Chemical Terrorism

By James A. Geiling, MD, FCCP

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Detection

Unfortunately, unless the use of chemical agents is suspected, patients or animals who are exposed serve as "canaries in the coal mine." The best methods for "detecting" a release are to prevent it from occurring in the first place, or to prepare for such an event should it occur. Intelligence activities may assist law enforcement agencies in monitoring and preparing for such a release, thereby aiding the medical community in planning for such a disaster. However, this only occurs if medical planners seek out such information and become involved in community preparedness.

Detection equipment does exist in two basic formats, point and standoff detection. The most common point detection can take the form of Chemical Agent Detection Paper or a hand-held electronic Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM). This device uses ion mobility spectrometry and can detect mustard and nerve agent. Other devices include a Chemical Agent Detector Kit capable of detecting nerve, blister, and cyanide agents, and an Automatic Chemical Agent Alarm that can sense nerve agent vapors and inhalable aerosols. Standoff detection is possible with devices such as a Remote Sensing Chemical Agent Alarm (RSCAAL), which, through the use of optical remote sensing, can detect nerve and blister agents at 1.5 km. This capability is best in open terrain. Finally, specialty vehicles such as the Fox NBC Mobile Detector or Recon Vehicle can enter a potentially contaminated environment to determine the presence of most chemical agents.

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