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Comprehensive Glossary of
Terms
for Nuclear, Biological and Chemical
Section 1 –
Introduction
1-1. Background
In
this era of the sophisticated and complex, integrated
battlefield, the threat of asymmetric warfare by opposing
(national or terrorist) forces using Weapons of Mass Destruction
(WMD) has become a very real issue. The number of nations
capable of developing and possessing WMD is steadily increasing.
Furthermore, the potential for the use of WMD can range from
conflict, national war, or acts of terrorism and blackmail. The
contingencies necessary to protect U.S. and Allied Forces have
never been more important than they are today, especially in the
area of design and fielding of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical
(NBC) defense equipment.
Our forces must be able to survive, fight, and win in an
NBC-contaminated warfare environment. While the U.S. Forces
remain the best-protected forces in the world for surviving and
conducting operations in an NBC-contaminated environment, NBC
warfare is not an area that healthcare providers are willingly
familiar with. After Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, it
became obvious that healthcare providers knew little about the
effects of NBC agents or the medical defense against them.
However, through education medical professionals have learned
that medical defenses are possible and effective, that NBC
casualties can be saved and returned to duty, and that mortality
can be minimized. There are several ongoing initiatives directed
at evaluating the health hazards, integrating human systems, and
executing plans on potential materials and prototype pieces of
equipment.
1-2. Purpose
Our national leaders take the global NBC threat seriously. The
threat of WMD is real, and the potential for devastating
casualties is high for NBC agents. The U.S. Army Center for
Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) has
developed this Glossary to serve as a tool in providing an
explanation of the terms, definitions, and the technical
semantics associated with the discussion of NBC equipment,
agents, and their potential effects.
1-3. Scope
The NBC threat will continue in planning for future conflicts as
well as domestic and International terrorism. It is critical not
only for our military to understand the threat of WMD, their
impact on tactical operations, and the required preparations for
managing casualties but for Federal, state, and local planners,
first responders, and medical professionals to understand the
WMD threat to civilian populations as well. This Glossary is
meant to be available to a wide audience of readers, to include
those who will plan and develop new concepts and systems as well
as those who may be called upon to implement plans and systems
in response to the use of WMD. By including terms relevant to
the diverse backgrounds of users of this document, some terms
may not be applicable to a particular group of readers but may
still be of benefit by enhancing understanding of the
terminology associated with the different aspects of WMD
threats, impacts, responses and solutions. For the ease of the
reader, the guide has been broken down into separate sections
for General, Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical terminology.
Section 2 – General Terms
Absorption
The process of a substance penetrating into or through another
substance or medium. The uptake and entry of a substance through
intact skin, eyes, or linings of the body (e.g., ingestion or
once the substance has entered the lungs).
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
An estimate of the dose resulting from exposure to a toxicant
that is likely to be without harmful effect even if continued
exposure occurs over a lifetime.
Acceptable Intake for Chronic Exposure (AIC)
An estimate similar in concept to the reference dose but derived
using a less strictly defined methodology. Chronic reference
doses have replaced acceptable intake for chronic exposures as
the USACHPPM preferred values for use in evaluating potential
non-carcinogenic health effects resulting from chronic exposure
to a chemical.
Acceptable Intake for Sub-chronic Exposure (AIS)
An estimate similar in concept to the sub-chronic reference dose
but derived using a less strictly defined methodology.
Sub-chronic reference doses have replaced acceptable intake for
sub-chronic exposures as the USACHPPM preferred values for use
in evaluating potential non-carcinogenic health effects
resulting from sub-chronic exposure to a chemical.
Accuracy
The discrepancy between the true value and the result obtained
by measurement.
Acute Effects
Effects that arise quickly and have a relatively short, severe
course.
Acute
Exposure
Single or multiple exposure(s) to a
substance for less than 24 hours.
Acute Toxicity
A term used to describe immediate and
severe toxicity. Its use is associated with toxic effects that
are severe (e.g., mortality) in contrast to the term
“sub-chronic toxicity,” which is associated with toxic effects
that are less severe.
Adult
An individual 18 or more years of age.
Adsorption
The adhesion of a substance to the surface of another solid or
liquid.
Adverse Effect
A biochemical change, functional impairment, or pathological
lesion that impairs performance and reduces the ability of the
organism to respond to additional challenges.
Adverse Effect Level (AEL)
An exposure level at which there are statistically or
biologically significant increases in frequency or severity of
harmful effects between the exposed population and its
appropriate control group.
Aerosol
A suspension of finely divided liquid or solid particles
suspended in a gaseous form. They are solid or liquid substances
classified as dusts, fumes, smokes, mists, and fogs according to
their physical nature, particle size, and method of generation.
Particle size may vary from 100 micrometers (m) to 0.01 in
diameter.
Airborne Exposure Limits
These are allowable concentrations in the air for occupational
and general population exposures.
Air Sampling
This sampling involves the collection and analysis of samples of
air to measure its radioactivity or to detect the presence of
radioactive substances, particulate matter or chemical
pollutants.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH)
Membership includes practitioners in industrial hygiene,
occupational health, environmental health, or safety. The ACGIH
has 12 technical committees for a range of topics: agriculture
safety and health, air sampling instruments and procedures,
bio-aerosols, biological exposure indices, computer technology,
construction, industrial ventilation, infectious agents, small
business, chemical substance threshold limit values, and
physical agent threshold limit values. Through the efforts of
the committees, ACGIH provides information and recommended
practices to industrial hygienists worldwide.
http://www.acgih.org/home.htm
Anecdotal Data
Data based on descriptions of
individual cases rather than on controlled studies.
Annual Basis or Annually
Annual basis or annually should be from the month of the current
year to the same month of the following year. However, the time
period will not exceed 13 months. This does not apply to items
covered under the Army Maintenance Management System.
Antidote
Any substance or other agent that inhibits or counteracts the
effects of a poison.
Aplasia
Lack of development of an organ or tissue.
Attack
Any act or series of acts by an enemy causing substantial damage
or injury to property or persons in any manner by sabotage or by
the use of bombs, shellfire, or atomic, radiological, chemical
or biological means or other processes.
Availability (Operational)
A measure of the degree to which a system is either operating or
is capable of operating at any time when used in its typical
operational and support environment.
Blast Effects
When a high explosive detonates, the solid or liquid explosive
material is converted into mostly gaseous product. These
extremely hot gases expand immediately and compress the air
around the charge to form a blast wave.
BTU
A British thermal unit. The amount of heat required changing the
temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at sea
level.
Carcinogen
A chemical substance known to cause cancer (i.e., malignant
tumors) in experimental animals and/or man. Four types of
responses are generally accepted as evidence—
a.
An increase in incidence of the tumor types that occur in
controls.
b.
The development of tumors earlier than in controls.
c.
The occurrence of tumor types not observed in controls.
d.
Two or more tumors of independent origin in one individual.
Carcinogen Classification Schemes
a. American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH) -
(1) A1 - Confirmed Human Carcinogen:
The agent is carcinogenic to humans based on the weight of
evidence from epidemiological studies of, or convincing clinical
evidence in, exposed humans.
(2) A2 - Suspected Human Carcinogen: The agent is
carcinogenic in experimental animals at dose levels, by route(s)
of administration, at site(s), of histological type(s), or by
mechanism(s) that are not considered relevant to worker
exposure. Available epidemiological studies are conflicting or
insufficient to confirm an increased risk of cancer in exposed
humans.
(3) A3 - Animal Carcinogen: The agent is carcinogenic in
experimental animals at a relatively high dose, by route(s) of
administration, at site(s), of histological type(s), or by
mechanism(s) that are not considered relevant to worker
exposure. Available epidemiological studies do not confirm an
increased risk of cancer in exposed humans. Available evidence
suggests that the agent is not likely to cause cancer in humans
except under uncommon or unlikely routes or levels of exposure.
(4) A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen: There
are inadequate data on which to classify the agent in terms of
its carcinogenicity in humans and/or animals.
(5) A5 - Not Suspected as a Human Carcinogen: The agent
is not suspected to be a human carcinogen on the basis of
properly conducted epidemiological studies in humans. These
studies have sufficiently long follow-up, reliable exposure
histories, sufficiently high dosage, and adequate statistical
power to conclude that exposure to the agent does not convey a
significant risk of cancer to humans. Evidence suggesting a lack
of carcinogenicity in experimental animals will be considered if
supported by other relevant data. Substances for which no human
or experimental animal carcinogenic data have been reported are
assigned no carcinogen designation.
b. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)—
(1) Group A - Human Carcinogen: Sufficient evidence in
epidemiological studies to support causal association between
exposure and cancer.
(2) Group B - Probable Human Carcinogen: Limited evidence
in epidemiological studies (Group B1) and/or sufficient evidence
from animal studies (Group B2).
(3) Group C - Possible Human Carcinogen: Limited to
equivocal evidence from animal studies and inadequate or no data
in humans.
(4) Group D - Not Classified: Inadequate or no human and
animal evidence of carcinogenicity.
