112 CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR (CBRN) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS Flashcards
What is the shape and size of the standard NATO CBRN contamination markers?
The markers are triangular in shape, with a base of approximately 11 1/2 inches and sides of about 8 inches.
How are different types of contamination identified on NATO CBRN markers?
Each type of contamination is identified by the color of the marker.
What is the purpose of the NATO CBRN contamination marker system?
It is a standard system used to mark areas contaminated by chemical, biological, or nuclear agents.
What is the primary function of the M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask?
It provides 24 hours of continuous head-eye-respiratory protection against chemical agents, biological agents, radiological particulates, and toxic industrial chemicals.
What substances does the M-50 mask not protect against?
It does not protect against industrial gases such as ammonia or carbon monoxide.
In what environments is the M-50 mask ineffective?
It is not effective in confined spaces where the oxygen content of the air is low.
What feature allows the M-50 mask wearer to stay hydrated?
The mask has the capability of allowing the wearer to drink water while worn.
How many sizes does the M-50 mask come in, and where is the size indicated?
It comes in three sizes—small, medium, and large—with the size mark located on the top left portion of the mask.
What is the time limit to don the M-50 mask without a hood during an NBC attack?
The time limit is 9 seconds.
What is the time limit to don the M-50 mask with a hood during an NBC attack?
The time limit is 15 seconds.
What is the first step when donning the M-50 mask after an NBC attack signal?
Close your eyes, stop breathing, and hold your breath.
What should you do with your headgear when donning the M-50 mask?
Remove your headgear.
If wearing glasses, what must you do before donning the M-50 mask?
Take them off.
How is the M-50 mask stored in its carrier?
It is stored with the head harness pulled over the front of the mask.
How should you position the M-50 mask on your face initially?
Raise the mask to your face and place your chin firmly in the chin cup.
How do you secure the head harness when donning the M-50 mask?
Grasp the head harness tab, pull it over your head, ensuring ears are between temple and cheek straps, and pull it down at the back as far as possible.
What should you do to tighten the M-50 mask straps?
Tighten the cheek straps one at a time or both simultaneously, ensuring they lay flat against your head.
What is the first step to clear the M-50 mask after donning?
Cover the outlet valve with the palm of one hand.
How do you ensure contaminated air is expelled from the M-50 mask?
Blow out hard to force contaminated air out around the edges of the mask assembly.
What is the purpose of the negative pressure test for the M-50 mask?
It ensures the mask is airtight by checking if it collapses against your face when you cover the M61 filter air inlet ports and breathe in.
What should you do after confirming the M-50 mask is airtight?
Resume breathing.
What should you do with your helmet after donning and clearing the M-50 mask?
Put on your helmet, ensuring not to upset the seal between the facepiece and your face.
What is the final step after donning the M-50 mask?
Close the carrier and continue your mission.
What is the vocal alarm for a chemical or biological attack?
The word “gas” repeated three times (GAS-GAS-GAS).
How is the visual alarm for a chemical or biological attack performed?
Extend arms straight out to the side with hands in fists, then bend elbows to bring fists to ears, repeating three times as “GAS” is said.
What is the percussion alarm for an NBC attack?
Metal on metal, such as striking metal triangles repeatedly, or using sirens, intermittent horns, or other devices per the unit’s SOP.
What is the purpose of Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) levels?
To balance protection with the threat, temperature, and urgency of the mission.
How many MOPP levels are there, and what are they?
There are six levels: MOPP Ready through MOPP 4, plus a mask-only option.
How does efficiency change as MOPP levels increase?
Efficiency decreases as protection increases from MOPP Ready to MOPP 4.
Which MOPP gear elements are put on first?
Elements that take the longest to put on and degrade mission performance the least.
Which MOPP gear elements are put on last?
Elements that can be put on quickly and degrade individual task performance the most.
What does MOPP Ready mean?
A Marine carries his or her protective mask.
What is MOPP Level 0?
A condition where a Marine has all MOPP gear available but is not wearing it.
What is the purpose of M9 detector paper?
It detects the presence of chemical agents but does not identify the specific agent.
How is M9 detector paper typically issued and worn?
