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Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e
| Part 9. Terrorism and Clinical Medicine > |
Chapter 222. Chemical Terrorism
Sections: Chemical Terrorism: Introduction, Further Readings.
Topics Discussed: bioterrorism and disaster preparedness; chemical warfare; chemical warfare agents.
Excerpt:"The use of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in modern warfare dates back to World War I (WWI). Most recently, sulfur mustard and nerve agents were used by Iraq against the Iranian military and Kurdish civilians. Since the Japanese sarin attacks in 1994–1995 and the terrorist strikes of September 11, 2001, the all too real possibility of chemical or biological terrorism against civilian populations anywhere in the world has attracted increased attention.Sulfur mustard has been a military threat since it first appeared on the battlefield in Belgium during WWI. In modern times it remains a threat on the battlefield as well as a potential terrorist threat for bioterrorism because of simplicity of manufacture and extreme effectiveness. Sulfur mustard accounted for 70% of the 1.3 million chemical casualties in WWI. Occasional cases occur in the United States in people exposed to WWI and WWII-era munitions.Sulfur mustard constitutes both a vapor and a liquid threat to all exposed epithelial surfaces. The effects are delayed, appearing hours after exposure. The organs most commonly affected are the skin (with erythema and vesicles), eyes (ranging from mild conjunctivitis to severe eye damage), and airways (ranging from mild upper airway irritation..."
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