(5) Group E - No Evidence of Carcinogenicity for Humans:
No evidence of carcinogenicity in at least two adequate animal
tests in different species or in adequate epidemiological and
animal studies.
c. International Agency for Research for Cancer
(IARC)—
(1) Group 1 - The agent (mixture) is carcinogenic to humans.
The exposure circumstance entails exposures that are
carcinogenic to humans. This category is used when there is
sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans. Exceptionally,
an agent (mixture) may be placed in this category when evidence
in humans is less than sufficient; however, there may be
sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals
and strong evidence in exposed humans that the agent (mixture)
acts through a relevant mechanism of carcinogenicity.
(2) Group 2 - This category includes agents, mixtures,
and exposure circumstances for which, at one extreme, the degree
of evidence of carcinogenicity in humans is almost sufficient,
as well as those for which, at the other extreme, there are no
human data but for which there is evidence of carcinogenicity in
experimental animals. Agents, mixtures, and exposure
circumstances are assigned to either Group 2A (probably
carcinogenic to humans) or Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to
humans) on the basis of epidemiological and experimental
evidence of carcinogenicity and other relevant data.
(3) Group 2A - The agent (mixture) is probably carcinogenic
to humans. The exposure circumstance entails exposures that
are probably carcinogenic to humans. This category is used when
there is limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and
sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.
In some cases, an agent (mixture) may be classified in this
category when there is inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in
humans but sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in
experimental animals and strong evidence that the carcinogenesis
is mediated by a mechanism that also operates in humans.
Exceptionally, an agent, mixture, or exposure circumstance may
be classified in this category solely on the basis of limited
evidence of carcinogenicity in humans.
(4)
Group 2B - The agent (mixture) is possibly carcinogenic to
humans. The exposure circumstance entails exposures that are
possibly carcinogenic to humans. This category is used for
agents, mixtures, and exposure circumstances for which there is
limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and less than
sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.
It may also be used when there is inadequate evidence of
carcinogenicity in humans but sufficient evidence of
carcinogenicity in experimental animals. In some instances, an
agent, mixture, or exposure circumstance for which there is
inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in humans but limited
evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals, together
with supporting evidence from other relevant data, may be placed
in this group.
(5) Group 3 - The agent (mixture of exposure circumstance) is
not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. This
category is used most commonly for agents, mixtures, and
exposure circumstances for which the evidence of carcinogenicity
is inadequate in humans and inadequate or limited in
experimental animals. Exceptionally, agents (mixtures) for which
the evidence of carcinogenicity is inadequate in humans but
sufficient in experimental animals may be placed in this
category when there is strong evidence that the mechanism of
carcinogenicity in experimental animals do not operate in
humans. Agents, mixtures, and exposure circumstances that do not
fall into any other group are also placed in this category.
(6) Group 4 - The agent (mixture) is probably not
carcinogenic to humans. This category
is used for
agents or mixtures for which there is evidence-suggesting lack
of carcinogenicity
in humans and in experimental animals. In some instances, agents
or mixtures for which there is inadequate evidence of
carcinogenicity in humans but evidence suggesting lack of
carcinogenicity in experimental animals, consistently and
strongly supported by a broad range of other relevant data, may
be classified in this group.
Carcinogenicity
The potential for development of cancer in a living individual.
A cancer is a malignant tumor resulting from a change in the
normal growth and development of cells. (Cancerous tumors have
the tendency to invade surrounding tissue and spread to other
sites in the body.)
Casualty
Any person who is lost to the organization by reason of having
been declared dead, wounded, injured, diseased, interned,
captured, retained, missing, missing in action, beleaguered,
besieged, or detained.
CBRNE
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives.
This term is used in reference to Homeland Security Issues. (See
Homeland Security.)
Ceiling Limit
An airborne concentration of a substance that should not be
exceeded.
Ceiling Value
Normally refers to the maximum exposure concentration at any
time, for any duration. Practically, it may be an average value
over the minimum time required to detect the specified
concentration.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC is recognized as the lead Federal agency for protecting
the health and safety of people, at home and abroad, providing
credible information to enhance health decisions, and promoting
health through strong partnerships. The CDC serves as the
national focus for developing and applying disease prevention
and control, environmental health, and health promotion and
education activities designed to improve the health of the
people of the U.S. (See the Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS).)
http://www.cdc.gov/aboutcdc.htm
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The part of the human nervous system that consists of the brain
and spinal cord. Sensory impulses are transmitted and motor
impulses pass out. The CNS supervises and coordinates the
activity of the entire nervous system.
Cerebral Anoxia
Absence of oxygen supply to the brain despite adequate perfusion
of the tissue by blood.
ChE
Cholinesterase. This is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis
of acetocholine to choline (a vitamin) and acetic acid.
ChE50
The dosage producing 50 percent ChE inhibition in the given
population. (Note that the ChE50
is not a dosage that produces this effect in 50
percent of the given population.)
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)
CAS is a producer of comprehensive databases of chemical
information. Their principal databases, Chemical Abstracts (CA)
and REGISTRY, now include about 15 million document records and
more than 23 million substance records respectively. CAS also
produces databases of chemical reactions, commercially available
chemicals, listed regulated chemicals and compounds claimed in
patents.
Chemical/Biological Incident Response Force
(CBIRF)
This is a Marine strategic organization. It is manned, trained,
and equipped to counter the growing chemical/biological
terrorist threat. This response force will respond to chemical
or biological incidents worldwide, when directed by the National
Command Authority, to assist local civilian and military
agencies in order to assist the on-scene commander in providing
initial post-incident consequence management. This Force deploys
to incident locations by the most expeditious means possible,
where they will coordinate initial relief efforts, provide
security and area isolation at the affected site; detection,
identification and decontamination; expert medical advice and
assistance to local medical authorities; and service support
assistance as required.
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
(CSEPP)
The U.S. Congress directed that the Army destroy certain kinds
of chemical weapons stockpiled at eight U.s. Army installations
within the continental U.S. The CSEPP was started in 1988 to
enhance the emergency preparedness of the communities around the
chemical stockpile (until the stockpile is destroyed) by
developing emergency plans and providing chemical accident
response equipment, training and warning systems. The CSEPP
includes Army, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state
and local emergency management officials.
Chronic Effects
These are effects that persist over a long period of time. These
effects may arise after months or years, may have a long course
ranging from relatively mild to severe, or may arise immediately
after exposure.
Chronic Exposure
These are multiple or continuous exposures
occurring over an extended period of time or a significant
fraction of an individual's lifetime.
Chronic Reference Dose (RfD)
An estimate (with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of
magnitude or greater) of a daily exposure level for the human
population, including sensitive subpopulations, that is likely
to be without an appreciable risk of harmful effects during a
lifetime. Chronic RfDs are specifically developed to be
protective for long-term exposure to a compound (as a Superfund
program guideline, seven years to lifetime).
Chronic Study
A toxicity study designed to measure the effects (toxic) of
chronic exposure to a chemical.
Chronic Toxicity
Effects that persist over a long period of time whether or not
they occur immediately or are delayed. The term "chronic
toxicity" is often confused with the term of chronic exposure
and is often used to describe delayed toxicity.
cm
Centimeter
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
The Code is a consolidation and codification by subject matter
of the general and permanent laws of the U.S.
Collective Protection
A shelter, with filtered air, that provides a contamination free
working environment for selected personnel and allows relief
from continuous wear of protective gear.
Combat Developer (COMDEV)
The command or organization responsible for formulating concepts
doctrine, organization, materiel objectives, requirements, and
user tests and evaluations.
Compound
A chemical combination of two or more elements combined in a
fixed and definite proportion by weight.
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
This act was enacted into law in 1980, and its follow-up
amendment, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
(SARA), was passed in 1986. These two laws establish a series of
programs for the cleanup of hazardous waste disposal and spill
sites nationwide CERCLA and SARA also establish cleanup programs
for inactive and abandoned hazardous waste sites. CERCLA and
SARA are administered by the USEPA in cooperation with
individual states and site owners. CERCLA also enabled the
revision of the National Contingency Plan (NCP).
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/policy/cercla.htm.
Concentration (C)
The total quantity of substance present in a given unit volume
(of gas or liquid). It may be expressed in any unit or mass per
unit of volume such as milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3),
grams per Liter (g/L), or as volume per volume such as parts per
million (ppm).
Congestion
The excessive or abnormal accumulation of blood in a tissue or
organ.
Contaminant
An impurity in water, soil, materials, etc.
Contaminate
To make impure by contact or mixture into water, soil,
materials, etc.
Contamination
Any deposit, adsorption, or absorption of radioactive,
biological, or chemical substances on and by structures, areas,
personnel, objects, soil, and water. Food and/or water made
unfit for human or animal consumption by the presence of
radioactive, biological, or chemical substances.
Continuous Exposure Guidance Level (CEGL)
The ceiling concentrations designed to avoid adverse health
effects, either immediate or delayed, of more prolonged
exposures and to avoid degradation in growth performance that
might endanger the objectives of a particular mission as a
consequence of continuous exposure for up to 90 days.