One roll per squad or gun team, worn around ankles, wrists, and biceps on the exterior of protective clothing.
How do you use M9 detector paper to test for contamination?
Unroll a small portion, blot (do not rub) it on suspect liquid, and observe for a color change.
What color change indicates contamination on M9 detector paper?
A light pink to reddish-brown or violet tint.
What is the purpose of M8 detector paper?
It detects suspected liquid chemical agents, such as puddles, small drops, or barely visible droplets.
Where is M8 detector paper issued?
With the field protective mask and M256A1 chemical agent detector kit as an SL-3 component.
How do you prepare M8 detector paper for use?
Remove and open it from the M256A1 kit or mask carrier, tearing off and discarding the plastic bag.
How do you test a liquid with M8 detector paper?
Tear out a sheet (or half if perforated), blot (do not rub) it on the suspected liquid, and compare color changes to the chart inside the M8 paper book cover.
What precaution should you take when using M8 detector paper?
Hold it in the down position to prevent liquid contaminants from running onto your protective glove.
What should you do if decontaminants have been used with M8 paper?
Confirm positive results with a sampler-detector, as some decontaminants produce false positives.
What is the main disadvantage of M8 and M9 paper compared to the M256A1 kit?
They cannot test for vapor hazards and detect a limited number of agents.
How long does it take to test with M8 or M9 paper versus the M256A1 kit?
M8 or M9 takes seconds, while the M256A1 takes approximately 15 minutes.
What is the goal of immediate decontamination?
It minimizes casualties, saves lives, and limits the spread of contamination.
Who performs immediate decontamination?
It is carried out by individuals upon becoming contaminated.
What are the three techniques of immediate decontamination?
Skin decon, personnel wipe down, and operator’s spray down.
What is the purpose of operational decontamination?
It sustains operations, reduces contact hazards, and limits contamination spread to minimize MOPP gear use.
Who conducts operational decontamination?
It is carried out by individuals and/or units.
What are the two techniques of operational decontamination?
Vehicle wash down and MOPP gear exchange.
What is the focus of operational decontamination?
Specific parts of operationally essential equipment/material and/or working areas to minimize contact and transfer hazards.
What is the objective of thorough decontamination?
It reduces or eliminates the need for individual protective clothing by lowering contamination to negligible risk levels.
Who performs thorough decontamination?
It is carried out by units with assistance from chemical units.
What are the three techniques of thorough decontamination?
Detailed troop decon, detailed equipment decon, and detailed aircraft decon.
What may thorough decontamination include beyond personnel and equipment?
Decontamination of terrain as required.
What should you do immediately upon seeing a brilliant flash or hearing an exceptionally loud explosion in a nuclear attack?
Drop face down with your head toward the blast, if possible, and use any available cover.
What protective measures should you take during a nuclear attack without a weapon?
Close your eyes, protect exposed skin by putting hands and arms under or near your body, keep your helmet on, and keep your head down.
How should you position your weapon during a nuclear attack if you have one?
Place it under your body or beside you with the strap/sling wrapped tightly around your arm and the muzzle angled away from your face.
How long should you remain face down after a nuclear blast?
For 90 seconds or until all debris has stopped falling.
What types of cover provide protection during a nuclear attack?
Fighting holes, ditches, culverts, hills, large rocks, or armored vehicles.
What is the first action to take in a chemical or biological attack without warning?
Stop breathing, close your mouth and eyes (do not take a last breath).
How should you secure your rifle during a chemical or biological attack?
Place it between your legs.
What should you do with your headgear in a chemical or biological attack?
Remove it and place it on the weapon.
Why should you avoid wearing contact lenses with the M-50 mask?
They overcorrect vision when used with optical inserts.
How do you initially position the M-50 mask in a chemical or biological attack?
Put your chin into the chin pocket with the hood hanging down in front.
How do you clear the M-50 mask during a chemical or biological attack?
Cover the outlet valve with one hand, exhale sharply, then cover the canister air inlet port and breathe in to collapse the facepiece.
What should you do if the M-50 mask does not collapse during clearing?
Check for hair, clothing, or other interference and repeat the clearing steps until airtight.
