nbc handbook engl. a3nbc handbook engl. a3 ... chemical ∞

© by Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co.

Pocket Handbook

Hans-Joachim Töpfer

NBC

Defence

NuclearuclearBiologicaliologicalChemicalhemical

Defence

AtomareBiologischeChemische

Abwehr


March 2000 Edition

2nd revised Edition

Pocket Handbook

Nuclear Biological Chemical(NBC) Defence

Author: Hans-Joachim Töpfer

Editor:

Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co.D-71364 Winnenden/GermanyProduct Range Special Customers


Töpfer, H.-J.; Pocket Handbook Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) DefenceWinnenden 2000

This pocket handbook is based on current research, knowledge and understanding, and to the best of theauthor's ability the material is current and valid. The author and Alfred Kärcher GmbH do not bear anyresponsibility or liability for the information contained in this handbook or for any uses to which it may be put.

Any duplication or transmission of the following literature either complete or in extracts, is subject to thewritten permission of Kärcher.

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2000 by Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co., D-71364 Winnenden/Germany

This pocket handbook can be ordered from:

Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. Phone: +49 7195 14-2797Product Range Special Customers Telefax: +49 7195 14-2780Alfred-Kärcher-Straße 28 - 40 e-mail: [email protected] Winnenden/Germany Internet: www.karcher-vps.com

Nominal charge: DM 18,00

The concise information in this handbook shall offerits readers hints and recommendations for theprotection of their health and life under the conditionsof a possible NBC attack.

The pocket size of this handbook, does, of course,not allow a detailed explanation of all relevant aspectsor connections and does, thus, not replace therespective specialist literature.

To say in a time of worldwide political and militarydetension that a real threat caused by NBC weapons(or weapons of mass destruction) still exists, whichconsequently requires the necessary measures inthe civilian and military sectors, will probably berejected by many circles.

Inspite of the existing international conventions, forexample the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention(BWC) and the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention(CWC), it must be emphasized that the theoreticaland practical basis for production, storage andemployment of these weapons still exists, and thatthe fall of the former Warsow Pact and the political aswell as military instability of some of the successionstates have caused uncalculable or at least hardlycalculable risks.

A look at the history of war shows in fact that NBCweapons have only been used selectively in formerconflicts, but one phenomenon is clearly visible:

NBC weapons were used every time whenthe enemy was not or unsufficientlyprepared for defence operations againstthese weapons and due to this fact, a mostsuccessful use of these weapons could bepredicted

To render defence of a country credible, and build upa perfect defence system, it is necessary to judge allaspects of NBC defence in all armed forces as wellas in civil defence, and to take the resultingconsequences into consideration when establishingdefence plans, and to carry them out in advance intimes of peace as far as necessary.

To ensure a reliable NBC defence system, which isable to function under the complicated conditionsand phenomena of modern wars, conscientious,complete and timely organisation and carrying out ofthe relevant NBC defence and protection measuresare necessary.

In this context it must be emphasized that

a partial realisation of NBC defence andprotection measures does not guaranteesufficient protection of the troops, thecivilian population, and the infrastructureagainst the effects of an attack with NBCweapons; the necessary effectivity of theNBC defence and protection measures isonly achieved when these measures arerealised completely and in time.

An attack with NBC weapons gives a military conflicta new quality, another dimension, because forexample• the effect of fire can be increased by nuclearwarheads so that many other operation-influencingfactors become unimportant, and• the use of chemical and biological warfare agentscauses high personnel losses, the employment ofdefence material is hindered or becomes impossible,and infrastructure and buildings can no longer beused - or can hardly be used.

These effects caused by an attack with NBC weaponsdo not only have a far-reaching influence on thecommand of military operations, but in the same way(or even stronger) they also affect civil defence andthus the civilian population.

It must be clearly said that NBC weapons areapplicable at any time, in any place (even over longdistances) and in large quantities.

The fact that not only the troops, but also the civilianpopulation is threatened by the effects of NBCweapons everywhere and anytime in the case of anattack, makes it absolutely necessary to includeNBC defence measures in all defence-politicalreflections and preparations.

Apart from this it should be taken into account that ina war using NBC weapons, the morale and physical

1 Threat by NBC weapons and consequences for the NBC defence

Contents

1 Threat by NBC Weapons and consequences for the NBC defence 32 Nuclear Weapons 52.1 Nuclear Weapons and their destructive effects 52.2 Protection against the effects of nuclear weapons 62.2.1 Possible protection measures against light and heat radiation 62.2.2 Possible protection measures against a blaste wave 72.2.3 Possible protection measures against immediate radiation 72.2.4 Possible protection measures against residual radiation 72.2.5 Possible protection measures against the nuclear electromagnetic pulse (NEMP) 73 Biological Weapons 83.1 Descriptions of biological weapons 83.2 Possible protection measures against the effects of biological weapons 84 Chemical Weapons 114.1 Descriptions of chemical weapons 114.2 Possible protection measures against chemical arfare agents 144.3 General signs for the use of chemical weapons 154.4 Behaviour in the case of an attack with chemical weapons 165 NBC defence 165.1 Individual NBC Protection 165.2 Collective NBC Protection 175.3 NBC Detection 175.4 NBC Decontamination 175.4.1 General aspects 175.4.2 General principles for decontamination 185.4.3 NBC decontaminants (selection) 185.4.4 General organisation of a decontamination site 205.5 Medical NBC Protection Measures 20

Annexes 21

References 24


power of the people have an essential influence onthe course of a battle and its successful outcome,since the effects of NBC weapons multiply the strainon the single soldier in an inconceivable way.Additionally, there are close interactions betweenthe morale of the soldiers, preparation of the countryfor the protection of the civilian population, andreadiness and ability of the people to bear thepsychological and physical strain caused by a warwith NBC weapons. In the case that the population isexposed to the effects of NBC weapons withoutsufficient or only unsatisfactory protection and istherefore not able to bear this strain under NBCconditions (since it is not equipped and preparedsufficiently), the morale of the soldiers will bedestroyed in a flagrant way. Worry about relativeswill undermine the readiness of the individual soldierto bear the psychological and physical strain of a warunder NBC conditions.

The result of which is that, the existence of a suitableand complete system offering all sectors sufficientNBC protection in a war under NBC conditions, isrequired in a country's defence framework.

The necessary preparations regarding personnel,material, organisation, and training, must be made inpeace time, and must be constantly checked andupdated. To start these preparations at the beginningof a conflict, would have fatal effects on defencepolicy.

It is very important that reliable and functionableNBC protection of the civilian population is created intimes of peace. It can be used to decrease the effectsof a nuclear accident with global consequences(1986 Tschernobyl), the spread of biological disease-causing agents (1994 epidemic of pest, India) andrelease of highly-toxic/harmful substances inaccidents (1984 Bhopal, India).

All these accidents hit the civilian population in adisproportionally strong way. Comparable accidentscould happen world-wide at any time.

As NBC weapons do not only affect military personneland institutions, but also the civilian sector, intensivecooperation between civil and military institutions inthe field of NBC defence problems is indispensible.Whereas the NBC defence conception has to becoordinated between the civilian and military decision-makers at the highest governmental level in view ofreciprocal adaptability, it is a task of the subordinatedexecutive authorities and institutions to prepare thepractical realisation of this conception on the basis ofthe respective decisions with regard to personneland material required.

2 Nuclear weapons

2.1 Nuclear weapons and their destructive effects

Nuclear weapons are weapons of mass destructionwhose destroying effect is based on the release ofenergy resulting from the chain reaction during thefission of heavy nuclei of some isotopes of uraniumand plutonium or during the thermonuclear synthesisreactions of light nuclei of the isotopes of hydrogen(deuterium, tritium).

