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Review
. 2005 Aug 13;331(7513):397-400.
doi: 10.1136/bmj.331.7513.397.

Weapons of mass destruction--threats and responses

Christine Gosden  1 , Derek Gardener
Affiliations
Review

Weapons of mass destruction--threats and responses

Christine Gosden et al. BMJ. .
No abstract available

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Casualties from the attack on Halabja in northern Iraq by the former Iraqi government with multiple WMD agents, including nerve and mustard agents
Figure 2
Figure 2
Subway passengers affected by sarin gas planted in central Tokyo attended by unprotected first responders and medical staff
Figure 3
Figure 3
Characteristic blistering of skin from exposure to mustard agent. The blisters resolve, but 30% of mustard agent victims have severe, irreversible damage to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Even those lacking these symptoms are at risk of serious future problems. Medical authorities should be concerned about all victims' future health and wellbeing
Figure 4
Figure 4
Smallpox is very contagious, and lack of natural resistance or vaccine means it would be highly lethal
Figure 5
Figure 5
Procedure for dealing with casualties from a WMD incident
Figure 6
Figure 6
Long term effects of WMD. These may be serious, depending on the agent, route of exposure, dose, and individual susceptibility. Prompt actions, such as decontamination, help to mitigate against long term health problems
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Ellison, DH. Handbook of chemical and biological warfare agents. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2000
    1. Dwyer A, Eldridge J, Kernan M. Jane's chem-bio handbook international. 2nd ed. Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group, 2003
    1. National Guideline Clearinghouse. Guidelines on bioterrorism. www.guideline.gov/resources/bioterrorism.aspx
    1. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk
    1. CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Emergency preparedness and response. www.bt.cdc.gov