Glossary Quick Guide to Agents, Drugs, Equipment, Gear, Programs, and Terminology

Absorbent Materials An absorbing material designed to pick and hold liquid hazardous materials to prevent a spread of contamination. 

Acetylcholinesterase An enzyme that hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The action of this enzyme is inhibited by nerve agents. 

Active Immunization The act of artificially stimulating the body to develop antibodies against infectious disease by the administration of vaccines or toxoids. 

Acute Health effect that occurs over a short term brief and severe as opposed to chronic. 

Acute Exposure A single encounter to toxic concentrations of a hazardous material or multiple encounters over a short period of time. 

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