Therefore nuclear weapons fall into two maincategories, nuclear fission and nuclear fusionweapons. Nuclear fission weapons depend on thesplitting of heavy elements such as uranium orplutonium for their power. Nuclear fusion weaponsdepend on the fusing together of separate atoms ofa light element such as hydrogen.

The potential destructive power of such weapons isstated in the equivalent power of the conventionalhigh explosive TNT (kt - kilotons; Mt - megatons).The power of the Hiroshima bomb was approximately20 kt. A typical nuclear fusion bomb could have apower of 10 Mt.

Nuclear bursts differ in ground bursts (detonationunder or close to the ground or sea level) and airbursts (detonation in the air; the fireball does nottouch the earth´s surface). The Ground Zero (GZ) isthe point below the centre of the nuclear burst.

Nuclear weapons harm the human organismdepending on the detonation strength, type ofdetonation, distance from the detonation centre,geographical conditions (relief of the terrain, buildings,meteorological conditions, protection degree andbehaviour in the case of detonations of nuclearweapons, by the following defeat factors: light andheat radiation, blast wave, nuclear radiation, andnuclear electromagnetic pulse (NEMP) and theircombinations.

The detonation (burst) of a nuclear weapon releasesmassive amounts of energy within an extremelyshort period of time. The immediate result is anextremely rapid rise in temperature (to tens ofmillions °C). The immediate physical effect of theheat release is a fireball around the point of detonation.Due to the temperature involved the fireball is notstatic and expands outwards and starts to riseimmediately as it is formed. Even in daylight thedegree of light produced by a nuclear detonation isfar brighter than the sun at noon. The light can be sointensive that it causes temporary or permanentblindness. At night these effects are magnified

considerably. The heat radiation can produceimmediate conflagrations of inflammable materials.The effects on the human body can vary fromimmediate death by burning to reddening of the skin.

The heat and light radiation are followed by a blastwave. The expanding air around the fireball movesoutwards at high speed and thus creates a blastwave (shock wave). Any point passed by the blastwave will experience a very rapid and intensive risein pressure. This pressure (overpressure) can be sointensive that even robust structures can be knockeddown or damaged. As the blast wave passes a pointit will then experience a period of relatively lowpressure (partial vacuum) in the wake of the blastwave. This secondary blast wave completes thedestructive effects of the main blast wave.

Nuclear radiation can occur as immediate or residualradiation. Immediate radiation is produced at theactual instant of the nuclear detonation, mainly in theform of gamma rays and neutrons. The immediateradiation (lasting up to one minute after detonation)can be extremely harmful to life. It has the effect ofirradiating all material in its vicinity. The radiationproduces numerous radioactive isotopes (neutron-induced radioactivity) that in their turn produceradiation. The radioactive particles accumulated bythe fireball will be transported far and wide by thewind and will fall back to the earth in the form of"fallout" (also as "rainout" or "washout"). The residualradiation from a nuclear groundburst can deliver amuch more harmful fallout in comparison with theresidual radiation coming from an airburst.

The strength of radioactivity, its extent and durationwill depend upon many factors, from the size of thenuclear device to the altitude at which the bomb wasdetonated. Residual radiation from a high-altitudeairburst could be negligible in human risk terms whilea groundburst could result in massive amounts ofpotentially harmful fallout. The effects of nuclearradiation on life can vary from the minute to thedrastic. All radiation, in whatever form it is produced,can have some effect on life but in excess it producesall manner of physiological disturbances frompreventing mytosis (cell division) to the creation ofdangerous cancers. If large amounts of nuclearradiation are received within a short time, death canresult after only a short period. Equally, large radiationdoses absorbed over a long period may have fewdiscernible effects although adverse effects mayappear in the long term.

Cooperation means first and foremost mutualinformation about the NBC situation and exchange offindings in the framework of the NBC alarm andwarning service.

Additionally, the military sector has to be prepared topractically support the civilian sector, especiallyconcerning decontamination tasks in the case thatmeans and possibilities of civil defence are notsufficient and the military situation allows this support.In the field of medical NBC protection close andcontinuous cooperation and mutual support will beabsolutely necessary, because the use of NBCweapons will quickly increase the number of NBCand conventially injured persons, which can only bemet by coordinated employment of all power andmeans available in a country.

The realisation of the aims of NBC defence, whichare

to ensure the survival of the individuumunder the conditions of an attack with NBCweapons, to maintain ability to continuethe objectives even under NBC conditions,and to maintain readiness for action evenunder long-term NBC conditions,

requires

➥ NBC defence measures as a whole systemincluding the different areas of application

➥ an NBC defence conception which is suitedand adapted to the concrete needs of thecountry

➥ the realisation of this conception by means oftimely selection, supply, and integration ofNBC defence personnel and material into allcommand levels and sectors

➥ differentiated training of the whole personnel inhow to act before, during and after attackswith NBC weapons as well as in the use ofpersonal NBC protection equipment.

The consequences of accidents in thechemical industry and nuclear power plantsor affecting the infra-structure can haveeffects comparable to those resultingfrom an attack with NBC weapons.


The nuclear elctromagnetic pulse (NEMP) is anotherresult of the huge energy release produced at theinstant of a nuclear detonation, especially whereairbursts are involved. The effect of altering theelectrical properties of the electrons in the nearbyatmosphere produces intensive electrical andmagnetic fields. These fields can establish eddycurrents of considerable strength which by themselvesmay have significant of effects on electronic-basedequipment. The effects of NEMP can travel furtherthan those of the other destructive hazards.

2.2.2 Possible protection measures against a blast wave

➥ Take cover – throw yourself down,press your body onto the ground

- behind low walls, tree stumps, in ditches, hollows, etc.- in trenches, bomb craters, etc.

➥ Leave cover onlyafter the blast wave has passed the area

Due to the smaller target, a lying person is harmedconsiderably less by the blast wave and flying rubbles,splinters of glass, etc. than one who is standing.

➥ Stay in protective buildings

- Cellars- Bunkers, etc.

Due to the respective interactions, radiation isweakened when passing through materials.

Attention:

Therefore, make useof the weakening effect of cover!


- Cellars- Bunkers, etc.

➥ Take cover immediately in the caseof a nuclear weapon detonation

- behind low walls, tree stumps, etc.- in trenches, bomb craters, etc.

2.2 Possible protection measures against the effects of nuclear weapons

The degree of protection of the human against thedestructive effects of nuclear weapons mainlydepends on the level of preparation (availability ofprotective shelters, rescue vehicles and equipment,medicine, etc.), the speed of response and theindividual's knowledge of nuclear protection. It ispossible to protect against all destructive effects.The time in which a harmful effect of the blast wavemust be taken into consideration, lasts a few secondsto some tens of seconds between the light flash of a

nuclear weapon detonation and the arrival of theblast wave. Independent of this, light and heatradiation and immediate radiation are effectiveimmediately.Even a modest covering of earth or hardcover provided by structures can provide somemeasure of protection against the heat and blasteffects of nuclear bursts. The same protectivemeasures can also be used against immediate andresidual nuclear radiation.

2.2.1 Possible protection measures against light and heat radiation

Light radiation for example can, in general, onlydirectly affect unprotected persons at the moment ofdetonation. Due to the straight distribution of lightradiation, shade providing objects offer relativelygood and reliable protection. However, the immediateeffect of light radiation makes taking cover in timequite impossible. However, taking cover can reducethe destroying effect of light radiation (especially thedegree of possible burns to the skin).

➥ Established preventive fire protection

- Use of non-inflammable materials- Impregnation of inflammable components- Removal of easily inflammable materials close to endangered plants- Presence of fire extinguishers and organisation of fire-fighting in time, etc.

➥ Immediate taking of coverin the case of a nuclear weapon detonation

Attention:

Every shade-providing object shields fromlight radiation and thus offers protection!

➥ Protection against blinding

- Close the eyes immediately at the moment of the light flash- Do not look in the direction of the detonation- Face to the ground when taking cover

Attention:

If correct action is takenthe blinding effectcaused by the light radiationis only temporary.

