Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids, and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals, or plants. They can be released by bombs or sprayed from aircraft, boats, and vehicles. They can be used as a liquid to create a hazard to people and the environment. Some chemical agents may be odorless and tasteless. They can have an immediate effect (a few seconds to a few minutes) or a delayed effect (2 to 48 hours). While potentially lethal, chemical agents are difficult to deliver in lethal concentrations. Outdoors, the agents often dissipate rapidly. Chemical agents also are difficult to produce.
A chemical attack could come without warning. Signs of a chemical release include people having difficulty breathing; experiencing eye irritation; losing coordination; becoming nauseated; or having a burning sensation in the nose, throat, and lungs. Also, the presence of many dead insects or birds may indicate a chemical agent release.
All information above is from the FEMA website.
For more information and resources on Terrorism Preparedness, please visit the web sites below.
US Department of Homeland Security – FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/
US Department of Homeland Security
http://www.dhs.gov/
Homeland Security National Terrorism Advisory System
http://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system
CDC – Center For Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
CDC – Bioterrorism
http://emergency.cdc.gov/bioterrorism/
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/
Ready Gov
http://www.ready.gov/
