High-Tech Terror: Recognition, Management, and Prevention of Biological, Chemical, and Nuclear Injuries Secondary to Acts of Terrorism Book

The purpose of this book is to remind us that terrible weapons will always exist and are certain to be used against humanity in the futureónot just in the military, but also in civilian areas. Thus, the more health care providers and everyone else involved with the health care industry know about this subject and the diseases and injuries these agents and weapons can produce, the more likely mankind will be able to successfully mute, survive, or prevent their catastrophic consequences. Divided into three parts, Part I begins with a discussion on the identification and classification of expected biological/bioterrorist agents and characteristics of their associated diseases and syndromes. Health care providers should be reminded that, whatever the disaster may be, it should be considered a medical problem first and a criminal act second. The usage of special protective gear is examined, including breathing filtration systems and/or respirators. Part II previews the history and development of chemical warfare agents and terrorism, addressing the recognition, diagnostic confirmation, therapy, prevention, isolation practices, and early management of injuries and illnesses that might result from terrorist actions. Extensive information is given on choking agents (Chlorine and Phosgene), blistering agents (Phosgene Oxime, Sulfur and Nitrogen Mustards, and Lewisite) and nerve agents. Part III examines the history and development of nuclear warfare and terrorism, the nuclear weapons systems and how they work, and the Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). This book has been written to serve as a readable, user-friendly text, principally for health care professionals and all the varied personnel involved in initial response teams, to aid them in the prompt recognition and management of patients suffering from acts of terrorism from biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons and outline preventive measures that need to be taken to reduce casualties.Read More