➥ Extinguishing orremoving burning clothing

- Try to beat out the flames or to smother them by rolling on the ground- Remove burning clothing- Immediate self and comrade aid

2.2.3 Possible protection measures against immediate radiation

In contrast to immediate radiation, the effect ofresidual radiation lasts for a longer period of time(hours, days, weeks). The radiant intensity decreasesover the course of time.


- Close windows and hatches- Switch on the NBC protective ventilation system

➥ Reduce or minimise the time spenton radio-actively contaminated terrainto the absolute minimum

➥ Avoid the inhalation of radio-active dustand direct contact to contaminatedmaterial

- Put on individual NBC protection equipment

➥ Measure and evaluatethe nuclear radiation

- Measure and evaluate the radiation the personnel is exposed to (dosimetry)- Measure and evaluate the the contamination degree of material (radiometry)

➥ Carry out decontamination measures

2.2.4 Possible protection measures against residual radiation

The essential requirements for the protection againstthe destructive effect of the NEMP should alreadyhave been considered and carried out whenconstructing and producing the respective devices,

systems and plants. For protection reasons, personsshould avoid contact with metal parts during a nucleardetonation.

2.2.5 Possible protection measures against the nuclear electromagnetic pulse (NEMP)

Attention:

Do not eat, drink or smoke on contaminated terrain!


3 Biological weapons

3.1 Description of biological weapons

Biological Warfare (BW) involves the use of livingorganisms, or the products of living organisms(toxins)as weapons. Classical biological warfare agentsinclude bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, fungi, protozoa,and toxins from organic matter to damage or killhumans, animals or plants. In particular, toxins havebeen categorised as both biological and chemicalweapons, and therefore toxins are banned by boththe 1972 BW and the 1997 CW Convention.

Biological weapons are fundamentally different tonuclear and chemical weapons for the followingreasons:● ability of the microorganisms to reproduce within

the host after transfer and dissemination therebycausing infection;

● at present, there are no BWA detectors withanything like the capabilities of the vast arrayof CWA detectors now in service (it is virtuallyimpossible to detect biological warfare agentsuntil it is too late);

● distribution of even small quantities of bacteria ortoxins in suitable wind currents could result invast areas being contaminated many kilometresfrom the point of release;

● high virulence and absence of a widespreadimmunity, etc.

● the use of biological weapons can causemass panic;

● biological weapons can be produced quieteeasily and at low cost;

● dissemination in many ways (dispensing of agentsin aerosol form from aircraft; spreading of sporessuch as anthrax from aircraft bombs; vectors suchas insects could be spread far and wide by simplyreleasing them, either on the ground or from anaircraft, etc.;

● one of the military ‘attractions’ of the biologicalweapon is its surprise use;

● delay factor (bacteria and toxins take time toproduce their unpleasant end effects, with timedelays varying from hours to days);

● potential weapon for terrorists.

The table (page 9) is an incomplete outline of thebiological agents known to have been considered foruse in war. New genetically developed diseaseagents, or virulent variations of otherwise relativelyharmless existing ailments, could be introduced atalmost any time.

3.2 Possible protection measures against the effects of biological weapons

Protection against biological weapons is extremelycomplicated as it can not be immediately ascertainedwhether and where they have been employed.Besides vaccination, etc. cleanliness, personalhygiene and controlled intake of foodstuff and drinkingwater are the essential prophylactic protectionmeasures.

The most probable biological warfare agents will inpart be chosen for their ability to cause diseaseswhich are difficult to treat using conventional medicaltechniques. Once an individual has been infected,the use of drugs, disinfection and sterilisation arenot likely to be sufficient to combat the threat frombiological warfare agents. Fortunately there is thepossibility of providing an additional and highlyeffective medical countermeasure in the form ofvaccination of personnel. It could be well consideredthat the vaccination of a whole population might benecessary should there be any indication that abiological warfare attack against them is a possibility.Vaccination programmes are nothing new and arefamiliar to most modern societies, but they have tobe carried out in a planned and controlled manner.A rushed programme just prior to an outbreak of

hostilities will rarely provide the required completeprotection levels, and could produce unwanted side-effects, while many vaccination programmes involverepeated treatments carried out over a period of time.It can thus be seen that vaccination against biologicalwarfare agents involves an involved logistic andmedical programme. However, these potentialdifficulties are minor compared to the problems thatcould arise should no vaccination programme beconducted at all.

The following overview is an uncomplete compilationof the most important effects and countermeasuresof biological warfare agents.

Attention:

Cleanliness, personal hygiene and controlledintake of food and drinking water are the mostimportant preventive measures.

Disease Symptoms Incubation period

Bacteria

Anthrax Cutaneous form: sores or blisters form on hands or forearms 2 to 7 days (mostPulmonary form: non-specific chest cold symptoms followed by cases within 48 hrs)

respiratory distress, fever, shock, or death infective dose:Intestinal form: intense stomach pain, bowel obstruction, dehy- 8.000 to 50.000 spores

dration, diarrhoea, fever, blood poisoning, death

Tularemia Sudden onset of chills, fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, 2 to 10 daysloss of body fluids; typhoid-like symptoms; deep ulcers found infective dose:on skin with swelling of lymph nodes 10-50 organisms

Plague High fever, headache, general aches, extreme weakness, Bubonic: 2 to 6 days("Black Death") glandular swelling, pneumonia, haemorrhages in skin and mucous Pneumonic: 1 to 6 days

membranes possible, extreme lymph node pain infective dose:100-500 organisms

Cholera Acute infectious gastrointestinal disease, vomiting, diarrhoea, Hours to 5 daysrapid loss of fluids, severe muscular cramps, collapse

Diphtheria Mild sore throat, slight fever, possible stoppage of air passages 2 to 5 days or longer

RickettsiaQ Fever Sudden onset of fever, headache, chills, weakness, profuse perspira- 2 to 3 weeks

tion; respiratory problems, mild coughing; chest, muscle, joint pain infective dose: 1-10 org.

Rocky Mountain Fever, chills, headache pain in joints and muscles, skin rash spreads 3 to 14 daysSpotted Fever rapidly on third and fourth day from ankle and wrist to legs, arms, and

chest; neurological abnormalities

Typhus Headache, high fever, general aches and pains, chills, rash 6 to 14 days

Viruses

Encephalitis Fever, headache, dizziness, drowsiness or stupor, 2 to 15 daystremors or convulsions, severe prostration, occasional paralysis

Dengue Fever Grades of severity, haemorraghic fever, intense headache, backache, 3 to 15 daysexcruciating joint and muscular pain, weakness, prostration, irregularrash, loss of appetite and constipation, abdominal discomfort withcolicky pains and tenderness, spontaneous bleeding into the skin,gums, and gastrointestinal tract, circulatory failure, profound shockwith no blood pressure

Yellow Fever Range from very mild to malignant, sudden onset of chills, 3 to 6 daysfever, prostration, headache, backache, muscular pain, congestionof mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting, jaundice from liverdamage, bleeding from stomach and gums, black vomitus

Rift Valley Fever Headache, general aches and pains, nausea, vomiting, 3 to 12 daysphotophobia

Influenza Catarrhal inflammation of the respiratory tract; sudden onset; Type A: 1 to 2 days("la grippe") fever of 1 to 7 days duration; marked prostration; and generalised Type B: 12 to 18 hours

aches and pains in back, limbs and muscles; sore throat, bronchitis epidemic disease,and pneumonia are complications of secondary bacterial infections. occasionally pandemicSoiled articles and discharges from the mouth and nose of infectedpersons are the main sources of infection.

Toxins

Botulinum Toxin Botulism is a highly fatal, acute poisoning, it is characterised by 12 to 72 hoursvomiting, constipation, thirst, general weakness, headache, fever,dizziness, double vision, dilation of the pupils, paralysis of themuscles involved in swallowing and difficulty of speech.Respiratory paralysis is the usual cause of death.


