"an Introduction to Unconventional Attack: Recognition of Individuals Who May have Connections to Unconventional Weapons Labs".
The Forensic Examiner 2003, July-August, 12, 7-8
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- 2,99 €
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- 2,99 €
Publisher Description
While infiltrating a terrorist cell, interviewing detainees, interviewing scientists or performing security screenings at an airport, an officer should be observant. Terrorists who are involved in making weapons of mass destruction may themselves be exposed to and exhibit outward signs of subsequent disease or resulting physical states. For instance, light inhalation or conjunctival exposure to organic phosphates (G and V series nerve agents and certain pesticides) will result with miosis (pinpoint pupils, about 1mm in size). Unlike opiate use, muscle tone will not be lax, nor will the lids typically be droopy. The miosis may last some time beyond the exposure, unless countered with atropine drops. This phenomenon persists even if systemic atropine is applied as in the antidote kit. Laboratory corroboration is with an erythrocyte cholinesterase level or butyrocholesterase level. Those exposed to gamma radiation from either bomb-building or radiological dispersion weapon-making (even beta and alpha materials will emit some gamma) can have evidence of polymer degradation of spectacle lenses. Dr. Julie Harmon of the University of Southern Florida is doing research on gamma degradation of optical polymers. This can be measured by electron spin resonance or optically stimulated luminescence, revealing a sort of dosimeter effect. Tooth enamel will also exhibit the same phenomenon, as shown in research at the Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Laboratory absolute lymphocyte levels can also be used as a crude dosimeter. Radiomimetic (effects blood production in a similar way as radiation exposure) biological and chemical agents, such as exposure to tricothecene mycotoxins and mustard vesicant agents, can also decrease the lymphocyte level. Thiodiglycol urine levels can further confirm mustard exposure.