Prepared for bioterrorism?
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From: Watford
Originally posted by Tedow
As for chem/bio preparedness, we're in bad shape. Our hospital staffs are neither trained nor equipped to diagnose and treat symptoms of many potential weapons (anthrax, for example). And one possible reason for the mass distribution of gas masks, etc. in Israel is to let the populace believe there is some way to protect themselves, when in all probability simply protecting one's airway will not help much.
As for chem/bio preparedness, we're in bad shape. Our hospital staffs are neither trained nor equipped to diagnose and treat symptoms of many potential weapons (anthrax, for example). And one possible reason for the mass distribution of gas masks, etc. in Israel is to let the populace believe there is some way to protect themselves, when in all probability simply protecting one's airway will not help much.
Don't think my ar$e is going to protect me from that one
Seriously, the placebo effect of actions such as the distribution of gas masks shouldn't be underestimated...
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From: Orlando
A chemical attack would be a freagin' gift.
Some countrys have developed strains of smallpox (and the like) that are immune to all known medicines. Viruses like these would spread like wildfire and kill tens of thousands before the CDC could control it.
The only way to prevent this nightmare from becoming a reality in the US is to eliminate the parties that would unleash this kind of attack who are here now, and not to allow in others who would carry it out. How can you do that in a free society? Lets hope they find a way before we see this occur.
Your best bet now is to get right with God because you'd have to take off a gas mask sometime. How long can you go without eating....
I read today that even Ozzy went to church after the WTC bombings. If thats not a sign, I dont know what is.
Some countrys have developed strains of smallpox (and the like) that are immune to all known medicines. Viruses like these would spread like wildfire and kill tens of thousands before the CDC could control it.
The only way to prevent this nightmare from becoming a reality in the US is to eliminate the parties that would unleash this kind of attack who are here now, and not to allow in others who would carry it out. How can you do that in a free society? Lets hope they find a way before we see this occur.
Your best bet now is to get right with God because you'd have to take off a gas mask sometime. How long can you go without eating....
I read today that even Ozzy went to church after the WTC bombings. If thats not a sign, I dont know what is.
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From: Decatur
Well... I guess I should put in my two bits because I know the medical stand point. These nerve blocking agents work at the acetylcholinesterase neuromuscular junction where the nerves trigger the muscles to work. These agents are readily absorbed through the skin to stimulate and eventually cripple this junction, and yes, the masks are of no benefit. The result is muscle paralysis and sophocation do to inability to breathe. Masks may delay death by seconds at best. The only way to buy time until the toxin wears off (and honestly I don't know what the half-life on some of these chemicals are) is to inject an antagonist. This does not take away the toxin but merely antagonizes its affect temporarily. These things are quite nasty folks. The bio war-fare is limitless, but the CDC and medical institutions would be surprised initially, yes, but short of something like ebola that kills quickly, the medical community would react and have counter-measures fairly swiftly. By the way, there are no medicinces for small pox. In my opinion, the government should not waste money on such items for all of 300,000,000 of us (let's just say such masks and medications would arbitrarily cost $500 per person, which is likely grossly underestimating) and spend the $150 BILLION dollars on intelligence so we can intercept and rub out the threats before they have the opportunity to finish their fiendish plots. ...but that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
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There are also different canisters for different gases so which do you pick, presuming it is a gas and presuming you're even lucky enough to have a choice? The only mask I could see as being effective would be a full hood military type mask that covered the entire head.
Some stores here have had a run on gas masks despite them telling people the canisters only last around 3 days and you can not get new canisters for them. Hell.. they're not even sure the canisters work. They also stated that you would need a full chemical warfare suit (which they don't sell
) as well as the correct mask and canister(s).
I think you'd have a better chance by sealing off your kitchen with a roll of masking tape personally. Hell... seal the whole house off... avoid trains.... government buildings .... rock concerts .... or take up scuba diving 24 hours a day But then .. what would be the point of living?
Some stores here have had a run on gas masks despite them telling people the canisters only last around 3 days and you can not get new canisters for them. Hell.. they're not even sure the canisters work. They also stated that you would need a full chemical warfare suit (which they don't sell
) as well as the correct mask and canister(s).I think you'd have a better chance by sealing off your kitchen with a roll of masking tape personally. Hell... seal the whole house off... avoid trains.... government buildings .... rock concerts .... or take up scuba diving 24 hours a day
But then .. what would be the point of living?
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From: Watford
PigPen:
UK nerve agents antidotes come in two parts, a tablet and an injection. Tablets need to be taken for a few days before exposure to the agent. On exposure the injection needs to be administered.
I remember watching a video of the ingredients in the tablets coating the nerve receptors and the injection binding onto the nerve endings..... Is this the antagonist you refer to? I remember thinking "oh fcuk me"....
UK nerve agents antidotes come in two parts, a tablet and an injection. Tablets need to be taken for a few days before exposure to the agent. On exposure the injection needs to be administered.
I remember watching a video of the ingredients in the tablets coating the nerve receptors and the injection binding onto the nerve endings..... Is this the antagonist you refer to? I remember thinking "oh fcuk me"....