How do you adjust the head harness on the M-50 mask?
Grasp the tab, pull it over your head with the square patch centered, and tighten cheek straps one at a time.
What should you do if you suspect a leak in the M-50 mask?
Recheck for leaks by running a finger around the edges and have another Marine inspect it when possible.
How quickly must the M-50 mask be donned, cleared, and sealed?
Within 9 seconds, with an additional 6 seconds to put the hood in place.
What should you do after donning the M-50 mask in a chemical or biological attack?
Sound the vocal or visual alarm, secure your weapon, helmet, and mask carrier, check for contamination, and assume the directed MOPP level.
What are nerve agents, and how do they affect the body?
They are odorless, almost colorless liquids that interfere with nerve impulse transmission in the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system as cholinesterase inhibitors.
What are the physical properties of nerve agents?
They vary in viscosity and volatility, are moderately soluble in water, stable unless exposed to strong alkali or chlorinating compounds, and penetrate cloth, leather, and wood easily.
What are the signs of nerve agent vapor exposure?
Pinpoint pupils, rhinorrhea, dyspnea, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, hypersalivation, drowsiness, coma, and unconsciousness.
What are the signs of nerve agent skin exposure?
Local muscular twitching where the agent was absorbed, plus other symptoms like rhinorrhea and convulsions.
What is the specific therapy for nerve agent exposure?
Atropine, an acetylcholine blocker, administered via 2 mg autoinjectors, and 2-PAM Cl (600 mg autoinjectors) for cholinesterase regeneration.
How many nerve agent antidote autoinjectors are issued to service members?
Three 2 mg atropine autoinjectors and three 600 mg 2-PAM Cl autoinjectors.
When should nerve agent antidotes not be used?
They should not be given preventively before exposure.
How should you administer a nerve agent autoinjector?
Position the needle end against the lateral thigh or buttocks, apply firm pressure (not jabbing) until it triggers, and hold for at least 10 seconds.
What should you do with used nerve agent autoinjectors?
Attach them to your clothing to indicate the number of injections received.
How long should you wait before administering a second set of nerve agent antidotes?
Wait 10 to 15 minutes after the first set.
When can a third set of nerve agent antidotes be given?
If symptoms persist after an additional 15 minutes, non-medical personnel can administer a third set.
What should you do for a casualty with severe nerve agent poisoning?
Administer three sets of antidotes in rapid succession using the casualty’s own injectors, and mark the casualty if necessary.
What are blister agents, and what is their primary effect?
They are vesicants that primarily affect the skin, producing large, painful blisters, and can be lethal in high doses.
What are common blister agents?
Mustard (HD), nitrogen mustard (HN), and Lewisite (L).
What are the physical characteristics of mustard agents (HD and HN)?
They are oily, colorless or pale yellow liquids, sparingly soluble in water, with HN being less volatile and more persistent than HD.
What are the initial symptoms of mustard agent exposure?
Pain and a gritting feeling in the eyes, spastic blinking, photophobia, and irritation of warm, sweaty skin areas like armpits and groin.
How long does it take for mustard agent blisters to appear?
Blistering begins in about 12 hours but may be delayed up to 48 hours.
What respiratory symptoms follow mustard gas inhalation?
Irritation of the throat, hoarseness, cough, fever, moist rales, dyspnea, and potentially bronchopneumonia.
What is the primary cause of death from mustard agents?
Massive edema or mechanical pulmonary obstruction.
What is the treatment for mustard agent poisoning?
Physically remove the agent as soon as possible; otherwise, treatment is symptomatic to relieve itching, pain, and prevent infection, as there is no specific antidote.
What is Lewisite, and how does it differ from mustard agents?
It is an arsenical blister agent, a light- to dark-brown liquid that vaporizes slowly, causing intense pain on contact unlike mustard agents.
What are the symptoms of Lewisite exposure?
Irritation prompting immediate mask use, respiratory symptoms like mustard, and intense skin pain upon contact.
How do you treat Lewisite eye exposure?
Flush with copious amounts of water immediately, and use 30% sodium sulfacetamide solution within 24 hours to combat infection.
What is the systemic treatment for Lewisite poisoning?