Convection
The transfer of heat through a liquid or gas by the actual
movement of the molecules.
Convulsion
An abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of
contractions of the voluntary muscles.
Coronary
Pertaining to the heart.
Criterion
A standard that represents the best scientific estimate of an
environmental concentration of a contaminant corresponding to a
given level of hazard, which, in the case of non-cancer
toxicity, represents a level that is not expected to cause
additional health risk.
Ct
This means
concentration
times time. Note that Ct k, a 2-minute exposure to a
concentration of 100 mg/m3 (Ct = 200 milligram-minutes per cubic
meter (mg-min/m3)), does NOT necessarily produce the same
toxicological effects as a 50-minute exposure to a concentration
of 4 mg/m3 (Ct = 200 mg-min/m3).
Ct Value
A measure of vapor or gas exposure by inhalation. It is a
product of the concentration usually expressed in mg/m3
and duration of exposure (t) in minutes. The resulting (and
somewhat confusing units) is mg-min/m3. It is important to
recognize that this is not simple algebra; predictions of toxic
effects should never be extrapolated more than twice, or less
than half, known toxic exposure data. (Exposure to 1 mg/m3 for
20 minutes; 2 mg/m3 for 10 minutes; or 4 mg/m3 for 5 minutes is
all valid extrapolations of 2-minute exposure data. All three
equate to a Ct of 20 mg-min/m3.
Cutaneous
Pertaining to the skin.
Cytokine
A non-antibody protein released by one cell population that acts
as an intercellular mediator on another cell population(s).
Data Quality Objectives
A quantitative or qualitative statement that clarifies study,
technical, and quality objectives, defines the appropriate type
of data, and specifies potential decision errors that will be
used as the basis for establishing the quality and quantity of
data needed to support decisions.
Data Quality Assessment
The scientific and statistical evaluation of data to determine
if data are of the right type, quality, and quantity to support
the intended use.
Decontaminate
To breakdown, neutralize, or remove a radioactive, chemical, or
biological substance that poses a hazard to personnel or
equipment.
Decontamination
Decreasing the amount of chemical agent on any person, object or
area by absorbing, neutralizing, destroying, ventilating or
moving chemical agents. Decontamination procedures are critical
during: a. Response Phase: to eliminate direct and immediate
threats to human life. b. Recovery Phase: to eliminate indirect
and less immediate threats to human life (such as
cross-contamination).
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
The DHHS is the U.S. government's principal agency for
protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential
human services through over 300 different programs. Operating
divisions with DHHS include the following:
a. National
Institutes of Health (NIH), a world-class medical research
organization, supporting some 35,000-research projects
nationwide in diseases like cancer.
b. The
CDC is the lead Federal agency responsible for protecting the
health of the American public through monitoring of disease
trends, investigation of outbreaks, health and injury risks,
foster a safe and healthful environments, and implementation of
illness and injury control and prevention interventions.
c. The
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) which
seeks to prevent exposure to hazardous substances from waste
sites by conducting public health assessments, health studies,
surveillance activities, and health education training in
communities around waste sites on the USEPA’s National
Priorities List. ATSDR also has developed toxicological profiles
of hazardous chemicals found at these sites.
http://www.os.dhhs.gov/
Deposition Probability
The fraction of the activity or mass of an inhaled aerosol that
is deposited in a particular region of the lung.
Dermal Exposure
Exposure to or by absorption through the skin. The inflammation
of the skin from any cause.
Desquamation
The shedding of epithelial elements, chiefly of the skin, in
scales or small sheets; exfoliation.
Detection
The discovery of the existence of a substance/contaminant.
Developmental Reference Dose (RfDdt)
An estimate (with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of
magnitude or greater) of an exposure level for the human
population, including sensitive subpopulations, that is likely
to be without an appreciable risk of developmental effects.
Developmental reference doses are used to evaluate the effects
of a single exposure event.
Differential Pressure
To differentiate in pressure between two points of a system,
such as between the inlet and the outlet of a pump.
Diffusion
The process of spontaneous intermixing of different substances
due to molecular motion that tends to produce uniformity of
concentration.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
A complex sugar-protein polymer of nucleoprotein that contains
the complete genetic code for every enzyme in the cell. It
occurs as a major component of the genes, which are located on
the chromosomes in the cell nucleus.
Dosage
The amount of substance administered (or received) per body
weight.
Dose
The amount of substance or energy that
is taken into or absorbed by the body; the amount of substance,
radiation, or energy absorbed in a unit volume, an organ, or an
individual.
Dose Response
The characteristics of exposure to a substance and the spectrum
of effects.
Dose-Response Evaluation
The process of quantitatively evaluating toxicity information
and characterizing the relationship between the dose of a
contaminant administered or received and the incidence of
adverse health effects in the exposed population. From the
quantitative dose-response relationship, toxicity values are
derived that are used in the risk characterization step to
estimate the likelihood of adverse effects occurring in humans
at different exposure levels.
Dose-Response Relationship
The relationship between—
a.
The dose often based on an
"administered dose" (i.e., exposure) rather than absorbed dose.
b.
The extent of toxic injury produced
by that chemical. The response can increase with greater doses
and can be expressed either as the severity of injury or
proportion of exposed subjects affected.
Dust
Any solid particulate matter from 1 to 150 microns () in
diameter.
Dry Deposition
Depositing onto surfaces by settling out of particles, as
opposed to droplets (liquid); also by absorption from the vapor
phase.
ECt50
(Median Exposure Concentration)
The dosage causing a specifically defined effect in 50 percent
of the given population. The route of exposure can be either
inhalation or percutaneous. Similarly, the ECt05,
ECt16, ECt84, and ECt95
are the dosages causing that defined effect in 5 percent, 16
percent, 84 percent, and 95 percent of the given population,
respectively.
ED50
(Median Effective Dose)
The dose of a substance that produces a given, defined
therapeutic or toxic effect in 50 percent of the exposed
population. NOT A 50 PERCENT EFFECT. This is a quantal (yes/no)
determination, but it can be applied to graded effects if they
are defined in a quantal manner (e.g., the dose of drug
necessary to decrease diastolic blood pressure by 10 millimeters
(mm) mercury in 50 percent of the subjects). Under these
circumstances, it is imperative that the assumptions and
definition of "effect" be stated with the dose.
Edema
The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid in the
intercellular tissue.
Element
One of the 103 known chemical substances that cannot be broken
down further without changing its chemical properties. Some
examples include hydrogen, nitrogen, gold, lead, and uranium.
Elimination
Removal of material from the body via urine, feces, sweat, or
exhalation. Excretion usually refers to elimination via urine or
feces.
Embryo/Fetus
The development of a human organism from conception until the
time of birth. More accurately; embryo: 2 week (when
implantation occurs) – 8 week; fetus: end of 8-week term.
Emergency
A rare and unexpected situation with potential for significant
loss of life, property, or mission accomplishment.
Emergency Disposal
Immediate transportation and disposal of chemical
agents/munitions when the senior explosive ordnance disposal
person determines the health or safety of any person is clearly
endangered.
Emergency Exposure Guidance Level (EEGL)
A concentration of a substance in air (as a gas, vapor, or
aerosol) that will permit continued performance of specific
tasks during rare emergency conditions, lasting for periods of 1
to 24 hours. This should not be used for planned exposures
because these guidance levels are neither safe nor hygienic.
Emergency Phase
As used by FEMA and the USEPA, the initial phase of response
actions, during which actions are taken in response to a threat
of release or a release in progress. Short-term protective
actions, such as sheltering and evacuation, may be taken during
this phase to mitigate the hazard from immediate exposure to the
passing plume.
Enclosed Area
Any operating building, shed, magazine, railroad car, truck, or
trailer that sufficiently restricts natural ventilation to allow
possible accumulation of agent vapors.
Endpoint
A response measure in a toxicity study.
Environment
The external surroundings and influences.
Estimate
A numerical value calculated from data. The average is a
numerical value of the quantity under measurement. Other
parameters, such as the standard deviation, are often estimated
from the data.
Evacuation
The urgent removal of people from an area to avoid or reduce
high-level, short-term exposure, usually from the plume or from
deposited activity. Evacuation may be a preemptive action taken
in response to a facility condition rather than an actual
release.
Evaporation
The change of a liquid into a gas at any temperature below its
boiling point.
Exposure
The amount of chemical that enters the body by some route for a
specified frequency and duration.
Exposure Assessment
A process that takes into account the chemical and physical
properties of the substance, the effect the substance produces,
the exposure frequency and duration, and the affected subject.
Exposure Duration
The length of time that a receptor population is exposed to a
contaminant.
Exposure Routes
The major courses of exposure include ingestion, inhalation, and
absorption through the skin.
Extrapolation
An estimate of response or quantity at a point outside the range
of the experimental data. Also refers to the estimation of a
measured response in a different species or by a different route
than that used in the experimental study of interest (i.e.,
species to species, route to route, acute to chronic, high to
low).