AnthraxThe mortality rate of untreated cutaneous anthrax can beup to 25 %; in pulmonary cases 100 %. Cutaneous anthraxcan be treated effectively with some antibiotics (penicillin,aureomycin, terramycin, chloromycetin); sulfadiazine andimmune serum. The disease is not epidemic in man. Thespores are very stable and may remain alive for manyyears in soil and water. They will resist sunlight for severaldays. Steam under pressure or exposure to dry heat above159 °C for one hour are necessary to kill the spores.Effective decontamination also can be accomplished byboiling contaminated articles in water for 30 minutes orby using some of the common disinfectants. Iodine andchlorine are most effective in destroying spores and ve-getative cells.

TularemiaAll ages are susceptible, and recovery from an attack isfollowed by permanent immunity. The infection rate rangesfrom 90 to 100 %. Untreated cases have a death rate of 4to 8 %. Vaccination greatly reduces the severity of thedisease and may prevent infection in some cases.Antibiotics (streptomycin, aureomycin, chloromycetin) areeffective. The disease is essentially sporadic, but may beepidemic when modes of transmission are prevalent. It isnot transmitted directly from man to man. The organismremains viable for weeks in water, soil, carcases andhides, and for years in frozen rabbit meat. It is resistantfor months to temperatures of freezing and below. It israther easily killed by heating at 38 °C or above for 2 to 3minutes and by 0.5 % phenol in 15 minutes.

PlagueUntreated Bubonic Plague has a mortality rate of 30 to60 %, untreated Pneumonic Plague kills from 90 to 100% of its victims. Anti-Plague serum produces an artificialpassive immunity of two weeks’ duration. Activeimmunisation with killed bacterial vaccines is protectivefor some months when administered in two or three dosesat weekly intervals, repeated stimulating doses beingnecessary. Prompt treatment with sulfonamides andstreptomycin (chloromycetin and aureomycin may be usedif resistance to streptomycin develops) combined withserum therapy is essential and is effective if used early.Strict area quarantine and sanitation, in addition to othermeasures such as rat flea extermination. The organismwill probably remain viable in water from 2 to 30 days andin moist meal and grain for about two weeks. At nearfreezing temperatures, it will remain alive from months toyears but is killed by 15 minutes exposure to 72 °C. It alsoremains viable for some time in dry sputum, flea faecesand buried bodies but is killed by three to five hoursexposure to sunlight. Decontamination is effected byboiling, use of dry heat above 72 °C or steam, andtreatment with lysol or chloride of lime.

CholeraThe mortality rate ranges from about 3 to 30 % in treatedcases to 50 % in untreated cases. Artificial immunisationwith vaccines is of variable degree and uncertain duration(6 to 12 months). Acquired immunity lasts for many years.The first consideration in the treatment of cholera is toreplenish the fluid and mineral losses of the body. Drugtherapy has little or no effect upon the clinical course ofthe disease. However, chloromycetin, aureomycin and

terramycin, given by mouth, cause rapid disappearanceof the vibrio organisms, thus reducing the spread of thedisease. Epidemicity is very high under insanitaryconditions, especially those involving water supplies, foodsand fly control. The organism is easily killed by drying. It isnot viable in pure water, but will survive up to 24 hours insewage, and as long as six weeks in certain types ofrelatively impure water containing salts and organic mat-ter. It can withstand freezing for three to four days. It isreadily killed by dry heat at 117 °C, by steam and boiling,by short exposure to ordinary disinfectants and bychlorination of water.

DiphtheriaThe disease is endemic and epidemic around the world.The fatality rate is variable, depending upon the virulenceof the infecting strain; among untreated cases it may rangefrom 10 to 50 %. In cases receiving anti-toxin treatment,this rate is lowered to 2 to 8 %. Diphtheria toxoid isextremely effective. Permanent immunity may bemaintained by means of booster inoculations at regularintervals. Diphtheria anti-toxin is effective when givenpromptly and in adequate dosage. Penicillin as asupplementary treatment suppresses secondary invaders,shortens the period of illness and reduces the number ofconvalescent carriers. Epidemicity is high, depending onthe immunity status of the population and degree ofexposure to the disease. The diphtheria organism is moreresistant to light, drying and freezing than most non-sporulating bacilli, remaining viable for a long time in airand dust. It is capable of surviving many hours on a cottonswab and has been cultured from dried bits of diphtheriticpseudo-membrane after 14 weeks. It is destroyed byordinary antiseptics and by being boiled for 12 minutes orbeing heated to 75 °C for 10 minutes.

Q FeverFatalities are rare, but may be up to 4 % during epidemics.Vaccines have been effective when used by laboratorypersonnel, slaughterhouse and stockyard workers.Appropriate antibiotics (aureomycin, chloromycetin, andterramycin) may be effective. Supportive treatment isindicated. The disease is relatively non-contagious. Themicro-organism is resistant to 0.5 % phenol, and isrelatively resistant to desiccation. It is killed by 0.5 %formalin. It probably persists on surfaces from 5 to 60 days.

Rocky Mountain Spotted FeverFatality rates range from 7 to 20 %. Appropriate antibiotics(chlorotetracycline, chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline) areeffective in reducing the mortality and in shortening thecourse of the disease. Supportive treatment is alsoindicated. The micro-organism can be destroyed by heatingat 44 °C for 10 minutes and by drying for 10 hours, andinactivated by use of 0,1 % formalin and 0,5 % phenol.

TyphusThe course of epidemic typhus can be shortened by theuse of antibiotics (tetracyclines, chloramphenicol).Supportative treatment and prevention of the secondaryinfections are essential. Vaccines confer considerableprotection of uncertain duration. Immunisation should berepeated every 4 months. The micro-organism can bedestroyed by heating at 44 °C for 15 to 30 minutes, andinactivated by use of 0,1 % formalin and 0,5 % phenol.

EncephalitisSusceptibility ranges from 90 to 100 %. Recovery from aninfection results in an excellent short-term immunity to thespecific virus, but not to any other type. The mortality rateis unknown; it is probably 5 to 60 % with all types. Someeffective virus vaccines have been developed on a smallscale, but their widespread use is not practicable atpresent. Treatment is supportive only; chemotherapy andantibiotic treatments have not been developed. Transmis-sion from man to man is not known to occur but may bepossible by means of respiratory droplet infection. Stabilityvaries among the different types (some viruses areinactivated at 74 °C in 30 minutes; other viruses withstandthis treatment and also resist 1 or 2 % phenol).

Dengue FeverThe fatality rate is very low. A mouse-adapted virus vaccinehas been found to be stable, safe and effective in studieson human volunteers and will probably be useful in controlof epidemics. There is no specific therapy, but supportivetreatment is essential. The virus does not spread directlyfrom person to person. Epidemics occur in areas wherevector mosquitos are present in large numbers. Theinfection rate is extraordinarily high, with 75 to 100 % ofthe inhabitants of a locality being attacked. Any spread ofthe disease can be prevented by diligent mosquito control.Blood from a patient remains infectious after storage in arefrigerator for several weeks. The virus may be preservedin a frozen and dried state at 23 °C for at least five years.The virus is deactivated by ultraviolet light and by 0.5 %formalin.

Yellow FeverThe fatality rate is probably about 5 %. Inoculation with amodified living virus vaccine confers an active immunitywhich may last for at least four years and probably longer.There is no specific treatment. Supportive treatment (bedrest and fluids) is essential for even the mildest cases.The virus is resistant to freezing and drying but isdestroyed by being heated at 78 °C or above for 10minutes. It is rather easily inactivated by commonantiseptics. Mosquito control measures, including use ofinsecticides, are the preferred methods of control.

