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Oct 6, 2003 Stay alert. If you live in a large city, then it is at least possible that a nuclear, biological, or chemical attack can be launched by terrorists. In a small town, I wouldn't worry too much. First, buying the cheap, old-style protective ("gas") masks is not worth the time, effort, and money. How likely are you to carry such around with you anyway? However, there are some fairly simple things you can do if you suspect an NBC attack. Second, of an atomic bomb goes off in Manhattan, you will know it. If nearby, you won't have to worry abot it--you'll be dead. If far enough away to avoid the initial heat and blast, there are some things you can do. Third, chemical and biological ("ChemBio") attacks may be quite subtle. If you smell something funny and people start dropping like flies, that might be a pretty definite clue. Fourth, the most likely sort of nuclear attack is a conventional-explosive bomb which has been laced with radioactive material. The explosion is NOT a nuclear explosion, but that of just a "big standard bomb." The sound is often of higher pitch, sharper, of shorter duration than the rumbling explosions with lots of flame and smoke seen on TV. If suspicious of an attack of the "dirty bomb" or ChemBio type, there are some personal actions which you can take to decrease your exposure to the agents involved and thereby increase your chance of survival: You may not be able to identify the hazardous agentsm especially in the case of biological and radiological agents. The following actions/measures which could apply to either a chemical, biological, or radiological incident: If outdoors, evacuate upwind of the suspected area. If you have clothing which is capable of covering more of your body (putting up the hood on a parka, buttoning up a raincoat or overcoat, putting a scarf over the head and face, putting on gloves, etc.), then do it. If inside and the incident is inside, evacuate while minimizing passage through the contaminated area, keep windows and doors not used closed. If inside, and the incident is outside, stay inside. Turn off air conditioning, seal windows and doors with plastic tape. If radiological material is suspected, remember to minimize exposure by minimizing time around suspected site, maximizing distance from the site, and trying to place some shielding (e.g. buildings, vehicle, land feature such as a hill, etc.) between yourself and the site. If communication is possible (cell phone, etc.), notify authorities. Once you get clear of the suspected contaminated area, remove all external apparel, such as clothes, shoes, gloves, hats, and leave them outside. Don't go home and take the contamination into your house! Don't go to your car and take it into your auto! Proceed to a shower and thoroughly wash your body with soap and water. This needs to be accomplished as fast as possible, best within minutes. Simply flushing water over the body is not enough. You need to aggressively scrub your skin and irrigate your eyes with water. In the case of many biologicals, this is often sufficient to avert contact infection. Even better than plain soap and water, if it is available, take one part household bleach such as Clorox, and 10 parts water and wash down with this. Do not let this solution contact your eyes. If a biological or chemical contamination is suspected, you can decontaminate fabric clothing and equipment, with undiluted household bleach. A contact time of 30 minutes should be allowed before discarding or further use. This might ruin your Givenchy gown, but at that point, what the heck! ------------ About the author: 62-yr-old physician, still practicing, retired from 41 years intermittent military service as of June 1, 2003. Just write for the fun of it. Currently writing a novel. Email Brooks A. Mick: brooks15@cox.net Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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