Prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) is now a proven method for the identification of chemical warfare agents and explosives in military projectiles and storage containers. Idaho National Laboratory is developing a next-generation PGNAA instrument based on the new Ortec Detective mechanically-cooled HPGe detector and a neutron generator. In this paper we review PGNAA analysis of...

I am pleased that the two articles on Airport Remediation following a Chemical Terrorist Attack are being published in the Journal of Human and Ecological Risk Assessment since that will make them available to a larger audience and facilitate updating. Agency guideline reports tend to be shelved and forgotten and the two articles in this report should avoid that fate since they are much more th...

The UK government has carried out a research programme studying military capability under conditions of chemical warfare at a facility at Porton Down, Wiltshire, since World War I. In 2001 the Ministry of Defence commissioned a cohort study to investigate the long-term health effects on military veterans of their participation in this programme. We assessed the availability and quality of expos...

CONTEXT The main objectives of triage are securing patient safety during the process of emergency diagnosis and treatment, and reduction of waiting time for medical services and transport. To date, there is no triage system for nerve agent victims. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION This systematic review proposes a new triage system for patients exposed to nerve agents. Information regarding clinical sign...

To the Editor:—The interesting article by Flaishon et al. included prospective data on the difficulties of performing anesthetic and critical care duties in mass casualty situations. An additional factor to consider is the challenge of continuing to perform one’s duties while wearing full antichemical protective gear. As a member of the Air National Guard, I am obligated to perform chemical war...

As one of the most important vesicant agents, the destructive properties of mustards on the skin, eyes and respiratory system, combined with a lack of antidote, makes them effective weapons. Such weapons are inexpensive, easily obtainable and frequently stockpiled. Sulphur mustard (mustard gas) has been used as a chemical warfare agent in at least 10 conflicts. In this article, the use of musta...

We investigated the association of 15 exposures, 10 stressors, and 18 life events with illness symptoms reported by 978 veterans who believe they suffer from Gulf War-related illnesses. A mail survey was completed by veterans (60% response rate) from the Gulf War Health Registry. Variables most associated with high symptom group membership were reported chemical/biologic warfare (CBW), concerns...

Introduction Remediation of environment polluted with toxic chemical warfare agents (CWA) is a challenging task for authorities who deal with public health and environmental safety. Abnormal health symptoms appear when the human beings are exposed to these hazardous chemicals. Decontamination of surface or environment tainted with these toxic chemicals is the main job we have to do, to avoid he...