Rift Valley FeverMortality is 90 to 95 % in lambs, 35 to 45 % in adult sheepand 5 to 20 % in cattle. A living virus vaccine is in use inSouth Africa. Treatment is supportive only. Epidemicity isdependent on the presence of diseased animals and thespecific mosquito vector. The virus is said to be destroyedby exposure to a temperature of 73 °C for 40 minutes.

InfluenzaThe virus is highly infectious and contagious; susceptibilityis general, there being relatively little natural resistance.The resistance of some individuals exposed to the diseaseduring epidemics appears to be due to previous infection.Acquired immunity following recovery from an attack lastsonly for a few months to a year, and is effective only againstspecific strains of the virus. Artificial immunisationmethods produce a specific immunity of short duration.Epidemics may affect up to 50 % of a given populationwithin 4 to 6 weeks. The disease has a mortality rate upto 1 %, but it is often followed by complicating respiratoryinfections which can result in high mortality. Vaccinationwith specific strains of the virus leads to an effectiveimmunity of several months’ duration against the same orclosely related strains. The extreme antigenic variabilityof the influenza viruses makes it difficult to protect againstall strains. Treatment is supportive only, with control ofsecondary infections. There is no specific effectivetreatment. The virus is killed by being heated at 73 °C for20 to 30 minutes; it is resistant to freezing for severalweeks. It can also be easily destroyed by steam, boilingand ordinary antiseptics.

Botulinum ToxinMortality is directly related to the amount of toxin consumed.Passive immunisation with anti-toxin appears to beencouraging as a protective measure for humans but is oflittle therapeutic value. Active immunisation with botulinumtoxoid is of proved protective value. Treatment is mainlysupportive. Anti-toxin therapy is of doubtful value,particularly where large doses of the poison have beenconsumed. The disease is not contagious. Epidemicsoccur only where widespread distribution and consumptionof a contaminated food product have occurred. The toxinis stable for about one week in non-moving water whereit is not aerated. It persists for a long time in food when itis not exposed to air. The toxin is destroyed when boiledfor 15 minutes, but botulinum spores resist boiling for sixhours. Pressure cooking will destroy the spores. Botulinumtoxin differs from other bacterial toxins in that it is notdestroyed by gastro-intestinal secretions.

Attention:

Biological warfare agentsare potential weapons terrorists may employ.

4 Chemical weapons

4.1 Descriptions of chemical weapons

Chemical weapons comprise of the chemical warfareagent and the means to deliver it to the target.

Chemical warfare agents (CWA) are chemicalsubstances which are intended for use in warfare tokill, seriously injure, or incapacitate people throughtheir physiological effects. A CW agent attacks the

organs of the human body in such a way that itprevents those organs from functioning normally.The intention is either to prevent the human bodyfrom functioning at all or to somehow prevent someaspect or another of its processes from proceedingnormally. The results are usually disabling to avarying degree, or fatal.


Blood Agents

CKCyanogenChloride

HydrogenCyanide

AC

ChokingAgent

CGPhosgene

Blister Agents

HDSulfur

Mustard

LLewisite

Nerve Agents

Tabun

GASoman

GBSarin

VXGD

Molecular weight 99

Parameter

[°C]

Boiling point Kp [°C]

Vapour density

Liquid density

[mg m-3]

[mbar]

- 118

8,2

1.565

6,37 x 106

27

- 15

26

816

0,89 x 106

61

- 6,5

1.002

2,6 x 106

2,1

1,22

159

15,5

14,5

217

0,092

625

5,4

1,27

- 18

207

190

0,525

4.500

7,2

162

- 49

240

0,084

560

1,07

140

- 57

151

1,97

2,25 x 104

4,86

1,09

182

- 42

198

0,35

2.060

267

- 39

298

1,4 x 10-4

1,6

9,25

1,026

Freezing point Fp

Vapour pressure ps (20 °C)

[g cm-3]

[air = 1]

Volatility cs (20 °C)

Persistency Sunny, 15 °C

Windy and rainy, 10 °C

Calm, sunny, snow, -10 °C

2 to 7 days

2 to 8 weeks

30 min to 6 hrs

15 min to 4 hrs

1 to 2 days

3 hrs to 1,5 days

2,5 to 5 days

1 to 12 hrs

few minutes

1 to 4 hrs

few minutes

few minutes

few minutes

3 to 6 hrs

2 days to 1 week

few minutes

15 min to 1 hour

Main effect death death death death

Lethal dose LD50

Toxicity

LethalconcentrationIncapacitatingconcentration

-

3,2 x 103

1,6 x 103

1

4,5 x 103

-

11 x 103

1 x 103 0,3 x 103

100 - 200

0,14

40 - 70

25

0,0080,6

300

100

0,05

Penetration into the skin [min]

ICt50 [mg min m-3]

[mg kg-1]

LCt50 [mg min m-3]

3 - 5 min 5 - 7 min

new mown hayor gras

or green corn

faintly fruity; nonewhen pure

almostno odour

in pure state

fruity;camphor with

impurities

odourlessirritating propertiesare so great thatthe odour can not

be perceived

odourless(possibly like

mustard or garlic)

pungentbitter almonds

3,5 0,95

0,691,42

few minutes

15 min to 1 hour

death

2 x 103 7 x 103

5,6

1,89

6,35

1,01

1 to 4 days

12 hrs to 1 day12 hrs to 2 days 15 min to 1 hrs

1 to 16 weeks1 to 6 weeks1 day to 2 weeks

death death death

0,40,7

1,5 x 103 1,5 x 103 35 - 45

575

10 - 15 min 10 - 15 min

death

ChemicalWarfare

Agent

colourlessColour

Odour

colourless colourless colourless colourless colourlesscolourless(yellow-brown)

colourless colourless(yellow)

0,9Solubility in water ∞ 6,4 0,8 0,05 1,5[%] 12 1 - 4

Physiological effects Affect the body functions throughaction on the enzymecytochrome-oxidase,

thus preventingthe normal transfer of oxygenfrom the blood to body tissue

Interfere with the normal operation of the autonomic and central nervoussystems; inhibition of acetylcholinsterease enzymes

and resultant accumulation of acetylcholine

Results: uncontrolled contraction of musclesSymptoms: miosis; dimness of vision;

excessive salivation and sweating,muscle twitching; difficulty in breathing

Death: may result from inability to control breathing muscles

Lungs becomefilled with liquid,

death resultsfrom pulmonary

oedema,lack of oxygen;

‘choke’unprotected

persons

Affect the eyes and lungs and blisterthe skin; react with body tissues

causing inflammation, blisters, anddestruction of tissues

At the time of exposure:

HD: little or L: immediateno pain pain on

contact

© by Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. 1312

∞

3 days to 3 weeks


Depending on its physical properties and the methodof application, the chemical warfare agent may presentitself as liquid, aerosol, or vapour. Most CWA's arepowerful organic solvents and able to penetrate intomany polymeric materials. These present adangerous contact risk. Material contaminated insuch a way is difficult to decontaminate. Chemicalwarfare agents can also be "thickened" to increasetheir persistency by adding thickeners (visciousmaterials). On the battlefield chemical warfare agentshave a much more immediate effect than biologicalwarfare agents. The table (see page 12/13) ofchemical warfare agents contains the most importantof the known chemical warfare agents,but it shouldnot be taken as complete.

Chemical warfare agents may be delivered in manydifferent ways from aircraft (spray tanks, containers,aerial bombs), from artillery (shells,rockets,grenades), by missiles or from air- or ground-basedaerosol generators. CWA can be weaponised inunitary (contains the CWA itself) or binary form.Binary chemical weapons contain the relativelyinnocuous two agent precursors of nerve agents(GB, VX) held in separate compartments duringhandling and storage. The ingredients areautomatically mixed only after the binary weapon hasbeen released from its delivery system. Thus thenerve agent is formed only after a chemical shell hasbeen fired or a chemical bomb has been dropped.Larger chemical munition can contain chemicalsubmunitions (bomblets).

