Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism: an introduction for occupational physicians.

BACKGROUND Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism poses considerable threat throughout the world. AIM To provide occupational physicians with an understanding of this threat and its main forms and what action can be taken to counter this threat. METHODS Presenters at a conference on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism were asked to contribute their evidence-based opinions in order to produce a review article. RESULTS This paper presents a summary of the different forms of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism and the effective counter-measures and also provides a review of current scientific literature. CONCLUSION The threat of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism is present throughout the world and is one that occupational physicians should be aware of, as well as the action that can be taken to counter it.