Chapter 39 Flashcards
alpha
A type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiologic source; it is the least harmful penetrating type of radiation and cannot travel fast or through most objects
anthrax
A disease caused by deadly bacteria (Bacillus anthracis) that lay dormant in a spore (protective shell); the germ is released from the spore when exposed to the optimal temperature and moisture. The routes of entry are inhalation, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal (from consuming food that contains spores).
aging
Aging is the process by which the temporary bond between the organophosphate and acetylcholinesterase undergoes hydrolysis, resulting in a permanent covalent bond
bacteria
Microorganisms that reproduce by binary fission. These single-cell creatures reproduce rapidly. Some can form spores (encysted variants) when environmental conditions are harsh.
beta
A type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiologic source; is slightly more penetrating than alpha and requires a layer of clothing to stop it
B-NICE
A memory device to recall the types of weapons of mass destruction: biologic, nuclear, incendiary, chemical, and explosive
botulinum
Produced by bacteria, this is a very potent neurotoxin. When introduced into the body, this neurotoxin affects the nervous system’s ability to function and causes botulism.
buboes
Enlarged lymph nodes (up to the size of a tennis ball) that were characteristic in people infected with the bubonic plague
bubonic plague
An epidemic that spread throughout Europe in the Middle Ages, causing more than 25 million deaths, also called the Black Death; transmitted by infected fleas and characterized by acute malaise, fever, and the formation of tender, enlarged, inflamed lymph nodes that appear as lesions, called buboes
chlorine (CL)
The first chemical agent ever used in warfare. It has a distinct odor of bleach and creates a green haze when released as a gas. Initially it produces upper airway irritation and a choking sensation.
contact hazard
A hazardous agent that gives off very little or no vapors; the skin is the primary route for this type of chemical to enter the body; also called a skin hazard
contagious
An infectious disease that can be transmitted to another; communicable. A person who has s contagious disease and can transmit it to another person might be considered contagious.
covert
An act in which the public safety community generally has no prior knowledge of the time, location, or nature of the attack
cross-contamination
Occurs when a person is contaminated by an agent as a result of coming into contact with another contaminated person
cyanide
An agent that affects the body’s ability to use oxygen. It is a colorless gas that has an odor similar to almonds. The effects begin on the cellular level and are very rapidly seen at the organ and system levels.
decay
A natural process in which a material that is unstable attempts to stabilize itself by changing its structure
dirty bomb
Name given to a bomb that is used as a radiologic dispersal device
dissemination
The means by which a terrorist will spread a disease; for example, by poisoning the water supply or aerosolizing the agent into the air or ventilation system of a building
DuoDote Auto-Injector
A nerve agent antidote kit containing atropine and pralidoxime chloride; delivered as a single dose through one needle
G agents
Early nerve agents that were developed by German scientists in the period after World War I and into World War II. There are three such agents: sarin, soman, and tabun.
gamma (x-ray)
A type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiologic source that is far faster and stronger than alpha and beta rays. These rays easily penetrate through the human body and require lead or several inches of concrete to prevent penetration.
incubation
Th period of time from a person being exposed to a disease to the time when symptoms begin
international terrorism
Terrorism that is carried out by people in a country other than their own; also known as cross-border terrorism
ionizing radiation
Energy that is emitted in the form of rays, or particles
LD50
The amount of an agent or substance that will kill 50% of people who are exposed to this level