Chemical Agents of Warfare -- Easier Bio Terrorism Agents -- Are We Prepared?
New York, NY -- Since September 11, the country has been focusing on defending against biological terrorism, when, in fact, chemical warfare agents are much less sophisticated to produce and more readily available then biological agents -- and, now we know the Taliban had them.
How can we defend against the harmful effects of chemical warfare agents? To minimize the damage, a quick diagnosis followed by appropriate care is essential. Yet, according to Jimmie Valentine, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics and Pharmacology at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, few tests are currently available. Dr. Valentine, using US Army sponsorship, is developing a series of urine tests for exposure to chemical agents. He will discuss what must be done for laboratory professionals to prepare for a chemical attack at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry's (AACC's) conference, "Lab 2005: Your Path to the Future," March 21-22, in New York City.
Chemicals have been used as military weapons by various nations in the 20th Century because they are relatively easy to deliver to an enemy. For example, in WWI both the Allies and their enemies released large cylinders of gases and simply let the wind carry the toxin to enemy forces (although a shift in wind direction could result in a disaster.) After WWI, many nations, including the United States, began to seek more effective ways to deliver chemical weapons, so munitions-quality chemical weapons were developed.
In more recent years, chemical attacks occurred in two Japanese cities when the Aum Shinrikyo cult released the nerve gas, sarin, in Matsumoto on June 27, 1994 and in Tokyo on March 20, 1995. In Matsumoto, the cult used the back of a panel truck, setting up a large fan to blow over two opened containers of sarin. This crude method resulted in 7 deaths, 53 hospitalizations and 253 outpatient treatments. In Tokyo, cult members brought plastic bags containing sarin into the subway system and created a major health crisis. Twelve persons died, 1,300 were hospitalized, and approximately 5,500 persons sought medical aid. These events show the need for advance planning, as hospitals were overwhelmed with persons seeking medical aid. Also, health workers can become victims as well if appropriate precautions are not taken.
Today, there are a few non-specific tests available to confirm whether a person has been exposed to a toxic chemical. Tests for assessing the probability and the extent of chemical exposure would allow better care for victims. Susceptibility testing is available but the technology is only appropriate for laboratory testing. The technology needs to be adapted to field or point of care testing. And, careful consideration of regulations for validating tests needs to be addressed. The current regulations require studies on human subjects, which is obviously not an option for tests that detect exposure to chemical terrorist agents.
Just as research on bio-terrorist agents will improve the understanding and treatment of infectious disease and public health; research on chemical agents will better prepare us to respond to industrial chemical accidents. In Bhopa, India in December of 1984, a release of a toxic chemical into a densely populated area resulted in 8,000 deaths and an estimated 30,000 inhalation injuries. This horrible event demonstrates just how devastating toxic chemicals can be.
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Founded in 1948, the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) is the world's most prestigious professional association for clinical laboratories, clinical and molecular pathologists, and others in related fields. Clinical laboratorians are specialists trained in all areas of human laboratory testing, including infectious and genetic diseases, DNA and the presence of tumor markers. The primary professional commitment of clinical laboratorians is the effective understanding and use of laboratory tests in order to detect, monitor and treat human disease.
Editors note: To schedule an interview with Dr. Valentine, please contact Scott Pasch at 202-835-8718.
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