Policymakers around the world are increasing their planning activities to deal with a potential biological or chemical attack.
What to do in a chemical attack
The European Commission has issued practical guidance for the public about the what do to in the event of a chemical attack. The information is meant to help people understand how to prepare themselves and to make it easier for emergency services to act. The EU has said that this is part of their general approach to civil protection planning and is not in response to a specific threat.
The Commission quotes anti-terrorist experts that gases and liquids are the most credible threat and that people will likely be exposed through inhalation of toxins or absoprtion through the skin. However, the EU points out that in most cases the effects would be immediate or felt within a few hours. Most of the chemicals that would potentially be used are heavier than air and so the greatest concentration would be at ground height or in underground areas. Decontamination procedures for most toxins are the same and quick action could limit any skin absorption by washing with body-temperature water and lots of soap.
In addition to general advice about how to protect yourself, the Commission also provides links to international and national authorities websites that have information for the public.
Interpol organises bio-terrorism conference
Around 400 police and health officers met in Lyon (France), on the 1 March 2005 at a bio-terrorism conference, organised by Interpol.
Participants from more than 120 countries discussed the risk of bio-terror attacks, case studies, prevention of attacks, preparation and training of law enforcement personnel, and the related legal and political framework.
Interpol has established a Bioterrorism unit within the Public Safety and Terrorism Sub Directorate. It will co-ordinate activities and, in particular, act as the focal point for this Conference which is part of a two-year Interpol programme funded largely by grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. A series of workshops will also be held around the world over the next 18 months - Africa (autumn 2005), Asia (spring 2006) and the Americas (summer 2006).