Choking agents injure unprotected persons especiallythrough the respiratory tract (particularly the lungs).In extreme cases, membranes swell, lungs becomefilled with liquid, and death results from pulmonaryoedema. Phosgene has no skin or eye toxicity andexerts its effect only on the lungs and results indamage to the capillaries. When a lethal dose ofphosgene is received, the air sacs become so floodedthat air is excluded and the victim dies of anoxia(oxygen deficiency). If the amount of phosgene isless than a lethal dose and proper care is provided,the watery fluid is reabsorbed, the air cell walls healand the patient recovers. But, different respiratoryproblems may remain chronic for years. Most deaths

occur within 24 hours. Duration of effectiveness isshort, vapour may persist for some time in low placesin calm or light winds and stable atmosphericconditions (inversion).

Blood agents are absorbed into the body primarily bybreathing. They prevent the normal transfer of oxygenfrom the blood to body tissue. Hydrogen cyanide andcyanogen chloride are highly volatile and dissipaterapidly. Blood agents rapidly reduce the capability ofNBC mask filters.

Blister (vesicant) agents are used for medical casualtyeffect. The use of ground may be restricted,movements slowed, and use of terrain, material orinstallation hampered. These agents affect the eyesand lungs and blister the skin. Sulfur mustard isinsidious in action: there is little or no pain at the timeof exposure. Lewisite causes immediate pain oncontact. Sulfur mustard is persistent and presents along-term hazard. It penetrates quickly into polymericmaterials such as rubberised protection clothing andcan cause a breakthrough.

Nerve agents are more lethal and act more quicklythan the other kinds of chemical warfare agents.They are organophosphorous compounds that inhibitthe action of an enzyme (acethylcholinesterase) andtherefore continually stimulate the nervous system.Nerve agents act rapidly (within seconds of exposure)and maybe absorbed through the skin, the eyes orthe resporatory tract. In sufficient concentration, theultimate effect of nerve agents is paralysis of therespiratory musculature and subsequent death. Theexposure of a lethal dose may cause death in theshortest period of time (several minutes). Symptoms:runny nose, tightness of chest, dimness of vision andpin-pointing of the eye pupils, difficulty in breathing,drooling and excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting,cramps, involuntary defaecation and urination,twitching, jerking and staggering, headache,confusion, drowsiness, coma and convulsion. Thesesymptoms are followed by cessation of breathingand death. The number and severity of symptomswhich appear are dependent on the quantity and rateof entry of the nerve agent which is introduced intothe body.

4.2 Protection possibilities against chemical warfare agents

● Spraying of chemical warfare agentsfrom slowly and low flying aircrafts:

Light to dark coloured cloudsbehind the aircraft

● Aerosol generators:

Dropping of the aerosol generatorson parachutes and then ignition(automatically shortly above the ground;contact fuse; time fuse)

● Chemical bombs, missiles, shells:

Muffled detonation;white-grey to brown detonation clouds;forming of drops and greasy (warfare agent)patches in the area surrounding the detonation

● Smoke or fog clouds coming with the wind

● Further characteristics:

- Oily drops, patches, etc. on the ground,vegetation and other objects

- Wilted vegetation or changesin the colour of the vegetation

- Discolouring of snow

- Finding of dead small animals

4.3 General signs of the use of chemical weapons

Attention:

As the employed chemical weapons can havean immediate effect or can not be smelledthe warning signal ("GAS")must be reacted on immediately!

After an attack with chemical weapons andduring actions in contaminated terrain:

➥ Avoid contact withchemical warfare agents

➥ Do not allow chemical warfare agentsto enter clean areas

➥ Decontamination is needed to eliminatethe hazard, if material and personnel areexposed to persistent chemical warfareagents

➥ Seek qualified medical advicefor those personswho have been harmed by warfare agents

➥ Do not eat, drink or smokeon contaminated terrain

Attention:

Keep strict NBC defence discipline!

Don't panic!

Attention:

Effective individual NBC protectionequipment protects you againstall known chemical warfare agents!

In the case of a sudden attack with chemicalweapons:

➥ Stop breathing immediately andclose your eyes

➥ Then put on the NBC protective maskand check that it sits correctly

➥ Breathe out audibly to remove warfare agentvapours from inside the mask

Maximum timeto put the NBC protection mask on:

10 seconds

If the first toxification symptoms (miosis) are visibleafter a short time, the auto-injector with antidote(atropine) must be applied immediately!

Use of antidotes for nerve-agent poisoning(example)

(1) Pre-treatment (use before a CWA attack)

Antidote: PyridostigmineApplication: can be used before a

CWA-attack to limitnerve-agent-related damage

(2) Standard treatment

Antidote: AtropineApplication: injection into the bloodstream;

followed by a cholinesterasereactivator (2-PAM chloride)

The most important pre-requisite for effectiveprotection against chemical warfare agents is quickand correct putting on of all parts of the individualNBC protection equipment. As most of the chemicalwarfare agents are taken in through the breathingorgans, eyes and unprotected skin, the followingshould be observed in all cases:


4.4 Behaviour in the case of an attack with chemical weapons

➥ Put on the NBC protective mask immediately

➥ Enter a protective building or cover your bodywith NBC protection foil or put on completeNBC protection equipment

➥ Forward the announcement / warning aboutthe chemical weapon attack

➥ Aid injured persons putting on theirNBC protection equipment

➥ Remove warfare agent drops(use of self-aid or self-decontamination kits)

➥ Organisation of immediate first aid(self aid and mutual aid),early stabilisation (life support) of casualties,and rapid evacuation if necessary

➥ Carry out immediate or thoroughdecontamination taking the situationinto consideration.

5 NBC defence

5.1 Individual NBC Protection

It is absolutely necessary that everybody is providedwith effective individual NBC protection equipmentwhen carrying out actions under NBC conditions.

The individual NBC protection equipment consists of

● NBC protection mask

● NBC protection suit

● NBC protection gloves

● NBC over-boots

● NBC protection foil for one-way use

● NBC Self-Aid Kit

● Further parts of equipment necessaryfor personal NBC protection- autoinjector with antidotes- agents for prophylaxis against nerve affecting warfare agents- detection paper, etc.

When put on in time, the individual NBC protectionequipment protects against all gaseous and liquidchemical warfare agents as well as biological warfareagents and renders direct contact of the skin withradioactive particles impossible. NBC protection onthe basis of insulating (rubberised) protection suitswithout integrated ventilation systems as well aspermeable (breathable) NBC protection suits to beworn over the uniform (NBC overgarments), are

unacceptable, under the climatic conditions of hotclimatic zones, as the physiological wearing properties(heat stress, etc.) do not allow actions for a long time.The wearing properties of a combat suit with integratedNBC protection enable its wearer to use it as anormal combat suit in peace time during daily servicein the barracks, training in terrain, and especiallyduring manoeuvres.

Chemical and biological warfare agents as well asnuclear radiation can not or only be perceived whentheir effects leave symptomatic phenotypes on thehuman or animal organism. The detection equipmentmust detect a possible contamination of personnel,material or terrain, measure its intensity, alarm thetroop automatically in case of contamination, andderive the necessary conclusions and consequencesfor the continuation of action on the basis of thefound information.

Due to the specific appearances of the biologicalwarfare agents, a safe, field proof is in general

impossible. This is why in practice the means ofbiological detection are limited to devices for takingsamples. The analysis of the samples is carried outin special laboratories, for instance laboratoriesbelonging to the medical service, and require quite along time. Usually, the relevant test results are onlyavailable after 24 hours.

Adequate NBC detection is neededto ensure that adequate protective measurescan be taken in time.

