Chemical-biological terrorism and its impact on children: A subject review

S. J. Balk, B. A. Gitterman, M. D. Miller, M. W. Shannon, K. M. Shea, W. B. Weil, S. Galson, R. W. Miller, W. Rogan, B. Coven, R. A. Etzel, J. S. Abramson, C. J. Baker, M. C. Fisher, M. A. Gerber, H. C. Meissner, D. L. Murray, G. D. Overturf, C. G. Prober, M. B. RennelsT. N. Saari, L. B. Weiner, R. J. Whitley, G. Peter, L. K. Pickering, N. E. MacDonald, L. Chilton, R. F. Jacobs, G. Delage, S. F. Dowell, W. A. Orenstein, P. A. Patriarca, N. R. Rabinovich, M. G. Myers, N. Halsey, E. O. Ledbetter

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

94 Scopus citations

Abstract

There is an increasing threat that chemical and biological weapons will be used on a civilian population in an act of domestic terrorism. Casualties among adults and children could be significant in such an event. Federal, state, and local authorities have begun extensive planning to meet a chemical-biological incident by developing methods of rapid identification of potential agents and protocols for management of victims without injury to health care personnel. Because children would be disproportionately affected by a chemical or biological weapons release, pediatricians must assist in planning for a domestic chemical-biological incident. Government agencies should seek input from pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists to ensure that the situations created by multiple pediatric casualties after a chemical-biological incident are considered. This statement reviews key aspects of chemical-biological agents, the consequences of their use, the potential impact of a chemical-biological attack on children, and issues to consider in disaster planning and management for pediatric patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)662-670
Number of pages9
JournalPediatrics
Volume105
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2000
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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