Extremity
A bodily limb such as hand, elbow, arm below the elbow, foot,
knee, or leg below the knee.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The mission of FEMA is to reduce loss of life and property and
protect the nation’s critical infrastructure from all types of
hazards through a comprehensive, risk-based, emergency
management program of mitigation, preparedness, response and
recovery.
http://www.fema.gov/about
Fertility
The ability to reproduce.
Fever
Abnormally high body temperature, characterized by marked
increase of temperature, acceleration of the pulse, increased
tissue destruction, restlessness, and sometimes delirium.
Field Operations
Activities conducted outdoors or outside of man-made enclosures
or structures which contain built-in alarms or engineered
chemical agent controls. Short-term operations in storage
structures are also considered field operations.
First Aid
Any one-time treatment, and any follow-up visit for the purpose
of observation or minor scratches, cuts, burns, splinters, and
so forth, which do not ordinarily require medical care. Such
one-time treatment and follow-up visit for observation, is
considered first aid, even though provided by a physician or
registered medical professional personnel.
g
gram.
g/L
grams per Liter
Gas
A state of matter in which the material is compressible and has
a low density and viscosity.
Genetic Effect
An effect in a descendant resulting from the modification of
genetic material in a parent.
Geneva Protocol
“Geneva Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of
Asphyxiating Gases and Poisonous or other Bacteriological
Methods of Warfare” of 17 June 1925; first diplomatic attempt to
limit biological warfare; ratified by the USA in 1975.
Germ Cell
A cell from which another organism can develop; a sex cell.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
A high-precision satellite navigation service created by the
U.S. military.
Granulocytopenia
A symptom complex consisting of a marked decrease in the number
of circulating white blood cells, with lesions of the throat and
mucous membranes.
Hazardous Materials
Any material that is flammable, corrosive, an oxidizing agent,
explosive, toxic, poisonous, etiological, radioactive, nuclear,
unduly magnetic, a chemical agent, biological research material,
compressed gases, or any other material that, because of its
quantity, properties, or packaging, may endanger human life or
property.
Health Hazard
An existing or likely condition, inherent to the operation or
use of materiel, that can cause death, injury, acute or chronic
illness, disability, or reduced job performance of personnel by
exposure to acoustical energy, biological substances, chemical
substances, oxygen deficiency, radiation energy, shock,
temperature extremes, trauma, and vibration.
Health Hazard Assessment (HHA)
The application of biomedical knowledge and principles to
document and quantitatively determine the health hazards of
systems. This assessment identifies, evaluates, and recommends
solutions to control the risks to the health and effectiveness
of personnel who test, use, or service Army systems. This
assessment includes the evaluation of hazard severity, hazard
probability, risk assessment, and operational constraints; the
identification of required precautions and protective devices;
and the training requirements.
Health Hazard Assessment Report (HHAR)
The formal Army documentation for a given system, the assessment
of health hazard issues and risks, the recommendation of
preventive or control actions, and the recommendation of
training requirements.
Health Hazard Domain Report (HHDR)
This report is one of the seven domain reports made under the
Army Manpower and Personnel Integration (MANPRINT) Program. It
identifies potential health hazards that may be associated with
the development, acquisition, operation, and maintenance of Army
systems. This identification will be done early in the system's
life cycle to preserve and protect the humans who will—
a.
Operate, maintain, and support the equipment.
b.
Enhance total system effectiveness.
c.
Reduce system retrofit needed to eliminate health hazards.
d.
Reduce personnel compensation.
Data from this report are entered into the MANPRINT Program
Report and the System Manpower and Personnel Integration Program
Management Plan (SMMP).
Health Standards
Published documents specifying conditions of acceptable risk for
individual health hazards. These can include medical exposure
limits, health conservation criteria, and materiel design
standards.
Heat Cramps
An illness due, in part, to excessive loss of salt during
sweating resulting in painful muscle spasms in the extremities,
back and abdomen.
Heat Exhaustion
An illness due to circulatory failure in which venous blood
returned to the heart is significantly reduced; fainting may
result. This failure is caused because the individual's blood
supply is not adequate to serve both heat regulation and other
bodily needs.
Heat Strain
The natural, physiological response reaction of the body to the
application of heat stress.
Heat Stress
The relative amount of thermal strain from the environment.
Heat Stroke
An illness due to the body temperature reaching a level where
sweating stops. The body temperature can then rise to critical
levels causing tissue damage and death.
Homeland Security
A national strategy to strengthen protections against terrorist
threats or attacks in the U.S. (See Office of Homeland
Security.)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/homeland/index.html.
Host
A living animal or plant that harbors or nourishes another
organism.
Hypertension
Abnormally high blood pressure.
Ileus
Obstruction of the intestines.
Immediate versus Delayed Toxicity
The immediate effects that occur or develop rapidly after a
single administration of a substance; delayed effects are those
that occur after the lapse of some time. These effects have also
been referred to as acute and chronic, respectively.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH)
The maximum concentration from which, in the event of
respiratory failure, one could escape within 30 minutes without
a respirator and without experiencing any escape-impairing (for
example, severe eye irritation) or irreversible health effects
(Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 90- 117).
(Respiratory protection and sufficient oxygen to support life
(at least 16 percent by volume) are addressed in Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 1910.134, Title 29 e (3) and g (5).)
Incapacitate
To render a subject unable to perform normal activities or
tasks.
Incapacitating Agent
A chemical that produces a temporary, disabling condition that
persists for hours to days after exposure has ceased. Complete
recovery of casualties is expected without medical treatment.
Incapacitating Dose
The concentration/dose that renders an individual unable to
perform normal activities or tasks.
Incapacitation
Considered to be "moderate-to-severe"--unless otherwise
specified. It may include prostration and convulsions.
Incidence
The number of new cases of a disease within a specified period
of time or dose.
Incidence Rate
The rate new cases of a disease or condition develop within a
specified period of time or dose.
Incubation Period
The time required between initial contact with an infectious
agent and the appearance of the first clinical symptoms of
disease.
Individual
Any human being.
Individual Risk
The probability that a person will experience an adverse effect.
This is identical to population risk unless specific population
subgroups can be identified that have different (higher or
lower) risks.
Inflammation
Reaction of tissues to injury; characterized by pain, heat,
redness, or swelling of the affected parts.
Initial Response Force (IRF)
An emergency action organization tasked to provide first
response to a chemical accident/incident at an installation
assigned a chemical surety mission or in the public domain. The
IRF performs the following functions:
a.
Rescue operations.
b.
Accident site security.
c.
Firefighting.
d.
Initiation of appropriate explosive ordnance material
procedures.
e.
Radiation monitoring.
f.
Establishment of command, control, and communication.
g.
Public affairs activities.
Injury
A specific impairment of body structure or function caused by an
outside agent or force that may be physical or chemical.
Intake
Quantity of material introduced into the body by inhalation, by
ingestion, or through the skin.
International Agency for Research for Cancer
(IARC)
The mission of IARC is to coordinate and conduct research on the
causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and to
develop scientific strategies for cancer control. The Agency is
involved in both epidemiological and laboratory research and
provides scientific information through publications, meetings,
courses, and fellowships.
http://www.iarc.fr/
In-vitro
In an artificial environment, referring to a process or reaction
occurring therein, as in a test tube or culture media.
In-vivo
In the living body, referring to a process or reaction occurring
therein.
Irritant
A substance that produces an irritating effect when it contacts
skin, eyes, nose, or respiratory system.
kg
kilogram.
km
kilometers.
Laboratory
A location or facility where engineering controls include a
glove box or laboratory type ventilation hood and the quantities
of chemical agents in use at one time are small, normally not
exceeding one Liter. These operations may include research and
development, production/acceptance testing, sample analysis and
evaluation, limited detoxification, animal testing, or other
small-scale agent operations.
Latent Period
A period of seeming inactivity.
LC50
(Median Lethal Concentration)
A dosage of a substance by inhalation that results in death in
50 percent of the exposed population.
LD50
(Median Lethal Dose)
A dose of a substance that produces death in 50 percent of the
exposed population usually as a single dose, with the route of
exposure specified.
Liter
A metric unit of volume equal to 1000 cubic centimeters (cm3)
or 1.056 quart.
Local versus Systemic Toxicity
Local effects occur at the site of entry (e.g., lungs, stomach)
of a toxicant into the body; systemic effects are elicited after
absorption and distribution of the toxicant from its entry point
to a distant site.
Lowest-Effect Level (LEL)
The lowest exposure level at which there are statistically or
biologically significant increases in frequency or severity of
effects between the exposed population and its appropriate
control group.
Lowest-Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL)
The lowest exposure level at which there are statistically or
biologically significant increases in frequency or severity of
adverse effects between the exposed population and its
appropriate control group.
Malformation
A birth defect; an abnormal structure or form.
Man
An individual assumed to be a healthy, 18-35 year old, 70 kg
adult male.