5.3 NBC Detection

To reduce actions of the personnel wearing completepersonal NBC protection equipment to a minimum,to keep personnel losses as low as possible, tomaintain parts of the troops fit for action, and to setthe basis for the continuation of the military objectivesand civil actions, different collective NBC protectionequipment must be employed, like:

● Collective NBC protection of tanks, vehicles,etc.

● Collective NBC protection of infra-structure(command plants, depots, shelters)

● Transportable systems with integratedNBC protection (shelters/tents)

● Shelter systems for civilians with integratedNBC air supply.

5.2 Collective NBC Protection

5.4 NBC Decontamination

5.4.1 General aspects

● N decontamination

(radioactive decontamination) means theelimination of radioactive particles adhering tothe surface (fall-out). The most effective wayof radioactive decontamination is the hot-foammethod.

● B decontamination

(disinfection) means rendering biological warfareagents harmless. Highly effective disinfectionsolutions are suitable for carrying out this task.

● C decontamination

(detoxification) means the elimination ordestruction of chemical warfare agents.Highest effectivity is achieved with detoxificationemulsions working universally against all knownchemical warfare agents.

Depending on the kind of contamination, specificdecontamination agents and methods are necessaryfor fulfilling the decontamination requirementseffectively.

A decontamination site must have the followingstations:

(1) decontamination of materialwith the substations:

● pre-treatment

● main treatment

● post-treatment

(2) decontamination of persons

(3) decontamination of clothing and equipment

The aim of a thorough decontamination is todestroy chemical and biological warfareagents and remove radioactive particlesfrom the surfaces of different objects or torender them harmless to avoid adirect or indirect contamination of thepersonnel in order to enable them tocontinue their actions without wearingindividual NBC protection equipment.

Don't panic!

The individual NBC protection equipmentoffers the necessary protection onlyif everybody

➥ is provided with a complete set ofpersonal NBC protection equipment

➥ keeps all parts of the protectionequipment ready for use

➥ masters the timely and effective use ofthe protection equipment

➥ is psychologically and physically ableto continue actions while wearingNBC protection equipment

at any time.


ChemicalWeapons

BiologicalWeapons

NuclearWeapons

NBC Weapons

ChemicalContamination

BiologicalContamination

RadioactiveContamination

Contamination

ChemicalDecontamination

BiologicalDeontamination

RadioactiveDecontamination

Decontamination

➠ ➠

➠➠➠

➠

5.4.3 NBC decontaminats (Selection)

Decontamination Decontaminant Remarks

N decontamination (1) aqueous solution of 0,5 - 1 % Alkylbenzenesulphonatealkylbenzenesulphonate 0,5 - 1 % Di-Na-EDTAand Di-Na-EDTA

(2) aqueous solution of soap powdered soap; washing powders;and detergents general purpose liquid detergents;

as aqueous solution (0,5 - 1 %)

(3) aqueous solution of 0,5 - 5 % RM 54Kärcher RM 54

Decontamination Decontaminant Remarks

B decontamination (1) aqueous solution of 3 - 5 % formalinformalin and soap

(2) aqueous solution of 0,75 - 7,5 % RM 35Kärcher RM 35

C decontamination (1) "German Emulsion" 7,5 % caliumhypochlorite("Munster-Emulsion") 15 % tetrachloroethylene

1 % emulsifier Marlowet IHF76,5 % waterconsumption: 3 - 6 l m-2

reaction time: 30 min

(2) Kärcher Decon Emulsion 12 ± 2 % TDE 202 PCTDE 202 12 ± 2 % TDE 202 LC

76 % waterconsumption: 3 - 6 l m-2


(3) DS 2 70 % diethylenetriamine28 % methyl cellosolve2 % sodium hydroxideconsumption: 0,2 - 0,3 l m-2


(4) water slurry of 10 % chlorinated limechlorinated lime consumption: 3 l m-2


(5) thin water slurry of mixture of chlorinated limeSuper Tropical Bleach (STB) and calciumoxide

content of availablefree chlorine: 30 - 37 %;reaction time: 30 min

(6) water slurry of 10 % decontaminantscalcium hydroxide and content of availablecalcium hypochlorite free chlorine: min. 60 %

consumption: 3 l m-2


Personal (1) Decontaminating Powder mixture of chloride of lime and magnesiaC decontamination reaction time: 15 min

(2) Fuller's Earth aluminosilicate powder

Non-standard - monochloramine B and T as aqueous solutiondecontamination - dichloramine B and Tchemicals - hexachloromelamine(examples) - ammonium hydroxide

- sodium or potassium hydroxide- sodium carbonate- peracetic acid- acetone as solvents for chemical warfare agents- diethyl ether- gasoline- diesel fuel- kerosene- ethylene glycol

5.4.2 General principles for decontamination

➥ Strict separation of "black" and "white" area

➥ Prevention of spread of contaminants out ofthe "black" area

➥ Decontamination of vehicles:Always decontaminate from front to rearand from top to bottom!

➥ Decontamination of persons:Short shower time (1 to 3 minutes) andlow shower water temperature(approx. 28 °C)

➥ Undressing of the NBC protection clothing:Avoid contact of contaminated parts withunprotected skin!

Attention:

These principles are also valid fordecontamination in the case of accidentswith highly toxic/hazardous materials

➥ Decontamination of persons always takesprecedence over the decontamination ofmaterial

➥ Decontamination should always be carried outoutside the contaminated terrain

➥ NBC protection should be removed only afterthorough decontamination

➥ Decontaminate the urgently needed materialfirst

➥ Carry out detoxification (C decontamination)as soon as possible, butat the latest 4 to 6 hours after the CW attack

➥ Set up the decontamination siteclose to a water source

➥ Set up the decontamination sitestrictly observing the wind direction:

Always avoid recontamination of surfacesthat have already been decontaminated!


5.4.4 General organisation of a decontamination site

1 Control point

2 Material decontamination - Pre-treatment

3 Material decontamination - Main treatment

4 Material decontamination - Reaction time

5 Material decontamination - Post-treatment

1 - 3 > 106 - 103 - 60,3 - 10,1 - 0,3

Radiation dose [Gy ]

no oftenoften,strong

low chanceto survive

very good very good good unsureno chanceof survival

low chanceof survival

clear clear clear clear gloomy no clear

no no temporary permanent torturepermanentlystrong

Symptoms

Exhaustion

Nausea, vomiting

Headache

Consciousness

Body temperature

without treatment:Prognosis

with treatment:

occasionalafter 2-6 hrs

no occasional moderate strong very strong extreme

permanentseveraltimes

subfebrile febrilenormalnormalnormalnormal

very good very good very good good unsure

Nuclear radiation sickness

Acute radiation damage to persons is only visible after exposure to very high doses

Half-value layer d1/2

for neutron radiation

0,0013 g cm-3

0,3 - 0,6 g cm-3

0,7 g cm-3

1,0 g cm-3

1,6 g cm-3

1,9 - 2,8 g cm-3

1,4 - 1,6 g cm-3

7,8 g cm-3

11,3 g cm-3

0,92 g cm-3

Overview of the decrease of nuclear radiation (approximate values)

d1/2

d1/2

d1/2

Half-value layer d1/2

= thickness of amaterial layer whichreduces the intensityof radiation by half

Symptoms of a heat stroke:

- headache- feeling of dizziness and weakness- tendency to faint and hallucinations- dopey states- cramps- paralysis of respiration, and heart and circulatory failure (death)

AirSnowWoodWaterEarthConcreteBrickSteelLeadPolyethylene

Possible wearing time of insulating individual NBC protection equipment,depending on the meteorological conditions

Dependence of the luminous periodon the nuclear detonation strength

Detonation strength [ kt TNT] Luminous period [sec]

1 110 2,2100 4,61000 10

Annexes

Attention:

Limit the wearing of thepersonal NBC protectionequipment tothe possible minimum(especially at extremelyhigh outside temperatures)

5.5 Medical NBC Protection Measures

Medical NBC protection includes all measures ofprophylaxis, diagnosis as well as first therapeuticalmeasures under field conditions, in order to keep theeffects of an attack with NBC weapons on the healthof the concerned personnel as low as possible.

