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Terrorism is the use of violence, fear and intimidation to achieve an end.
Since the 9-11 attacks in September 2001 and the anthrax attacks in the same year, increasing terrorism has been a greater concern. The concept of using biological agents (some chemical made by a living organism or the organism itself) for this purpose is not new as it has been used in warfare for more than two millennia.
Some examples of this use are:
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400 BC: Scythian archers dipped arrows in blood, manure and tissue from decomposing bodies to poison their enemies.
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200 BC: South American archers used curare on arrows to kill their enemies.
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1650 AD: A Polish general ordered saliva from rabid dogs placed into hollow spheres to hurl at enemies.
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1930’s AD: Japanese military dropped fleas infected with Plague bacteria into Chinese cities.
The best defense against such an attack is to know sources of reliable information about the type of agent and its location, treatment or protection options. People will generally learn about an attack through the standard news media, particularly their radios, televisions and the Internet.
An excellent source of needed information about what to do is your regional poison center. You can speak with a poison information specialist 24 hours a day via the nationwide toll-free telephone number 1-800-222-1222. Each of our nation’s poison centers is available to all health care providers and to the general public to assist in providing appropriate prevention and treatment options.
Additional information regarding bioterrorism and other chemical agents may be found at the Centers for Disease Control website http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.
If an attack happens:
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Stay Calm.
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Call 1-800-222-1222 or 911.
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If outdoors - cover all exposed skin and protect your respiratory system as much as possible.
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If attack is outdoors and you are indoors, stay inside, close all windows and doors tightly and turn off ventilation system. If alarm sounds, exit building avoiding contaminated area.
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Once clear of contaminated area, remove all external clothing and leave outside. Immediately shower with soap and water. Irrigate eyes with water.
Call 1-800-222-1222 for more instructions.
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