Manpower and Personnel Integration (MANPRINT)
The process of integrating the full range of manpower,
personnel, training, human engineering, health hazard, system
safety, and soldier survivability to improve individual
performance and total system performance throughout the entire
system development and acquisition process.
Materiel Developer (MATDEV)
The command or organization responsible for developing or
modifying material.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water that is
delivered to the consumer.
Medical Contaminant Criteria
The varying amounts of air contaminants and duration of exposure
causing specific adverse effects to health.
meter (m)
A metric unit of length equal to 39.37 inches.
mg/kg
milligram/kilogram.
mg/m3
milligrams per cubic meter.
mg-min/m3
milligram-minutes per cubic meter. It is a product of the
concentration of a substance in milligrams per cubic meter times
the exposure time in minutes.
micron
A unit of measurement equal to one-millionth (10-6)
of a meter.
milligram (mg)
A metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a gram, 1 x 10-3
gram.
milliliter (mL)
A metric unit of liquid capacity equal to 0.061 cubic inch.
g
microgram, 1 x 10-6
g of 1 x 10-3
mg.
m
micrometer(s)
Microsecond
A one-millionth part of a second. (See Curie, Section 3.)
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
A grouping of duty positions possessing such a close
occupational or functional relationship that an optimal degree
of interchangeability among persons so classified exists at any
given skill level.
Military Standard (MIL-STD)
Standards and specifications, also known as MIL-SPEC, developed
to specify military-unique requirements whether it is for parts,
materials, processes, interfaces, data, or tests.
Milli
A prefix that divides a basic unit by 1000.
Minor
An individual less than 18 years of age.
Minute Volume (MV)
The amount of air expelled from the lungs in a minute that is
assumed to be 15 L—unless otherwise stated. This amount
represents mild activity.
Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP)
A flexible system that provides maximum nuclear, biological, and
chemical protection for the individual with the lowest risk
possible and still maintains mission accomplishment. Typically
used to refer to chemical response personnel’s personal
protection equipment.
Mission Specific Protection
Measures for important units, systems, and functions so that the
military units can continue to work with their primary tasks to
the greatest extent possible. The aim is that the defense forces
will retain their operative ability even after an NBC attack.
Mist
The liquid particles up to 100 in diameters.
mm
millimeter.
Molecule
A group of atoms held together by chemical forces. The smallest
unit of a compound that can exist by itself and retain all its
chemical properties.
Morbidity
The ratio of sick to well individuals in a community; sick rate.
Mortality
The ratio of people who die to those who survive exposure to
nuclear/radiological, biological, or chemical agents; death
rate.
Mutagen
Anything that can cause a change (mutation) in the genetic
material of a living cell.
Mutagenicity
The cause of changes in cellular genetic material that may be
passed on to subsequent generations of cells. When these changes
occur in germ cells (i.e., sperm or ova), the mutations may be
passed on to subsequent generations.
National Command Authority (NCA)
The U.S. President and the Secretary of Defense or their duly
deputized alternates or successors, hold this nuclear weapons
release authority for the U.S. Armed Forces.
National Contingency Plan (NCP)
The set of regulations that implement CERCLA and direct
responsibility and procedures for cleanup of hazardous material
spills. The regulations are codified at Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 300, Title 40, et seq.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH was established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act
of 1970. NIOSH is part of the CDC and is the only Federal
institute responsible for conducting research and making
recommendations for the prevention of work-related illnesses and
injuries.
Nausea
Tendency to vomit; sickness of the
stomach.
NBC
Nuclear, Biological and Chemical. This terminology is used in
deployment issues.
Nerve Agent
A toxic substance that inhibits the cholinesterase enzyme and,
therefore, elevates the acetylcholine level in the body.
Symptoms include pinpoint pupils, difficulty focusing, headache,
and secretion from the skin and mucous membranes. Nausea,
vomiting, and loss of bladder and bowel control lead to severe
dehydration. These lead to general muscular fasciculation
followed by violent convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death.
(See Section 5, Nerve Agent.)
No-Observed Adverse Effects Level (NOAEL)
An
exposure level at which there are no statistically or
biologically significant increases in the frequency or severity
of adverse effects (to tissue, cells, organs, etc.) between the
exposed population and its appropriate control (some effects may
be produced at this level, but they are not considered as
adverse, nor precursors to specific adverse effects). It is
based on the highest exposure without adverse effect.
No-Observed Effects Level (NOEL)
An exposure level at which there are no statistically or
biologically significant increases in the frequency or severity
of any effect (to tissue, cells, organs, etc.) between the
exposed population and its appropriate control.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
This organization is to enhance the stability, well-being and
freedom of its members through a system of collective security.
Members of the alliance agree to defend one another from attack
by other nations. The alliance includes Belgium, Canada,
Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg,
The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United States, Greece,
Turkey, the newly unified Germany, Hungary, Poland, and the
Czech Republic.
http://www.nato.int/
Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC)
Contamination
The deposition and/or absorption of residual radioactive
material or biological or chemical agents on or by structures,
areas, personnel, or objects.
Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC)
Survivability
The capability of a system (and its crew) to withstand an
NBC-contaminated environment and relevant decontamination
without losing the ability to accomplish the assigned mission.
An NBC-contamination survivable system is hardened against NBC
contamination and decontaminants. This system can be
decontaminated and is compatible with individual protective
equipment.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA)
The mission of OSHA is to save lives, prevent injuries and
protect the health of America's workers. OSHA and its state
partners have thousands of inspectors, plus complaint
discrimination investigators, engineers, physicians, educators,
standards writers, and other technical and support personnel
spread over more than 200 offices throughout the country. This
staff establishes protective standards, enforces those
standards, and reaches out to employers and employees through
technical assistance and consultation programs.
http://www.osha.gov/
Office of Homeland Security
President George W. Bush established this office on 8 October
2001. Its mission is to develop and coordinate the
implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to secure
the U.S. from terrorist threats or attacks. The Office will
coordinate the executive branch’s efforts to detect, prepare
for, prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from
terrorist attacks within the U.S.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/homeland/index.html.
Overpressure
The transient pressure that is created by the shock wave of an
explosion and exceeds the ambient pressure; expressed in pounds
per square inch.
Parameter
The property or quantity that measurements are expected to
evaluate.
Parasite
A plant or animal that lives upon or within another living
organism at whose expense it obtains some advantage.
Particle Size-Selective-Threshold Limit Values
(PSS-TLV)
Expressed in three forms—
a.
Inhalable Particulate Mass-TLVs (IPM-TLVs): for those materials
that are hazardous when deposited anywhere in the respiratory
tract. Particles with aerodynamic diameters up to 100 m are of
interest.
b.
Thoracic Particulate Mass-TLVs (TPM-TLVs): for those materials
that are hazardous when deposited anywhere within the lung
airways and the gas-exchange regions. Particles with aerodynamic
diameters up to 25 m are of interest.
c.
Respirable Particulate Mass-TLVs (RPM-TLVs): for those materials
that are hazardous when deposited in the gas-exchange region.
Particles with aerodynamic diameters up to 10 m are of
interest.
Particulate
A particle of solid or liquid matter. Particle aerodynamic
diameters of biological interest range up to 100 m.
Parts per million (ppm)
Parts (molecules) of a substance contained in a million parts of
air.
Pathogenic Organism
Any disease-producing organism.
Perceived Threat
Any possible danger that is experienced by a person subjectively
and out of proportion to the real threat or physical danger.
Percutaneous Exposure
The absorption of a contaminant through the unbroken skin.
TLV
is
a registered trademark of the American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, Ohio. Use of
trademarked name does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Army but
is intended only to assist in identification of a specific
product.
Periodic Table
An arrangement of chemical elements in order of increasing
atomic number. Elements of similar properties are placed one
under the other, yielding groups or families of elements. Within
each group, there is a variation of chemical and physical
properties, but in general, there is a similarity of chemical
behavior within each group.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
Time-weighted average concentrations that must not be exceeded
during any 8-hour work shift of a 40-hour workweek.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The combination of clothing and respirator designed to protect
the wearer from exposure to chemical and biological warfare
agents.
Personnel
Military and civilian individuals with the abilities, skill
level, and grades required to operate, maintain, and support a
system in peacetime and wartime. It refers to the Army's ability
to provide qualified people of specific aptitudes, experience,
and other human characteristics needed to use, operate,
maintain, and support Army systems or items. It requires a
detailed assessment of the aptitudes that soldiers must possess
in order to complete training and to use, to operate, and/or to
maintain the system successfully.
Pico
A prefix that divides a basic unit by one trillion.
Population
A group of items/persons/animals belonging to a well-defined
class from which items/persons/animals are taken for
measurement.
Potency
The degree to which an agent can cause strong or toxic effects.
Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA)
The initial effort in hazard analysis during the system design
phase or the programming and requirements development phase for
facilities acquisition. It may also be used on an operational
system for the initial examination of the state of safety. The
purpose of the PHA is not to affect control of all risks but is
to fully recognize the hazardous states with all of the
accompanying system applications.
