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• Chemical Threats

Chemical Threats

Chemical threats include a variety of hazardous chemical agents that, when released, could harm people’s health.  Chemical releases can be unintentional, as in the case of an industrial accident, or intentional, as in the case of a terrorist attack.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses many categories for hazardous chemicals.  The following list highlights some types of hazardous chemicals. A complete list of chemical agents.

Blistering Agents

Blistering agents (vesicants) are chemicals that severely blister the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin on contact.  Included in this category are: mustards, lewisites/chloroarsine agents, and phosgene oxime.  The most likely routes of exposures are inhalation, dermal (skin) contact, or ocular (eye) contact.  More information about blistering agents.

Blood Agents

Blood agents are poisons that affect the body by being absorbed into the blood.  They include: arsine, carbon monoxide, cyanide, and sodium monofluoroacetate.  More information about blood agents.

Nerve Agents

Nerve agents are highly poisonous chemicals that work by preventing the nervous system from working properly.  Included in this category are: G agents (Sarin, Soman, and Tabun) and V agent (VX). More information about nerve agents.

Pulmonary Agents

Pulmonary agents are chemicals that cause severe irritation or swelling of the respiratory tract (lining of the nose, throat, and lungs).  These chemicals include: ammonia, bromide, and chlorine, among others.  Pulmonary agents include commonly used chemicals.  More information about pulmonary agents.

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Protecting Yourself During a Chemical Emergency

You can protect yourself during a chemical emergency.  Depending on the situation, protective measures may include sheltering in place, evacuation, and/or decontamination.

Sheltering in Place

Some types of chemical accidents or attacks may make going outdoors dangerous.  Leaving the area might take too long or put you in harm’s way.  In this instance, sheltering in place (making a shelter out of the place you are in) may be safer than to go outside.  More information about sheltering in place.

Evacuation

Some kinds of chemical accidents or attacks, such as a train derailment or a terrorist incident, may make staying put dangerous.  In such cases, evacuating (leaving the immediate area) may be safer than staying put.  You may need to go to an emergency shelter after you leave the immediate area.  More information about evacuation.

Decontamination

Some types of chemical accidents or attacks may cause you to come in contact with dangerous chemicals.  This may make it necessary for you to remove and dispose of your clothing right away and then wash yourself.  Removing you clothing and washing your body will reduce or remove the chemical so that it is no longer a hazard.  This process is called decontamination.  More information about decontamination.