Unusual numbers of sick people or deaths (mass casualties). Health problems can include nausea, disorientation, difficulty breathing, sweating, skin and eye irritation, convulsions and cardiac arrest.

Unusual numbers of sick or dead animals, birds, or fish. Near water, check for but do not touch dead fish, birds or other aquatic life.

Blisters/Rashes - Numerous individuals will experience unexplained water-like blisters, welts (hives), and/or rashes.

Lack of insect life - Normal insect activity (ground, air, and/or water) is missing. Unusual numbers of dead insects are found on the ground/water surface/shore line.

Pattern of victims - Outdoors, the injured or dead are likely to be distributed downwind from the release. Indoors, air ventilation systems will distribute chemicals, resulting in injuries throughout a facility.

Unexplained odors - Smells may range from fruity to flowery to sharp/pungent to garlic/horseradish-like to bitter almonds/peach kernels to new-mown hay. Note: The odor is completely out of character with its surroundings. Some odors may not be noticeable to the entire population.

Illness in a localized area - More people than normal will be ill, either indoors or outdoors, depending where the agent was released.

Different looking areas, unusual metal debris, liquid droplets, abandoned spray devices, low-flying clouds - Be aware of trees, shrubs, bushes, food crops, and/or lawns that are dead, discolored, or withered; brown, yellow, amber, greenish-yellow or colorless liquid spills; unexplained bomb-like material; oily droplets/film; fog-like conditions not consistent with their surroundings. Do not touch these areas/devices.

Blister Agents

(e.g., mustard gas, lewisite)

Group of agents that cause blistering or burns on the skin or lungs. Could be transmitted by inhaling, or contact with skin or eyes.

Skin and eye burning, severe respiratory irritation.

Leave the affected area. Immediately remove clothing, place in a plastic bag, and shower and wash. Seek medical care if exposed.

Mustard gas: treatment for blisters as burns, supportive care.

Lewisite: same; antidote.

Blood Agents

(e.g., cyanide, arsine)

Group of agents depriving cells and tissues of oxygen. Could be released in air, water or food.

Rapid breathing, nausea, convulsions, loss of consciousness.

Same as for blister agents.

Cyanide: antidote.

Arsine: supportive care; blood transfusions and intravenous fluids may be needed.

Choking Agents

(e.g., chlorine, phosgene)

Group of agents attacking the respiratory system. Most likely to be released in air.

Coughing, burning eyes or throat, blurred vision, nausea, fluid in lungs, difficulty breathing.

Same as for blister agents.

Monitoring for delayed symptoms. Supportive care. Oxygen as needed.

Nerve Agents (e.g., sarin, soman, tabun, VX)

Group of agents that affect the nervous system. Released in air, water or food.

Seizures, drooling, eye irritation, sweating or twitching blurred vision, muscle weakness.

Same as for blister agents.

Antidote; supportive care (e.g., oxygen as needed).