Blood Agents
By U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Posted 3/29/06
Overview
Blood agents include:
- Arsine
- Cyanide
These agents deprive the blood and organs of oxygen.
Arsine
Basic Facts
- Arsine is a colorless toxic gas.
- Arsine has a mild garlic odor that can be detected only at levels greater than those necessary to cause poisoning.
- Accidental formation of arsine in the workplace is the most common route of exposure.
Arsine as a Weapon
- Arsine was explored for chemical warfare in World War II by the British but was never used.
- Arsine is relatively easy to create for a deliberate release into the air because it is most commonly used in the semiconductor and metals refining industries and is readily available.
Arsine Illness
- The severity of arsine poisoning depends on the amount and duration of exposure.
- Arsine enters the bloodstream and damages red blood cells.
- Exposure to low or moderate doses of arsine causes symptoms within two to 24 hours, including:
Weakness
Fatigue
Headache
Drowsiness
Confusion
Shortness of breath
Rapid breathing
Nausea, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain
Red or dark urine
Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
Muscle cramps - Exposure to high doses of arsine can cause:
Loss of consciousness
Convulsions
Paralysis
Respiratory failure possibly leading to death - Long-term side effects of exposure include:
Kidney damage
Numbness and pain in the extremities
Memory loss or confusion
Arsine Diagnosis and Treatment
- A release is confirmed when people start exhibiting symptoms.
- Only during a large release will arsine's garlic odor be prevalent.
- There is no antidote for arsine poisoning.
Lessening the Impact of Arsine Exposure
- Move away from the site of exposure, and get fresh air immediately.
- Remove outer layer of clothing, place it in a plastic bag, and seal as soon as possible.
- Immediately wash body thoroughly with soap and water.
- Flush irritated eyes with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Cyanide
Basic Facts
- Cyanide can come in many different forms, however, the following four types are more likely to be seen:
Hydrogen cyanide
Cyanogen chloride
Potassium cyanide
Sodium cyanide - Legitimate uses of cyanide compounds include manufacturing applications, such as metal refining and photography.
- In gas form, the agent is colorless and may have a slight almond odor.
Cyanide as a Weapon
- The agent can be released into the air, soil, drinking water, or food supply.
- Cyanide is fast acting.
- Breathing in and ingesting cyanide are the most harmful routes of exposure.
- Cyanide is most dangerous in enclosed spaces.
- Cyanide evaporates quickly in open areas.
- Cyanide is relatively easy to obtain and release.
Cyanide Illness
- Cyanide deprives the body's cells from using oxygen.
- The agent is most harmful to the heart and brain, which rely heavily on oxygen.
- Symptoms include:
Rapid breathing, restlessness, dizziness, weakness, and headache
Nausea, vomiting, and convulsions
Loss of consciousness, injury to the lungs, and respiratory failure
Permanent heart and brain damage
Rapid progression to coma and death
Cyanide Diagnosis and Treatment
- Environmental testing can confirm a release.
- Blood tests can confirm individual exposure.
- Immediate medical attention is recommended.
- Preferred antidotes are a nitrite or a thiosulfate compound.
Lessening the Impact of Cyanide Exposure
- Move away from the site of exposure, and get fresh air immediately.
- Remove outer layer of clothing, place it in a plastic bag, and seal as soon as possible.
- Immediately wash body thoroughly with soap and water.
- Flush irritated eyes with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
More information on disasters and emergencies is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's website: http://www.hhs.gov/emergency