Terrorism AwarenessQuestion 192 of 200

Which set of observations would most strongly suggest a possible chemical attack rather than a routine incident?

a.A single person reporting a routine seasonal illness at the reception desk of the building, with no other person nearby reporting anything unusual
b.Multiple unexplained casualties clustered in one area, unusual odors (almonds, garlic, freshly cut grass), dead vegetation or animals in the same area, and witnesses reporting eye/respiratory irritation
c.A standard delivery truck unloading pallets at a posted loading dock during its usual scheduled hours, with the driver following the normal check-in procedure at the gate before entering the yard
d.Normal HVAC system operation across the whole building with no reports of distress from any occupant on any floor and no unusual smell anywhere on site

Explanation

Chemical-attack indicators taught in CDC and DHS modules include sudden clustered casualties with similar symptoms, unusual odors (almonds may suggest cyanide, garlic may suggest mustard agent, freshly cut grass may suggest phosgene — although many agents are odorless), dead vegetation or animals in proximity, and witnesses reporting eye/skin/respiratory irritation. Single illness (a) is generally not a chemical attack signal; routine deliveries (c) and normal HVAC (d) do not suggest attack. Response: move upwind/uphill, deny entry, call 911 specifying possible chemical incident.

Law Reference: DHS CBRNE indicator training; CDC chemical-event recognition

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