Preliminary Hazards List (PHL)
This list provides the MATDEV with a list of hazards that may
require special safety design emphasis or hazardous areas where
in-depth analyses need to be done. The MATDEV may use the
results of the PHL to determine the scope of follow-on hazard
analyses.
Pressor
Tending to increase blood pressure.
Prevalence
The total number of cases of a disease existing in a population
at a certain time in a designated area.
Prodome
A premonitory symptom or precursor; a symptom indicating the
onset of a disease.
Prodromal Effects
The forewarning symptoms of more serious health effects.
Properties
The characteristics by which a substance may be identified.
Physical properties describe its state of matter, color, odor,
and density; chemical properties describe its behavior in
reaction with other materials.
Pulmonary
Pertaining to the lungs.
Quarter
A period of time equal to one-fourth of the year observed by the
licensee (approximately 13 consecutive weeks), providing that
the beginning of the first quarter in a year coincides with the
starting date of the year and that no day is omitted or
duplicated in consecutive quarters.
Range
The difference between the largest and smallest values in a
collection of measurements.
Readiness
Phase of preparations to deal with an accident or incident.
Reaction
Any process involving a chemical or nuclear change.
Reconstruction
Rebuilding and replacing destroyed structures and utilities to
approximate the pre-disaster condition.
Recovery Phase
a. The period following the response when immediate threat to
human life has passed and general evacuation has ceased. This
phase includes—
(1)
Recovery: Recovery decontamination refers to the actions
taken to restore an affected area to its pre-emergency
condition. Thus, it refers to the process of reducing exposure
rates and concentrations in the environment to acceptable levels
for unconditional occupancy or use after the emergency phase of
an accident or incident. Recovery differs from reentry in that
recovery encompasses the efforts and resources needed to return
the affected area to its pre-accident condition. Recovery
includes both short- and long-term activities. Short-term
recovery returns vital systems to minimum operating standards,
seeks to restore critical services to the community, and
provides for the basic needs of the public. Long-term recovery
focuses on restoring the community to its normal, or improved
state of affairs and on returning life to normal or improved
levels. The recovery period is also an opportune time to
institute mitigation measures, particularly those related to the
recent emergency.
(2) Reentry: Reentry deals with persons entering an
affected (i.e., contaminated or potentially contaminated) area
following a release. The terms controlled reentry, restricted
reentry, occupational reentry, and emergency reentry refer to
the temporary, short-term readmission of persons (primarily
emergency workers) into a restricted zone for the purpose of
performing specific tasks (such as monitoring teams). The terms
uncontrolled reentry, unrestricted reentry, and general reentry
are used in the context of uncontrolled, permanent re-access
referring to those provisions leading up to unlimited public
access, reoccupation, or use of previously restricted zones
after the hazards have been reduced to acceptable levels or have
been declared "clean."
(3) Restoration: Removal and decontamination of all NBC
agents, removal of any rubble, and emergency repair of
structures and facilities. The culmination of these activities
is reestablishment of major utilities and services and the
return of social and economic activities to near-normal levels.
The terms recovery and restoration have been used
in combination to refer to the entire group of activities
undertaken to prepare a previously contaminated and restricted
area for unlimited reoccupation and/or use by the public.
Reference Concentration (RfC)
An estimate (with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of
magnitude) of a daily inhalation exposure to the human
population (including sensitive subgroups) that is likely to be
without appreciable risk of deleterious effects during a
lifetime.
Reference Dose (RfD)
The toxicity value for evaluating non-carcinogenic effects
resulting from exposure at Superfund sites. See specific entries
for chronic reference dose, subchronic reference dose, and
developmental reference dose. The acronym RfD, when used without
other modifiers, either refers generically to all types of
reference dose or specifically to chronic reference dose; it
never refers specifically to subchronic or developmental RfD.
Reference Man
A hypothetical aggregation of human physical and physiological
characteristics arrived at by international consensus. These
characteristics may be used by researchers and public health
workers to standardize results of experiments and to relate
biological insult to a common base.
Relocation
Temporary or permanent removal of a population or community in
response to an emergency or disaster. A protective action in
which persons are asked to vacate a contaminated area to avoid
chronic exposure from deposited contamination.
Reproductive Death
The loss of the ability to reproduce. Reproductive death may
cause irreversible organ damage.
Reproductive Effects
A toxic effect of a substance that is evident in the second or
third generation of exposed grandparents.
Residual Hazards
Hazards that are not eliminated by design.
Residual Risk
The probability or likelihood of injury resulting from the
actual use of a substance in the quantity and manner proposed
once all recommendations to eliminate or minimize the hazard
have been implemented.
Restricted Area or Zone
Any region with controlled access from which the population has
been evacuated or relocated; any area to which access is
controlled for the protection of individuals from exposure to
contamination from NBC agents.
Retained Quantity
The quantity of a deposited material in a compartment, in an
organ, or in the whole body at a given time after intake,
deposition, or uptake.
Retention Function
A function describing the time dependence of the retained
quantity.
Return
Refers to the reoccupation of areas cleared for unrestricted
residence or use by previously evacuated populations. It
includes what was termed "resettlement" in earlier draft USEPA
guidance.
RfDs
Subchronic Reference Dose. An estimate (with certainty spanning
perhaps an order of magnitude or greater) of a daily exposure
level for the human population (including sensitive populations)
that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of deleterious
effects during a portion of a lifetime.
Risk
The probability or likelihood of an adverse effect or event
(e.g., injury, disease, or death) resulting from the actual use
of a substance in the quantity and manner proposed. It is the
product of—
a.
The probability that an adverse effect or event will occur under
specific circumstances of exposure.
b.
The probability that those specific circumstances of exposure
will be realized. In quantitative terms, risk is expressed in
values ranging from zero (representing the certainty that harm
will not occur) to one (representing the certainty that harm
will occur).
Risk Assessment
The scientific process of evaluating the toxic properties of a
chemical and the conditions of human exposure to it, in order to
both ascertain the likelihood that exposed humans will be
adversely affected, and to characterize the nature of the
effects they may experience. It may contain some or all of the
following four steps—
a.
Hazard Identification: The determination of whether a particular
chemical is or is not causally linked to particular health
effect(s).
b.
Dose-Response Assessment: The determination of the relation
between the magnitude of exposure and the probability of
occurrence of the health effects in question.
c.
Exposure Assessment: The determination of the extent of human
exposure.
d.
Risk Characterization: The description of the nature and often
the magnitude of human risk, including attendant uncertainty.
Risk Assessment Code (RAC)
A code used to quantify risk to personnel operating or
maintaining the system or conducting an operation. The RACs show
the adverse health effect or possible loss of bodily systems
described in categories of hazard severity and hazard
probability. The RAC is assigned based on the failure to
implement the recommendations for eliminating or minimizing the
hazard. It is an expression of the risk associated with a hazard
that combines the hazard severity and accident probability into
a single Arabic numeral as described in Army Regulation 385-10.
Risk Management
A decision-making process that entails consideration of
political, social, economic, and engineering information with
risk-assessment information to develop, analyze, and compare
regulatory options and to select the appropriate regulatory
response to a potential health risk.
RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
RNA consists of five-carbon sugar (ribose), phosphate, and four
nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil). In
an RNA molecule, the sugar and phosphate combine to form a
structure to which the nitrogenous bases are attached. These
molecules range in composition from fewer than 100 to several
thousand nitrogenous bases, and vary in shape from helical to
uncoiled. RNA is the primary agent of protein formation, and
processes genetic information from DNA molecules into enzymes
necessary for life.
Safety
The opposite of risk. It is the probability that harm will not
occur under specified conditions.
Sample Data Collection
A method for obtaining information on the performance and
maintainability of equipment. Data are obtained directly from
observations made in the field. An effort is made to see that
the sample form from which feedback is obtained represents the
total population.
Sanitary Sewerage
A system of public sewers for carrying off waste water and
refuse, but excluding sewage treatment facilities, septic tanks,
and leach fields owned or operated by the licensee.
Sepsis
The presence of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria) or their
toxins in the blood or other tissues.
Severity
The degree to which an effect changes and impairs the functional
capacity of an organ system.
Shock
An upset in the body caused by inadequate amounts of blood
circulating in the bloodstream. It manifests itself by a drop in
blood pressure, rapid weak pulse, pale moist clammy skin, marked
thirst, and a state of great anxiety. Shock can be caused by
marked blood loss, overwhelming infection, severe injury to
tissues, emotional factors, etc.
Short-Term Exposure
Multiple or continuous exposures occurring over a week or so.
Short-Term Public Emergency Guidance Level
(SPEGL)
A suitable concentration of a substance in air (as a gas, vapor,
or aerosol) for unpredicted, single, short-term, emergency
exposure of the general public.
Site Closure and Stabilization
Those actions that are taken upon completion of operations that
prepare the disposal site for custodial care and assure that the
disposal site will remain stable and will not need ongoing
active maintenance.
Skin Permeability
The rate at which the skin absorbs a
liquid; expressed as a coefficient. The lower a substance’s
coefficient, the greater the rate of absorption.
