1. Chemical warfare agents are classified as either persistent or non-persistent, which is determined based on the volatility of the chemical. A chemical is classified as highly volatile if it evaporates and disperses rapidly into the environment and is classified as non-persistent. Some examples of non-persistent chemical agents include: hydrogen cyanide (HCN), sarin (GB), chorine, and phosgene. These agents present an immediate but short-lived threat because they evaporate rapidly after dissemination. Non-persistent agents are easily absorbed across the respiratory tract of an unmasked soldier, with the effects having the potential to be life threatening.
Persistent agents are less volatile and tend to remain on exposed surfaces in the …show more content…
In order for a clinical toxicologist to find information on the CDC website for specific chemical agents, it would be best to use sections titled Specific Chemical Agents and Info for Professionals. Both sections provide the toxicologist with information including: physical and chemical characteristics, methods of exposure, immediate signs and symptoms, long-term health effects after exposure, and treatment of specific chemical toxicity. Other information that may be useful to the toxicologist includes: laboratory findings and other differential diagnosis that should be considered. Information is also provided from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health on personal protective equipment that should be warn by first responders and the attending clinicians. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry provides the toxicologist with a full toxicological profile providing information on the exposure limit standardized by the federal government, best methods of medical testing that can be performed to determine exposure, specific populations that are more susceptible to chemical toxicity, and if the specific chemical agent causes any type of cancer. Medical management is also provided to the toxicologist with both prehospital management and emergency department management to ensure hospital staff does not contaminate themselves during treatment of affected
Persistent agents are less volatile and tend to remain on exposed surfaces in the …show more content…
In order for a clinical toxicologist to find information on the CDC website for specific chemical agents, it would be best to use sections titled Specific Chemical Agents and Info for Professionals. Both sections provide the toxicologist with information including: physical and chemical characteristics, methods of exposure, immediate signs and symptoms, long-term health effects after exposure, and treatment of specific chemical toxicity. Other information that may be useful to the toxicologist includes: laboratory findings and other differential diagnosis that should be considered. Information is also provided from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health on personal protective equipment that should be warn by first responders and the attending clinicians. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry provides the toxicologist with a full toxicological profile providing information on the exposure limit standardized by the federal government, best methods of medical testing that can be performed to determine exposure, specific populations that are more susceptible to chemical toxicity, and if the specific chemical agent causes any type of cancer. Medical management is also provided to the toxicologist with both prehospital management and emergency department management to ensure hospital staff does not contaminate themselves during treatment of affected