Water anthrax-contaminated

Direct exposure In the event that an individual is at the scene of a known or suspected attack (e.g., "anthrax" letter, aerosol release), have them wash their hands and face thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible. They should also blow their nose to remove any agent particles that may have been captured by nasal mucous. Remove all clothing and seal in a plastic bag. To avoid further exposure of the head, neck, and face to the agent, cut off potentially contaminated clothing that must be pulled over the head. Shower using copious amounts of soap and water. Ensure that the hair has been washed and rinsed to remove potentially trapped agent. The CDC does not recommend that individuals use bleach or other disinfectants on their skin. 

Direct contamination of food, water, or individuals is also possible but is difficult and not generally an efficient way to infect large numbers of people. However, a terrorist can be successful by harming small numbers of victims, as this can still cause large-scale fear, if not terror. The cyanide-contaminated Tylenol in 1982 (see Chapter 2) and mailed anthrax spores in 2001 are past examples of terrorist attacks that killed a small number of people but caused nationwide fear and disproportionately large economic losses. 

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