INCREASED TERRORIST INTEREST IN TOXIC
CHEMICAL MATERIALS AND DELIVERY METHODS
CHEMICAL DISPERSAL DEVICE
Recently obtained information details the construction of a possible terrorist chemical weapon made with easily available items. If used the device would likely produce cyanogen chloride,hydrogen cyanide, and possibly chlorine. Little or no training is required to assemble and deploy such a device, due to its simplicity.
The chemical device consists of a pierced container or canister, such as a large milk container or paint can, to allow the toxic gas to exit. Some materials in the device are likely to be in glass bottles or vials. The bottom of the container would be partially filled with white solid and dark reddish-brown crystals. The device could be used with or without a detonator. The detonator or other means is used to break the glass containers, releasing the acid and allowing the chemicals to mix, creating a vapor.
POSSIBLE AREAS OF USE
The device could be placed near air intakes or ventilation systems, in crowded open spaces or in enclosed spaces which include, but are not limited to: subways, sports stadiums, arenas, office buildings (with security guards), hospitals, malls, restaurants, and schools.
INDICATORS OF AN ATTACK:
♦ Odor of bitter almonds (HCN) or acrid, choking odor (ClCN)
♦ Burning pain in the victim’s eyes (ClCN) or irritating to lungs (Cyanogen chloride)
♦ White cloud around the device generating the gas.
♦ Suffocation, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, confusion, hyperventilation, anxiety and vertigo
which may progress to agitation, stupor, coma, and death.
♦ Delayed evacuation and panic-related injuries in an enclosed space.
TREATMENT
Cyanide poisoning: high doses of oxygen. Chapter 6, OMAD 05A-2003 Medical Management of Cyanide (Revised)..
SUGGESTED PROTECTIVE MEASURES
♦ All members shall make sure they are wearing their PPE and don their SCBA.
♦ It is likely that all reactants will not be totally consumed at first, and the device may
reactivate when it was disturbed, which could severely impair emergency responders.
♦ Incident commander shall request the appropriate hazmat response unit to utilize their
monitoring instruments and specialized equipment.
Reprinted from article submitted by Department of Homeland Security
CHEMICAL MATERIALS AND DELIVERY METHODS
CHEMICAL DISPERSAL DEVICE
Recently obtained information details the construction of a possible terrorist chemical weapon made with easily available items. If used the device would likely produce cyanogen chloride,hydrogen cyanide, and possibly chlorine. Little or no training is required to assemble and deploy such a device, due to its simplicity.
The chemical device consists of a pierced container or canister, such as a large milk container or paint can, to allow the toxic gas to exit. Some materials in the device are likely to be in glass bottles or vials. The bottom of the container would be partially filled with white solid and dark reddish-brown crystals. The device could be used with or without a detonator. The detonator or other means is used to break the glass containers, releasing the acid and allowing the chemicals to mix, creating a vapor.
POSSIBLE AREAS OF USE
The device could be placed near air intakes or ventilation systems, in crowded open spaces or in enclosed spaces which include, but are not limited to: subways, sports stadiums, arenas, office buildings (with security guards), hospitals, malls, restaurants, and schools.
INDICATORS OF AN ATTACK:
♦ Odor of bitter almonds (HCN) or acrid, choking odor (ClCN)
♦ Burning pain in the victim’s eyes (ClCN) or irritating to lungs (Cyanogen chloride)
♦ White cloud around the device generating the gas.
♦ Suffocation, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, confusion, hyperventilation, anxiety and vertigo
which may progress to agitation, stupor, coma, and death.
♦ Delayed evacuation and panic-related injuries in an enclosed space.
TREATMENT
Cyanide poisoning: high doses of oxygen. Chapter 6, OMAD 05A-2003 Medical Management of Cyanide (Revised)..
SUGGESTED PROTECTIVE MEASURES
♦ All members shall make sure they are wearing their PPE and don their SCBA.
♦ It is likely that all reactants will not be totally consumed at first, and the device may
reactivate when it was disturbed, which could severely impair emergency responders.
♦ Incident commander shall request the appropriate hazmat response unit to utilize their
monitoring instruments and specialized equipment.
Reprinted from article submitted by Department of Homeland Security
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