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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Quantitative Detection of Trace Explosive Vapors by Programmed Temperature Desorption Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector
Published on: July 25, 2014
Unusual but potential agents of terrorists
Christopher P Holstege1, Laura K Bechtel, Tracey H Reilly
1Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0774, USA. ch2xf@virginia.edu
Abstract:
Emergency personnel are tasked with the daunting job of being the first to evaluate and manage victims of a terrorist attack. Numerous potential chemical agents could be used by terrorists. The challenge for first responders and local hospital emergency personnel is to prepare for a terrorist event that might use one or more of these agents. As part of that preparation, emergency physicians should have a basic understanding of potential chemical terrorist agents. It is beyond the scope of this article to review all potential terrorist agents. Rather, four potential agents have been chosen for review: sodium monofluoroacetate, trichothecene mycotoxins, vomiting agents, and saxitoxin.
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