In addition to the conditions that a clinical surroundingshould fulfil in principle, mobile and stationary fieldhospitals must be designed so that the relevantclinical tasks can also be carried out under NBCconditions. This requires an over-pressure systembased on an NBC protected ventilation system.

However, effective care of NBC injured personsmeans decontaminating them first. Therefore fieldhospitals must be connected or equipped with adecontamination system (meaning material as wellas qualified personnel) which is especially intendedfor the decontamination of wounded persons. Apartfrom this, a possible spread of NBC contaminationinto the hospital area must be reliably prevented.

➠1

2 3 5

6 8

9

➞

➠Personal decontamination

Material decontamination

"Black" area "White" area

107

Wind

4

6 Personal decontamination - Undressing

7 Personal decontamination - Showering

8 Personal decontamination - Dressing

9 Decontamination of clothingand equipment

10 Assembling area

DensityMatter Half-value layer d1/2

for gamma radiation

10 - 15 cm3 cm

9 - 14 cm8 - 12 cm

10 - 14 cm5 - 12 cm9 - 20 cm3 - 6 cm

250 m50 cm

15 - 40 cm23 cm

10 - 18 cm6 - 13 cm

2 - 3 cm1,4 - 2 cm15 - 30 cm

≥ 30 °C25 - 29 °C20 - 24 °C15 - 19 °C

< 15 °C

Air temperature

15 - 20 minutes30 minutes

40 - 45 minutes1,5 - 2 hours

> 3 hours

20 - 30 minutes45 minutes

60- 70 minutes2 - 3 hours4 - 5 hours

in direct sunlightin shade, cloudy,windy weather

Possible duration of activities underinsulating individual NBC protection equipment


Negligible risk for NBC contamination

ContaminantKind ofcontamination

N

Contamination

0,25 Gyradioactive fallout

Vapour or aerosol Liquid

biologicalB < 500 spores per m2< 500 spores per m2

0,25 Gy

HD

GD

VX

C 2,5 mg kg-1

0,044 mg kg-1

0,02 mg kg-1

50 mg min m-3

2,5 mg min m-3

0,25 mg min m-3

Measuring units (radioactivity)

Description Definition

Activity 1 Bq = 1 s-1

1 Ci = 3,7 x 1010 Bq

Absorbed quantity of radiationper mass unit

1 Gy = 1 J kg-1

1 rd = 10-2 Gy

Energydose rate

Equivalentdose rate

Gray per hour[Gy h-1]

Sievert per hour[Sv h-1]

Energy dose

Evaluation of the surface extent of burns(according to WALLACE):

Burns from heat radiation

Degrees of burns

Clinical descriptionDegreeof burn

I

IIa

IIb

III

epidermal burns- erythem (damage of epidermis)

superficial dermal burns- blistering- weeping red wound surface

deep dermal burns- white-yellowy colour of the skin- sensitivity disturbed or not present

full thickness burns- white-yellowy colour of the skin- no sensitivity

subdermal burnsIV

100 500 1.000 1.500

5

421

Wind velocity [m sec-1]

3

Drift time of the CWA clouddepending on the wind velocity

Drift distance [m]2.000

1

23

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Tim

e [m

in]

Possible classifation of thermally damaged persons(by nuclear and incendiary weapons)

burns of the respiratory tract, of the head and the throat

burns of 20 to 50 % of the body surface

burns of 10 to 20 % of the body surface

burns less than 10 % of the body surface

deep burns of more than 50 % of the body surface

Clinical description of the burn demagesLevel of urgency

I

II

III

IV

V

9 %

9 % 9 %

front:18 %

back:18 %

18 %18 %

1 %

The palm of thehand is approx.1....1,2 % of thebody surface.

Drift of a warfare agent cloud depending on time

Gray[Gy]

Becquerel[Bq]

Unit [SI]

Sievert[Sv]

Equivalent dose

Energy dose per time unit

Equivalent dose per time unit 1 rem h-1 = 10-2 Sv h-1

1 rd h-1 = 10-2 Gy h-1

Energy dose multiplied byquality factor

1 Sv = 1 J kg-1

1 rem = 10-2 Sv

Quantity of nuclear decaysper second

Relation to other units


Kärcher's Activities in the Area of NBC Defence:

➥ NBC Defence Conceptions for Armed Forcesand Civil Defence Organisations

➥ NBC Defence Consulting

➥ Development, Production and Deliveryof NBC Defence Equipment

➥ Worldwide Service

➥ NBC Defence Training Courses

References

(1) Ali, J., Jane's US Chemical-biological defense guidebook, Alexandria, Virginia, USA, 1997

(2) Franke, S., Chemie der Kampfstoffe - Umwandlung und Vernichtung Teil I, Munster/Burg, 1994

(3) Franke, S., Militärchemie Band 1/2, Berlin, 1977

(4) Gander, T., Jane's NBC Defence Equipment, London, 1997

(5) Hoffmann, M. Kernwaffen und Kernwaffenschutz, Berlin, 1973

(6) Koelzer, W., Lexikon der Kernenergie, Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe

(7) Spiers, E. M., Chemical Warfare, London, 1988

(8) Stöhr, R. u. a., Chemische Kampfstoffe und Schutz vor chemischen Kampfstoffen, Berlin,1977

(9) Swedish National Defence Research Unit (FOA), Biological warfare agents, Stockholm, 1986

(10) Swedish National Defence Research Unit (FOA), Briefing Book on Chemical Weapons, Stockholm, 1992

(11) Töpfer, H.-J., Brandmittel, Berlin, 1982

(12) Töpfer, H.-J., Individueller ABC-Schutz als integrierter Bestandteil des Systems Soldat,Wehrtechnischer Report Juli 1997, Bonn - Frankfurt a. M.

Product Range Special Customers

Textile protection systems:Safeguard™ 2002-HP NBC protective clothingSafeguard™ 3002-A1 NBCF protective clothingNBC protective glovesSafeguard 6002 full protection clothingFireguard fire-fighting clothing

Decontamination modules:MPS 3200MPDSDADSEDADS

Decontamination agents:TDE 2000 detoxification emulsionTDE 202 detoxification emulsionGDS 2000 detoxification agentDi 60 detoxification agentRM 21, 35, 54 decontamination agentsTraining emulsion

Decontamination devices:DS 10 decont sprayerMediclean 2000

Decontamination systems:CDS 1000 decontamination trailerDecocontain 3000Decocontain 3000 ELVDecont Jet 21 for large vehiclesDSSM for sensitive materialDecont Shuttle

Product Group 1: Protection Systems

Drinking water purification systems:Waterclean 500Waterclean 1600Waterclean 3200

Containerised water purification systems

Product Group 4:Water purification

Field kitchen systems:TFK 250 tactical field kitchenMFK 2/98 modular field kitchen

Small cooking units:FKU 25 mobile field cooking unit

Field kitchen burners:Multi-fuel burnerGas burner

Accessories:Transportable food container

Cooking modules:CD 10 mobile combi-steamerMobile cooking kettleMobile frying kettleMobile frying/baking moduleMobile refrigerator module

Container systems:HMCK mobile container kitchenVORCON mobile food preparation containerMobile canteen container

Product Group 3: Mobile Catering Systems

CFL 60 containerised field laundryTFL 25 trailer field laundryUSC AB-DEKO environmental protection containerSPS 2000 long-term preservation system

HDS 1200 EK high-pressure cleanerHDS 1400 D high-pressure cleanerSCS 1800 DE high-pressure cleanerFB 20 field heating systemFB 60 field heating system

Product Group 2:Field Camp and Maintenance Systems

nbc handbook engl. a3nbc handbook engl. a3 ... chemical ∞

Documents