Biological agents characteristics

Boleij, J.S.M. et al. (1994J Occupational Hygiene of Chemical and Biological Agents, Elsevier Science Ltd, Amsterdam. Bond, I. (1991) Sources of Ignition - Elammability Characteristics of Chemicals and Products. Butterworth-Hememann, Oxford. 

While the guidance provided in this book is designed to minimize exposure to weapons of mass destruction, it will not eliminate the possibility for exposure. For this reason, it is important to understand the general characteristics of nuclear, chemical, and biological agents, the symptoms of exposure, and potential treatment options. For additional details on chemical structure, chemical characteristics, pathology, and field behavior, see References 1 through 3. 

Amoebophrya ceratii has several characteristics which indicate it may be useful as a biological agent for controlling PSP. However, much work remains to be done to assess the ecological acceptability, biological feasibility, and economic practicality of using A. ceratii to control Gonyaulax and PSP problems. 

Many materials of interest for security applications including explosives, chemical agents, and biological agents have characteristic THz spectra that can be used to fingerprint and thereby identify these concealed materials (Fig. 1). 

Infectious disease can be produced by any pathogen able to be aerosolized and subsequently transported into the respiratory tract at the appropriate concentration. Some common diseases which may result from airborne transmission in indoor environments are listed in Table 5. The rate of infection within any environment is a function of the viability and virulence of the pathogen, its concentration in the inhaled air, and characteristics, such as droplet size, of the carrier aerosol within which it is contained. Some biological agents produce disease at low concentrations, while others must accumulate to a higher level. Furthermore, individual susceptibility to infection depends on a number of factors, such as age and health, as well as concomitant exposure to chemical pollutants. 

In addition to symptoms and physical findings, diagnostic clues for inhalational exposure may include bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on chest X-ray, arterial hypoxemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis and a bronchial aspirate rich in protein compared to plasma, characteristic of high permeability pulmonary edema (39). Unlike many biologic agents, ricin intoxication wonld progress despite treatment with antibiotics. 

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