CHEMICAL AGENTS

The dangers of a chemical release to workers and the general public are not new. Thousands of hazardous chemicals are produced, stored, and used in workplaces across the country. Workers and the public also face a potential risk from the large amounts of chemicals that are transported each day by trucks, railroads, and other means.

An unplanned chemical release can have devastating consequences. One of the worst disasters occurred in December of 1984 in Bhopal, India. A cloud of methyl isocyanate and other deadly gases was released during the night from a Union Carbide pesticide factory. Thousands were killed within hours and the next few days, and thousands more died and suffer illness months and years later as the result of the incident. Nobody outside the factory was warned because the safety siren was turned off.

An intentional release of deadly chemicals could cause similar or even greater damage. Therefore, emergency planning and preparedness are necessary to prevent and/or respond to an attack using chemical agents. Although there are thousands of poisonous substances, only a fairly small number are considered suitable for chemical warfare. Nerve, blister, and pulmonary agents are among the categories of chemicals that are of greatest concern.

For more information on the following and other chemicals, visit the Chemical Agents section of the CDC website.