Toxins - Dermally Hazardous

Toxins present a variety of both incapacitating and lethal effects. Generally, these Toxins destroy or damage tissue (cytotoxins), but may also disrupt the nervous system (neurotoxins), and/or cause the body to release excessive, and therefore harmful, amounts of chemicals that are normally produced by the body (biomediator toxins). 

Skin impacts occur at doses as low as 0.00006 gm per square inch of contaminated skin. 

Local effects from exposure to these Toxins begins within minutes of exposure. Systemic effects may be delayed from hours to days. The route of exposure to the toxin can significantly change the latency period. 

Emergency Action for Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents 

Toxins may be solids or liquids. They are odorless and tasteless. However, the appearance of a specific toxin may not be discernable since toxins may be deployed as dilute solutions. 

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Structural firefighters protective clothing should never be used as the primary chemical protective garment to enter an area contaminated with dermally hazardous toxins. 

In the event that dermally hazardous toxins have been released, responders should wear a Level A protective ensemble. Also, because of the extreme hazard posed by toxin aerosols to any area of cut or lacerated skin, responders should wear a Level A protective ensemble whenever there is any potential for exposure to airborne agent. 

Toxins posing a dermal hazard (C23) Blister agents (C07 - Cll)... 

These Toxins pose both a severe respiratory and severe contact hazard. Toxins are generally dispersed as aerosols. Although Toxins are nonvolatile and do not pose an inhalation hazard once the aerosol has settled, residue from aerosols of Dermally Hazardous Toxins can still pose a contact threat. Wear appropriate fully encapsulating protective gear with positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). There is a significant hazard posed by contact of contaminated material with abraded skin or injection of toxins through contact with debris. Appropriate protection to avoid any potential abrasion, laceration or pimcture of the skin is essential. 

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