Chapter 2

Question 1

Alpha Particles

Answer 1

• Have weight and mass
• Travel less than a few centimeters
• Protect yourself by:
– Staying several feet from source
– Using HEPA filter on simple respirator
– Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Question 2

Beta Particles

Answer 2

• More energetic than alpha particles
• Pose a greater health hazard
– May redden (erythema) and burn skin
– May be inhaled; use SCBA
• Can travel 10 to 15 feet in open air
• Are considered ionizing radiation
• Cannot pass through most solid objects

Question 3

Gamma Radiation

Answer 3

• Pure electromagnetic energy
• Most energetic radiation responders may
encounter
• Passes easily through thick, solid objects
• Form of ionizing radiation; can be deadly
• SCBA will not provide protection
• Neutrons can create gamma radiation

Question 4

Non-ionizing Radiation

Answer 4

• Comes from electromagnetic waves
• Does not have sufficient energy to change
human cells
• Examples: Sound waves, radio waves,
microwaves

Question 5

TRACEMP

Answer 5

– Thermal
– Radiological
– Asphyxiation
– Chemical
– Etiological (anthrax, plague, smallpox)
– Mechanical
– Psychogenic

Question 6

Nerve Agents

Answer 6

• Enter body through lungs or skin
• Disrupt central nervous system
• May cause death or serious impairment
• Signs/symptoms: “SLUDGEM”

Question 7

SLUDGEM

Answer 7

– Salivation
– Lacrimation (tearing)
– Urination
– Defecation
– Gastric disturbance
– Emesis (vomiting)
– Miosis (constriction of the pupil)

Question 8

Blister Agents

Answer 8

• Also known as vesicants
• Cause blistering of the skin
• Interact in harmful ways with body
• Examples: Sulfur mustard, Lewisite

Question 9

Blood Agents

Answer 9

-Disrupt oxygen transfer from blood to cells
-Can be inhaled
-Can be ingested or absorbed through skin
Example: Cyanide compounds
– Typical signs/symptoms: Vomiting, dizziness,
watery eyes, deep and rapid breathing

Question 10

Choking Agents

Answer 10

• Inhibit breathing and are skin irritants
• Extremely irritating odor
• Intended to incapacitate, but may kill
– May cause pulmonary edema (“dry drowning”)
• Examples: Chlorine, phosgene,
chloropicrin

Question 11

Irritants (riot control agents)

Answer 11

• Cause pain and burning sensation
– Exposed to skin, eyes, mucous membranes
– Used to briefly incapacitate a person or group
– May cause pulmonary edema (“dry drowning”)
• Least toxic of the WMD groups
– Decontaminate with water; effects are meant
to wear off
• Example: Mace

Question 12

Convulsants

Answer 12

• Cause convulsions or seizures
• Even small exposure can be fatal
• Examples: Sarin, soman, tabun, VX
– Also organophosphate and carbamate
pesticides

Question 13

Harmful Substances’ Routes of

Entry Into Body

Answer 13

• Inhalation: Through lungs
• Absorption: Through skin
• Ingestion: Through gastrointestinal tract
• Injection: Through cuts or breaches in skin

Question 14

Chronic Health Hazards

Answer 14

• Appear after long-term exposure to hazard
• Also after multiple short-term exposures
• Target organ effect
– Example: Asbestosis

Question 15

Acute Health Effects

Answer 15

• Occur after short, acute exposure
• Examples: Acid burns (sulfuric acid),
breathing difficulties, and skin irritation
(formaldehyde, a “sensitizer”)