What Are Chemical Weapons?

A Guide to

Understanding

the Threat of

Chemical

Weapons

Chemical Weapons

A chemical substance

intended to poison

people and the

environment.

• Nerve agents (Sarin and Vioxin)

• Lung-damaging/choking agents (chlorine and phosgene)

• Blood Agents (cyanide)

• Blister-causing agents (mustard gas)

• Incapacitating/riot-control agents (CS gas)

Types of Chemical AgentsAn agents effect depends on:

• Purity of the chemical

• Its concentration in the air

• Wind and weather conditions at the time of its release

• Length of a victims exposure

Well Known Chemical SubstancesSarin

• Nerve agent

• Can be fatal in a few minutes without antidote treatment

• Difficult to produce

Vioxin

• The deadliest long lasting nerve agent

• Must take antidote immediately

• Requires extreme caution to handle

Mustard Gas

• Blister-causing agents

• Not always fatal. First aid is very important.

• Remains toxic to the soil for decades

Plan, Prepare and Practice (3 P’s)

• Make a list of emergency phone numbers

• Have an emergency supply kit

• Check on school emergency plans for

• your school-age children

• Decide which room of your home to seek shelter

• Practice your plan

Emergency Supply Kit

How Will We Know?

What to Do During a Chemical Attack

If you are not near the affected area:

• Listen to official reports

If the chemical is outdoors and you are indoors:

• Stay indoors

• Turn off all ventilation

• Seek shelter in an internal room

• Remain in protected areas

If the chemical is within the same building as you are located:

• Get out of the building

If that is not possible:

• Try to move far away

• Seek shelter in an internal room

What to Do During a Chemical Attack

Follow official instructions

If you are outside:

• Leave the affected area as quickly as possible

• Find shelter

If you are in your car:

• Stay inside with engine off

• Windows rolled up with vents off

• If safe, drive away from affected area

What to Do After a Chemical Attack

If exposed:

• Remove your clothes

• Decontaminate your hands

• Change into uncontaminated clothes

• Use extreme caution when helping others

• Never leave the safety of a shelter until authorities announce it is safe to do so

What to Do After a Chemical Attack

• Seek medical attention

• Do not call 9-1-1

• Pay close attention to official information

What Else Can We Do?• Stay informed

• Be aware of your surroundings

• Volunteer

Plan, Prepare and Practice

County of San DiegoOffice of Emergency Services

Deborah Steffen, Director

County Board of SupervisorsGreg Cox, District 1 Dianne Jacob, District 2Pam Slater, District 3 Ron Roberts,District 4

Bill Horn, District 5

Chief Administrative OfficerChief Administrative OfficerWalter F. Ekard

Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Safety GroupDeputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Safety GroupW. Harold Tuck, Jr.

Developed for the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services