancerequirements for industrial

respirators. The Military hastraditionally establishedperformance requirements forrespiratory devices for the Military.The CBRN standards bridge these

two jurisdictions to establishperformance criteria for devicesfor people who respond topotential chemical, biological, orradiological incidents.

Q: Why do we have to buyNIOSH-approved CBRNrespiratory protection?

A: The OSHA standards state thatNIOSH-certified devices must beused when specified and whereavailable. Until now, there has notbeen a specific approval fordevices to be used in this sort ofenvironment. Some governmentagencies are not required tocomply with OSHA. Some stateshave local OSHA plans which

supersede the Federalrequirements. It is important toread and understand the localrequirements as well as to assess

the potential hazards. A CBRN-certified device will provide abroader range of chemicalprotection than even the standardmilitary canister and thereassurance of third-partycertification. Even if you do notrequire CBRN compliance, youmust still use a NIOSH-approveddevice where one exists.

Q: Is there a shelf life forCBRN canisters?

A: Canisters are typically sealed ina bag or container that protects

them from the environment. This isimportant since environmentalexposure to ambient chemicalsand moisture will affect theperformance of the filter element.Provided that the integrity of thecanister has not been violated,CBRN canisters can sit on a shelf,unused, for 5 years. Completedetails are included in theinstructions with each canisterand gas mask.

Q: What other protection isneeded from CBRN agents?

A: Besides respiratory protection,you will need complete bodyprotection, such as total-encapsulating suits, gloves, boots,hoods, etc. Check with your MSAdistributor for protective clothinginformation.


RicinEvidence indicates that theinternational terrorists behind tMillennium Bomb Plot were

planning simultaneous ricinattacks in Europe and the U.S.Though a deadly poison, ricin islightweight compared to anthraTo match the killing power of onkilogram of anthrax, a terroristwould need four metric tons ofricin. But there is no treatment ricin poisoning.

In 1978, Bulgarian author GeorgMarkov died after getting hit wiricin-filled dart while walking inLondon.

SarinOn a Monday morning in March1995, Aum Shinrikyo cultistsreleased a cloud of impure Sarigas in a crowded Tokyo subwaEven in dilute form, the chemicakilled 12 and sickened thousandThough they posed no threat inU.S., the cult had an office in NYork City, just a few blocks fromthe Times Square subway statio

CyanideA London plot to release cyanidgas on the Underground tubenetwork was foiled with the arreof three reported to have links toAl Quaeda.


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Note: This Bulletin contains only a general description of theproducts shown. While uses and performance capabilities aredescribed, under no circumstances shall the products be usedby untrained or unqualified individuals and not until theproduct instructions including any warnings orcautions provided have been thoroughly read andunderstood. Only they contain the complete anddetailed information concerning proper use and careof these products.

ID 5555-180-MC / Jan 2007

MSA 2006 Printed in U.S.A.

Corporate HeadquartersP.O. Box 426, Pittsburgh, PA 15230 USA

Phone 412-967-3000www.MSAnet.com

U.S. Customer Service CenterPhone 1-800-MSA-2222

Fax 1-800-967-0398

MSA CanadaPhone 416-620-4225Fax 416-620-9697

MSA MexicoPhone 52-55 21 22 5770

Fax 52-55 5359 4330

MSA InternationalPhone 412-967-3354FAX 412-967-3451

Examples of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Hazards

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov

Selected Agents & Threats

Agents Indications Characteristics, Comments

Chemical agents

Cyanide Rapid breathing, restlessness, dizziness, weakness, headache, nauseaand vomiting, rapid heart rate. Exposure to a large amount of cyanide by

any route may also cause these other health effects: convulsions, low bloodpressure, slow heart rate, loss of consciousness, lung injury, respiratory

failure leading to death.

Sometimes described as having a bitter almond smell, but it does not alwaygive off an odor, and not everyone can detect this odor.

Mustard (HD) Blistering of the skin and mucous membranes on contact. These symptomsmay not occur for 2 to 24 hours: Red and itching skin; irritation, pain, swelling,and tearing in eyes; runny nose, sneezing, hoarseness, bloody nose, sinus pain;abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Not found naturally in the environment, but can be carried long distances

by wind.Smells like garlic, onions, or mustard.Color is clear to yellow or brown.

Ricin Inhalation: coughing, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, nausea,and aching muscles. Within a few hours, the bodys airways (such as lungs)become severely inflamed (swollen and hot), excess fluid builds up in the

lungs, breathing becomes even more difficult, and the skin might turn blue.Ingestion: internal bleeding of the stomach and intestines that leads to

vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

Easy to make. It takes a deliberate act to make ricin and use it to poison peopAs few as 500 micrograms can kill an adult.Death comes within 36 to 48 hours

Sarin (GB) Exposure through skin contact or eye contact.

Runny nose, watery eyes small, pinpoint pupils, eye pain, blurred vision,drooling and excessive sweating, cough, chest tightness, rapid breathing,diarrhea, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, headache,nausea, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain, slow or fast heart rate, abnormally

low or high blood pressure.

Not found naturally in the environment, but clothing that has come in contact

with sarin vapor can release sarin for about 30 minutes afterward, whichcan lead to exposure of other people.

VX Exposure through skin contact, eye contact, or inhalation.Runny nose, watery eyes small, pinpoint pupils, eye pain, blurred vision,drooling and excessive sweating, cough, chest tightness, rapid breathing,diarrhea, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, headache,

nausea, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain, slow or fast heart rate, abnormallylow or high blood pressure.

Most potent of all nerve agents.

Odorless and tasteless.Its an oily liquid that is amber in color and very slow to evaporate. Itevaporates about as slowly as motor oil.

Biological agents

Anthrax Inhalational anthrax (most lethal form): sore throat, mild fever, muscle achesand malaise

Cutaneous anthrax: raised bump resembling spider bite within 1-2 days

Not contagious. Prophylactic inoculation available.Spores do not have a characteristic appearance (e.g., color), smell, or taste.

Botulism Symptoms begin within 6 hours to 2 weeks (most commonly 12 to 36 hours)after eating food that contains the toxins.

Double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficultyswallowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness that descends from the shouldersdown through the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc.

Not contagious.Caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium

Clostridium botulinum.About 110 cases of botulism are reported yearly in the US.

Smallpox Fever, malaise, head and body aches, and sometimes vomiting. The fever isusually high, in the range of 101 to 104 degrees F.

Contagious. Prophylactic inoculation available.Direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact is required to spread smallpo

from one person to another. Also can be spread through direct contact withinfected bodily fluids or contaminated objects (bedding, clothing, etc.). Can be

carried by air in enclosed settings such as buildings, buses, and trains.

Plague Fever, weakness, rapid onset of pneumonia, cough, shortness of breath,chest pain, watery or bloody sputum. Nausea and vomiting

Contagious through close contact. Incubation period one to six days. Five to 1cases are reported in the United States each year.

Radiological /nuclear threat

Dirty bomb Radiological Dispersal Devices or dirty bombs combine conventional

explosives, such as dynamite, with radioactive materials in the formof powder or pellets.

Radiation cannot be seen, smelled, felt, or tasted by humans.

Washing reduces the amount of radioactive contamination on the bodyand thus effectively reduces total exposure. Taking potassium iodide (KI)tablets after an incident involving radioactive materials may limit the risk ofionizing radiation damage to a persons thyroid gland.

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