British Anti-Lewisite (BAL), dimercaprol, injected in a peanut oil suspension (max 3 mg/kg), plus symptomatic treatment like morphine for pain.
What are blood agents, and how do they work?
They are cyanide-containing gases (e.g., hydrocyanic acid (AC) and cyanogen chloride (CK)) that block oxygen transfer by interfering with enzyme systems, causing rapid death.
What are the symptoms of blood agent exposure?
Forceful breathing increase, violent convulsions after 20-30 seconds, and respiratory and heart failure within minutes.
What are the treatments for blood agent exposure?
Amyl nitrite (crush ampules as first aid) and intravenous sodium thiosulfate (100-200 mg/kg over 9 minutes), with rapid administration being critical.
What are choking agents, and how do they affect the body?
They (e.g., phosgene (CG), chlorine (Cl)) damage lung tissue, causing severe pulmonary edema.
What is the appearance and odor of phosgene (CG)?
It is a colorless gas with an odor like new-mown hay or freshly cut grass.
What are the latent symptoms of choking agent exposure?
Rapid, shallow breathing, painful cough, cyanosis, frothy sputum, clammy skin, rapid feeble pulse, low blood pressure, and potential shock or death.
What is the treatment for choking agent exposure like phosgene?
Complete bed rest, moderate warmth, oxygen for anoxia, and symptomatic treatment, as no specific antidote exists.
What are incapacitating agents, and what is their purpose?
They, mainly psychochemicals like 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (BZ), cause mental confusion and inability to function intelligently to temporarily disable personnel.
What are the characteristics of incapacitating agents?
High potency, effects on the central nervous system, duration of hours to days, and no permanent injury.
What are the symptoms of BZ exposure?
Abnormal behavior, irrational statements, delusions, hallucinations, dizziness, muscular uncoordination, dry mouth, and difficulty swallowing, progressing to stupor at high doses.
What is the treatment for BZ intoxication?
Prevent self-injury or harm to others, with physostigmine as the drug of choice after 4 hours, though it doesn’t shorten duration.
What are riot control/harassing agents, and what are their classes?
They are relatively nontoxic chemical compounds causing immediate, temporary effects in low concentrations, divided into lacrimators and vomiting agents.
What are lacrimators, and what are the principal agents?
They are tear gases (e.g., chloracetophenone (CN) and orthochlorobenzilidine malanonitrile (CS)) that irritate eyes, respiratory tract, and skin.
How do CN and CS differ as lacrimators?
CS is more potent and causes more severe respiratory symptoms than CN, which is a standard training agent.
What are the symptoms of lacrimator exposure?
Intense eye pain, excessive tearing, and, with CS, chest discomfort lasting up to 2 hours or a few minutes depending on exposure.
What is the treatment for lacrimator exposure?
Fresh air and wind into open eyes; change clothing if contaminated, as no specific first aid is typically needed.
What are vomiting agents, and what are the principal examples?
They (e.g., diphenylaminochloroarsine (DM), diphenylchloroarsine (DA), diphenylcyanoarsine (DC)) cause respiratory irritation, nausea, and vomiting via inhalation or eye contact.
What are the symptoms of vomiting agent exposure?
Pepper-like irritation, sneezing, coughing, nausea, vomiting, burning sensation, hypersalivation, rhinorrhea, and frontal headache.
What is the treatment for vomiting agent exposure?
Wear a mask despite symptoms, wash skin and rinse eyes/mouth, use mild analgesics for headaches, and recover within 1-3 hours.
What are screening smokes used for?
They obscure vision and hide targets or areas outdoors, generally nontoxic unless in heavy concentrations for extended periods.
What is white phosphorus (WP), and what are its effects?
It is a pale, waxy solid that ignites on air contact, producing hot, dense white smoke; it irritates eyes, nose, and throat and burns skin if particles embed.
How do you treat white phosphorus smoke exposure?
Remove from the source for rapid recovery; no specific treatment is needed for smoke inhalation.
How do you treat white phosphorus burns on the skin?
Cover with water, wet cloth, or mud; rinse with 0.5% copper sulfate solution (not as a dressing), and surgically remove particles.
