Chemical Terrorism Agents

Scientists often categorize chemicals by the type of chemical or by the effects a chemical would have on people exposed to it.  The categories, definitions and some examples are as follows:

Biotoxins: poisons that come from plants or animals.

• Abrin
• Ricin
• Strychnine

Blister agents/vesicants: chemicals that severely blister the eyes, respiratory tract and skin, on contact.

• Lewisite
• Mustard
• Nitrogen Mustard

Blood agents: poisons that affect the body by being absorbed into the blood.

• Arsine
• Cyanide

Caustics (acids): chemicals that burn or corrode people’s skin, eyes and the lining of the nose, mouth, throat and lungs on contact.

• Hydrofluoric Acid (hydrogen fluoride)

Choking/lung/pulmonary agents: chemicals that cause severe irritation or swelling of the respiratory tract (lining of the nose, throat and lungs).

• Bromine
• Chlorine
• Phosgene (CG)

Incapacitating agents: drugs that make people unable to think clearly or that cause an altered state of consciousness (possibly unconsciousness).

Long acting anticoagulants: poisons that prevent blood from clotting properly, which can lead to uncontrolled bleeding.

Metals: agents that consist of metallic poisons.

• Arsenic
• Mercury
• Thallium

Nerve agents: highly poisonous chemicals that work by preventing the nervous system from working properly.

• Sarin  (GB)
• Soman (GD)
• Tabun (GA)
• VX

Organic solvents: agents that damage the tissues of living things by dissolving fats and oils.

• Benzene

Riot control agents/tear gas: highly irritating agents normally used by law enforcement for crowd control or by individuals for protection (e.g. mace).

• Riot Control Agents

Toxic alcohols: poisonous alcohols that can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system.

• Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol

Vomiting agents: chemicals that cause nausea and vomiting.

The above list represents only some of the major chemical agents; please click here for a complete list.

For More Information, Please Visit:

• Chemical Terrorism Agents
• Sheltering in Place
• Evacuation
• Personal Cleaning and Disposal of Contaminated Clothing
• Chemical Threat Information
• Visual Guide for Chemical Threats

Terrorism

• Biological Terrorism
• Chemical Terrorism
• Radiological (Nuclear) Terrorism
• Bombs/Explosive Devices and Incendiary Devices

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