Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBRN Agents

Criminal or Terrorist Use of Chemical, Biological and Radiological Agents

If you suspect an intentional release of a chemical, biological or radiological agent (CBRN), you should immediately contact your local emergency response authorities (911). Additionally, for CBRN incidents occurring:

• Within the United States, call the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802
• Within Canada, call CANUTEC at 613-996-6666 (1-888-226-8832)
• Within Mexico, call CENACOM at 555-128-0000 extensions 36428, 36422, 36469, 37807, 37810
• In other countries, consult the "24-hour emergency response telephone numbers" section.

The following is general guidance and does not serve as specialized incident response training. Do not enter the scene without appropriate training and equipment.

Initial Actions to Consider in a Potential CBRN/Terrorism Event

• First responders must ensure their own safety.
• Avoid using cell phones, radios, etc. within 100 meters (300 feet) of a suspect device.
• If known, request trained specialist resources.
• Set up incident command upwind and uphill of the area.
• Do not touch or move suspicious packages or containers.
• Be cautious about the potential presence of secondary devices (e.g., improvised explosive devices).
• Avoid contamination.
• Limit access to only those responsible for rescue of victims or assessment of unknown materials or devices.
• Evacuate and isolate potentially exposed people away from the scene, preferably upwind and uphill.
• Isolate contaminated areas and secure the scene for analysis of material.

Differences Between Chemical, Biological and Radiological Agents

• Chemical incidents are characterized by the rapid onset of medical symptoms (minutes to hours) and easily observed signatures (colored residue, dead foliage, pungent odor, dead insects and animals).
• Biological incidents are characterized by the onset of symptoms in hours to days. Typically, there are no characteristic signatures — biological agents are usually odorless and colorless. Because of the delayed onset, the affected area may be greater due to the movement of infected people.
• Radiological incidents are characterized by the onset of symptoms, if any, in days to weeks or longer. Radioactive materials are usually odorless and colorless. Specialized equipment is needed to determine the size of the affected area and the level of hazard. A "dirty bomb" (radiological dispersal device, or RDD) uses a conventional explosive to spread contamination — the primary hazard is the explosion, but radioactive contamination can affect several city blocks.

Indicators of a Possible Chemical Incident

• Dead animals, birds, or fish (numerous, in the same area)
• Lack of insect life
• Unexplained odors (fruity, flowery, sharp, pungent, garlic, horseradish-like, bitter almonds, peach kernels, newly mown hay)
• Unusual numbers of dying or sick people (mass casualties): nausea, disorientation, difficulty breathing, convulsions, localized sweating, reddened eyes or skin, death
• Pattern of casualties distributed downwind or by ventilation
• Blisters or rashes — unexplained water-like blisters or weals
• Illness in confined area: different casualty rates indoors versus outdoors
• Unusual liquid droplets — oily droplets on surfaces or water
• Different-looking areas — dead, discolored, or withered vegetation without drought
• Low-lying clouds or fog-like conditions not consistent with surroundings
• Unusual metal debris — bomb or munitions-like material, especially if it contains a liquid

Indicators of a Possible Biological Incident

• Unusual numbers of sick or dying people or animals (hours to days after)
• Unscheduled and unusual spray being disseminated, especially outdoors during periods of darkness
• Abandoned spray devices — may not have distinct odors

Indicators of a Possible Radiological Incident

• Radiation symbols ("propeller" symbol) on containers
• Unusual metal debris
• Heat-emitting material without external heat source
• Glowing material (radioluminescence)
• Sick people or animals in improbable scenarios — skin reddening or vomiting

Personal Safety Considerations

• Minimize exposure time.
• Maximize the distance between you and the item.
• Use cover as protection.
• Wear appropriate PPE and respiratory protection. NIOSH-certified respirators with CBRN protection are highly recommended.
• Identify and estimate the hazard using the indicators above.
• Isolate the area and secure the scene.
• Isolate and decontaminate potentially contaminated people as soon as possible.
• Limit the spread of contamination.

In the event of a chemical incident, the fading of chemical odors does not necessarily indicate reduced vapor concentrations — some chemicals deaden the senses.

If contamination with radioactive material is suspected (including any non-accidental explosion), responders should be equipped with radiation detection equipment, adequately trained to use it, and the equipment should alert when unacceptable ambient dose rates are reached.

Decontamination Measures

• Chemical and biological agents: Follow standard decontamination procedures (flush-strip-flush). Mass casualty decontamination should begin as soon as possible by stripping all clothing and flushing with soap and water.
• Radioactive contamination: Minimize spread. Move victims to a low radiation area if safe. Remove clothing into a clearly marked and sealed receptacle for later testing. Avoid breaking the skin (no vigorous brushing). External radiological contamination on intact skin rarely causes a hazardous dose — prioritize medical stabilization for a contaminated injured individual.

Above information developed in part by the Department of National Defence (Canada), the U.S. Department of the Army, Aberdeen Proving Ground and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents

Chemical and biological warfare agents do not have an assigned ID number because they are not commercially transported. In an emergency situation, the assigned guide (orange section) will provide guidance for the initial response.

The volumes used for the chemical warfare agents' distances are:

• Small release: discharge up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs.)
• Large release: discharge up to 25 kg (55 lbs.)

Biological Warfare Agents

• Biological agents: Pathogens (bacteria, viruses, etc.) dispersed with criminal intent. Cause disease or death in otherwise healthy humans. Examples: Anthrax, plague, smallpox virus. Refer to GUIDE 158.
• Toxins: Poisonous or toxic material from a plant, animal, or bacterial source. Examples: Botulinum toxin, ricin. Refer to GUIDE 152.

Chemical Warfare Agents

• Blister agents (vesicants): Cause blistering of the skin. Examples: Lewisite, Mustard. Symptoms: red eyes, skin irritation, burning of skin, blisters, upper respiratory damage, cough, hoarseness.
• Blood agents: Interfere with cell respiration. Examples: Arsine, cyanogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide. Symptoms: respiratory distress, headache, unresponsiveness, seizures, coma.
• Choking agents: Cause physical injury to the lungs. Examples: Diphosgene, phosgene. Symptoms: irritation of eyes/nose/throat, respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting, burning of exposed skin.
• Incapacitating agents: Cause an altered state of consciousness. Example: 3-Quinuclidinyl benzilate (BZ). Symptoms: hallucinations, confusion, agitation, dilated pupils, blurred vision, dry/flushed skin, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, elevated temperature.
• Nerve agents: Interfere with the central nervous system. Examples: Sarin, Tabun, VX. Symptoms: pinpoint pupils, extreme headache, severe chest tightness, dyspnea, runny nose, coughing, salivation, unresponsiveness, seizures.
• Tear gas agents: Irritate eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin. Examples: Bromobenzylcyanide, chloroacetophenone. Symptoms: excessive tearing, burning eyes, blurred vision, redness, burning of mouth, difficulty swallowing, chest tightness, coughing, skin burns and rash.
• Vomiting agents: Cause irritation and nausea/vomiting. Examples: Adamsite, diphenylchloroarsine. Symptoms: irritation of the eyes, nose, burning in throat, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps.

Chemical Warfare Agents — Initial Isolation & Protective Action Distances

For biological warfare agents, refer to the respective Guide for distances.

Improvised Explosive Device (IED)

An IED is a "homemade" bomb and/or destructive device used to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract. Because they are improvised, IEDs can come in many forms, from a small pipe bomb to a sophisticated device capable of causing massive damage and loss of life. For LPG-truck IED standoff distances, see the dedicated IED standoff tool.