Symptom
Information related by an individual about himself/herself that
may indicate illness or injury. Signs or observations are made
about an individual or an animal that may indicate illness or
injury.
Syndrome
A set of symptoms that occur together.
Synergistic
Acting together to enhance the effect of another force or
agent.
System MANPRINT Management Plan (SMMP)
It is a planning and management tool that outlines and documents
the Human Systems Integration (HSI) management approach,
associated decisions and planning efforts, user concerns, and
resolution of MANPRINT issues during system development and
acquisition process. Identifying and documenting these issues
early in the system acquisition process increases the
probability of their resolution, thereby enhancing total system
performance, affordability, supportability, and conservation of
the Army resources.
Systemic
Spread throughout the body, affecting all body systems and
organs, not localized in one spot or area.
Systemic Effects
Results that require absorption and distribution of the toxicant
to a site distant from its portal of entry, at which point
effects are produced. Most chemicals that produce systemic
toxicity do not cause a similar degree of toxicity in all
organs, but usually demonstrate major toxicity to one or two
organs. These are referred to as target organs of toxicity for
that chemical.
Systemic Toxicity
See Systemic Effects.
t
time.
Terrorism
Terrorism is the use or threatened use of force designed to
achieve political or social objectives. It is the premeditated,
deliberate, systematic murder, mayhem, and threatening of
uninvolved people to create fear and intimidation. To protect
against terrorism, individuals should—
a.
Be alert and learn where emergency exists are located. Think
ahead about how to evacuate a building, subway, or congested
public area in a hurry. Learn where staircases are located.
b.
Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or
unusual behavior. Do not leave luggage unattended. Do not accept
packages from strangers.
c.
Learn about the different types of terrorist weapons including
explosives, kidnappings, hijackings, biological agents, arson,
and shootings. (http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/homeland/index.html.)
Threshold
The lowest dose or exposure at which a specified effect begins
to be produced.
Threshold, Th50
The vapor dosage producing the defined threshold (low-level)
response in 50 percent of the given population. Within the
context of this Glossary, the route of exposure can be either
inhalation or percutaneous. (Note that percutaneous vapor
effects can also include direct vapor effects upon the eyes.)
Threshold Dose
The smallest amount of toxic substance that can produce the
first recognizable injuries (e.g., irritation of skin, eyes, or
nose; miosis).
Threshold Limit Value (TLV)
A value that refers to airborne concentrations of substances and
represents conditions under which it is believed nearly all
workers may be repeatedly exposed day after day, without adverse
health. A table of these values and accompanying precautions is
published annually by the ACGIH.
Threshold Limit Value Categories
a. Threshold Limit Value- Time-Weighted Average (TLV-TWA): The
TWA concentration for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour
workweek, to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed,
day after day, without adverse effect.
b.
Threshold Limit Value- Short-Term Exposure Limit (TLV-STEL): The
concentration to which workers can be exposed continuously for a
short period of time without suffering from:
(1) irritation, (2) chronic or irreversible tissue damage,
or (3) narcosis of sufficient degree to increase the likelihood
of accidental injury, impair self-rescue, or materially reduce
work efficiency, provided that the daily TLV-TWA is not
exceeded. It is not a separate independent exposure limit;
rather, it supplements the time-weighted average limit where
there are recognized acute effects from a substance whose toxic
effects are primarily of a chronic nature. Exposures up to the
STEL should not be longer than 15 minutes and should not occur
more than four times per day.
c.
Threshold Limit Value - Ceiling (TLV-C): The concentration that
should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure.
Time-Weighted Average (TWA) Concentration
The concentration of airborne contaminants that have been
weighted for the time duration, usually eight hours. A
sufficient number of samples are needed to determine a
time-weighted average concentration throughout a complete cycle
of operations or through the work shift.
Time-Weighted Average Exposure
An average over a given (working) period of an individual's
exposure, as determined by sampling at given times during the
period.
Total Parenteral Nutrition
By injection through some route other than the canal providing
sustenance or nourishment.
Toxic
Harmful to living organisms; poisonous.
Toxic Dose
The dose of a substance needed to produce a defined toxic effect
in 100 percent of the exposed population.
Toxic Dose, TD50
The dose of a substance needed to produce a defined toxic effect
in 50 percent of the exposed population. It is an infrequently
used term, equivalent to ED50
where "toxicity" is the measured "effect."
Toxic Substances
A substance that destroys life or injures health when introduced
into or absorbed by a living organism.
Toxicity
The capacity of a substance to induce injury. It describes the
nature, degree, and extent of undesirable effects.
Training Device
Any three-dimensional object developed, fabricated, or procured
specifically for improving the learning process.
Tumor
A swelling or enlargement due to pathogenic overgrowth of
tissue.
Uncertainty Factor (UF)
One of several, generally 10-fold, factors used in operationally
deriving a standard or a reference dose from experimental data.
UFs are intended to account for—
a.
The variation in sensitivity among the members of the human
population.
b.
The uncertainty in extrapolating animal data to the case of
humans.
c.
The uncertainty in extrapolating from data obtained in a study
involving less-than-lifetime exposure.
d.
The uncertainty in using lowest-observed adverse effect level
data rather than NOAEL data.
e.
The inability of any single study to address adequately all
possible adverse outcomes in man.
Uptake
Quantity of material taken up into the extra-cellular fluids. It
is usually expressed as a fraction of the deposition in the
organ from which uptake occurs.
U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of
Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID)
The Department of Defense’s lead laboratory for medical aspects
of biological warfare defense. It conducts research to develop
vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics for laboratory and field use.
USAMRIID also formulates strategies, information, procedures,
and training programs for medical defense against biological
threats. It is Located in Fort Detrick, MD.
http://www.usamriid.army.mil
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
The mission of the USEPA is to protect human health and to
safeguard the natural environment. The USEPA implements the
Federal laws designed to promote public health by protecting our
nation's air, water, and soil from harmful pollution and
endeavors to accomplish its mission systematically by proper
integration of a variety of research, monitoring,
standard-setting, and enforcement activities.
http://www.epa.gov/
Vapor
The gaseous form of substances that is normally in the solid or
liquid state; it can be changed to this state by increasing the
pressure or decreasing the temperature. These vapors will
diffuse.
Vaporization
Change of a substance from a liquid into a gas.
Ventilation
One of the principal methods to control health hazards; it may
be defined as "causing fresh air to circulate to replace foul
air simultaneously removed."
Ventilation, Dilution
Airflow designed to dilute contaminants to acceptable levels.
Ventilation, Mechanical
Air movement caused by a fan or other air-moving device.
Ventilation, Natural
Air movement caused by wind, temperature difference, or other
non-mechanical factors.
Virus
Any of various submicroscopic pathogens consisting essentially
of a core of a single nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat,
having the ability to replicate only inside a living cell.
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
This term means any destructive device to include—
a.
Any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas.
b.
Bomb.
c.
Grenade.
d.
Rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces.
e.
Missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than
one-quarter ounce.
f.
Mine.
g.
Any type of weapon (excluding a shotgun or a shotgun shell used
for sporting purposes) that can be readily converted to, expel a
projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant,
and which has any barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch
in diameter.
h.
Any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in
converting any device into any destructive device described
above, above from which a destructive may be readily assembled.
i
Any weapon that is designed or intended to cause death or
serious bodily injury through the release, dissemination, or
impact of toxic or poisonous chemicals or their precursors.
j.
Any weapon involving a disease or organism.
k.
Any weapon that is designed to release radiation or
radioactivity at a level dangerous to human life.
Well Bore
A drilled hole in which wire line service operations or
subsurface tracer studies are performed.
Wire Line
A cable containing one or more electrical conductors, which is
used to lower and raise logging tools in the well bore.
Wire Line Service Operation
Any evaluation or mechanical service that is performed in the
well bore using devices on a wire line.
Ablation
The functional destruction of an organ through surgery or
exposure to large doses of radiation.
Absorbed Dose
The energy imparted by ionizing radiation per unit mass of
irradiated material. The units of absorbed dose are the rad and
the gray.
Absorber
Any material that absorbs or lessens the intensity of ionizing
radiation. Neutron absorbers (like boron, hafnium, and cadmium)
are used in control rods for reactors. Concrete and steel absorb
gamma rays and neutrons in reactor shields. A thin sheet of
paper or metal will absorb or weaken alpha particles and all
except the most energetic beta particles. (See Shielding.)
Absorption
The process by which the number of particles or photons entering
a body of matter is reduced or attenuated by interaction with
the matter.
Accident Response Group
A group of technical and scientific experts composed of U.S.
Department of Energy personnel assigned responsibility for
providing assistance to peacetime accidents and significant
incidents involving nuclear materials anywhere in the world.
Activation
The process of making a material radioactive by bombardment with
neutrons, protons, or other nuclear radiation. (See Induced
Radioactivity.)
Activity
The rate of disintegration (transformation) or decay of
radioactive material. The units of activity are the curie (Ci)
and the becquerel (Bq).
Activity Median Aerodynamic Diameter
The diameter of a unit density sphere with the same terminal
settling velocity in air as that of the aerosol particle whose
activity is the median for the entire aerosol.
Acute Radiation Exposure
The absorption of a relatively large amount of radiation (or
intake or radioactive material) over a short period of time.
Acute Radiation Health Effects
Prompt radiation effects (those that would be observable within
a short period of time) for which the severity of the effect
varies with the dose, and for which a practical threshold
exists.
Acute Radiation Syndrome
The combination of clinical syndromes occurring during a period
of hours to weeks after an exposure.
Added Filtration
Any filtration that is in addition to the inherent filtration.
Afterwind
Wind currents that are created near a nuclear explosion by the
updraft accompanying the rise of the fireball and that travel
toward the blast.
Airborne Radioactive Material
Radioactive material dispersed in the air in the form of dusts,
fumes, particulates, mists, vapors, or gases.
Airborne Radioactivity Area
A room, enclosure, or area in which airborne radioactive
materials exist in concentrations—
a.
In excess of the specified derived air concentrations.
b.
To such a degree that an individual present in the area without
respiratory protective equipment could exceed, during the hours
an individual is present in a week, an intake of 0.6 percent of
the annual limit on intake or 12 derived air concentration
hours.
Air Burst
The explosion of a nuclear weapon at such a height that the
expanding fireball does not contact the Earth’s surface.
Alpha Particle
A positively charged particle ejected spontaneously from the
nuclei of some radioactive elements. It is identical to a helium
nucleus that has a mass number of 4 and an electrostatic charge
of +2.
Aluminum Equivalent
The thickness of type 1100 aluminum alloy (the nominal chemical
composition of type 1100 aluminum is 99.00 percent minimum
aluminum, 0.12 percent copper) affording the same attenuation,
under specified conditions, as the material in question.
Analytical X-Ray Equipment
Equipment used for x-ray diffraction or fluorescence analysis.
Analytical X-Ray System
A group of components utilizing x or gamma rays to determine the
elemental composition or to examine the microstructure of
materials.
Anion
Negatively charged ion. (See Ionization.)
Annual Limit on Intake (ALI)
The derived limit for the amount of radioactive material taken
into the body of an adult worker by inhalation or ingestion in a
year. The ALI is the smaller value of intake of a given
radionuclide in a year by the reference man that would result in
a committed effective dose equivalent of 5 rems (0.05 Seivert
(Sv)) or a committed dose equipment of 50 rems (0.5 Sv) to any
individual organ or tissue.
Anti-contamination Clothing
Clothing consisting of coveralls show covers, gloves, and hood
of hair cap. This clothing provides protection for the user from
alpha radiation, and is also a control device to prevent the
spread of contamination.
Armed
The configuration of a nuclear weapon which a single signal
initiates the action for a nuclear detonation.
Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute
This organization provides support to commanders during the
response to a nuclear accident or radiological incident. They
provide functional area experts in the field of health physics,
radiation medicine, and site remediation.
Arming System
As applied to weapons and ammunition, the changing from a safe
condition to a state of readiness for initiation.
As Low As is Reasonably Achievable (ALARA)
Making every reasonable effort to maintain exposures to
radiation as far below the dose limits as is practical and
consistent with the purpose for which the licensed activity is
undertaken. It must be taken into consideration the state of
technology, the economics of improvements in relation to state
of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to
benefits to the public health and safety, and other societal and
socioeconomic considerations, and in relation to utilization of
nuclear energy and licensed materials in the public interest.
Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability
A centralized computer-based system that provides estimates of
the transport, diffusion, and deposition of radioactive or other
hazardous material released to the atmosphere and dose
projection to people and the environment.
Atom
The smallest particle of an element that cannot be divided or
broken up by chemical means. It consists of a central core
called the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons.
Electrons revolve in orbits in the region surrounding the
nucleus.
Atomic Energy
Energy released in nuclear reactions. Of particular interest is
the energy released when a neutron initiates the breaking up or
fissioning or an atom’s nucleus into smaller pieces (fission),
or when two nuclei are jointed together under millions of
degrees of heat (fusion). It is more correctly called “nuclear
energy.”
Atomic Number
The number of positively charged protons in the nucleus of an
atom and the number of electrons on an electrically neutral
atom.
Atomic Weight
The number of nucleons (neutrons or protons) in the nucleus of
an atom. (See Mass Number.)
Attenuation
The process by which a beam of radiation is reduced in intensity
when passing through some material. It is the combination of
absorption and scattering processes and leads to a decrease in
flux density of the beam when projected through matter.
Attenuation Coefficient
Of a substance, for a parallel beam of specified radiation: the
quantity micro (
) in the
expression dx
for
the traction removed by attenuation in passing through a thin
layer of thickness dx of that substance. It is a function
of the energy of the radiation. As dx is expressed in
terms of length, mass per unit area, moles or atoms per unit
area, is
called the linear, mass, molar, or atomic attenuation
coefficient respectively.
Back End
The series of steps after fuel is burned in the reactor,
including the handling of discharged fuel elements from the
reactor, chemical reprocessing, recycling of recovered fissile
and fertile material, and radioactive waste disposal.
Background Radiation
Radiation from cosmic sources; naturally occurring radioactive
materials, including radon (except as a decay product of source
or special nuclear material) and global fallout as it exists in
the environment from the testing of nuclear explosive devises.
Background radiation does not include radiation from source,
byproduct, or special nuclear materials.
Beam Limiting Device
A device that provides a means to restrict the dimensions of the
x-ray field.
Beryllium
A low-density, gray metal used in many industries because of its
high permeability to x-rays, lightweight, and high tensile
strength. It is also used in aerospace structures and inertial
guidance systems. It is highly toxic; death may result from
ingestion of very low concentrations of the element and its
salts. Beryllium compounds can enter the body through inhalation
of the dusts and fumes, and they may act locally on the skin.
Beta Gauge
An industrial device that uses beta radiation for measuring
thickness or density of materials.
Beta Particle, Radiation
A charged particle emitted from a nucleus during radioactive
decay, with a mass equal to 1/1837 that of a photon. A
negatively charged beta particle is identical to an electron. A
positively charged beta particle is called a positron. Large
amounts of beta radiation may cause skin burns, and beta
emitters are harmful if they enter the body. Beta particles are
easily stopped by a thin sheet of metal or plastic.
Becquerel (Bq)
A unit, in the International System of Units, of measurement of
radioactivity equal to one transformation per second.
Binding Energy
The minimum energy required separating a nucleus into its
component neutrons and photons.
Bioassay
The determination of kinds, quantities or concentrations, and,
in some cases, the locations of radioactive material in the
human body, whether by direct measurement (in-vivo counting) or
by analysis and evaluation of materials excreted or removed from
the human body (radio-bioassay).
Biological Half-Life
The time required for a biological system, such as that of a
human, to eliminate by natural processes half the amount of a
substance (such as a radioactive material) that has entered it.
Biological Shield
A mass of absorbing material placed around a reactor or
radioactive source to reduce the radiation to a level safe for
humans.
Blast Wave
A pulse of air in which the pressure increases sharply at the
front propagated by the explosion.
“Blue Glow”
The characteristic blue light emitted by very high-energy
particle interaction with matter. It is usually only visible in
the vicinity of very intense radiation such as a reactor core or
spent fuel pools.
Body Burden
The amount of radioactive material that if deposited in the
total body will produce the maximum permissible dose rate to the
body organ considered the critical organ.
Bone Seeker
A radioisotope that tends to accumulate in the bones when it is
introduced into the body. An example is strontium-90, which
behaves chemically like calcium.
Brachytherapy
A method of radiation therapy in which sealed sources are
utilized to deliver a radiation dose at a distance of up to a
few centimeters, by surface, intracavitary, or interstitial
application.
Breeder, Breeder Reactor
A reactor which produces more fissile nuclei than are consumed.
The fissile material is produced both in the reactor’s core and
when neutrons are captured in fertile material placed around the
core.
Bremstrahlung
The process by which a beta particle emits an x-ray photon
during its interaction with an atomic nucleus.
Buildup Factor
In the passage of radiation through a medium, the ratio of the
total value of a specified radiation quantity at any point to
the contribution to that value from radiation reaching the point
through the medium without having undergone a collision.
Buildup Factor, Energy Absorption, BA
A photon buildup factor in which the quantity of interest is the
absorbed or deposited energy in the shield medium. The energy
response function is that of absorption in the material.
Buildup Factor, Exposure BD
A photon buildup factor in which the quantity of interest is
exposure. The energy response function is that of absorption in
air.
Byproduct Material
a. Any radioactive material (except special nuclear material)
yielded in, or made radioactive by, exposure to the radiation
incident to the process of producing or utilizing special
nuclear material.
b.
The tailings or wastes produced by the extraction or
concentration of uranium or thorium from ore processed primarily
for its source material content, including discrete surface
wastes resulting from uranium solution extraction processes.
Underground are bodies depleted by these solution extraction
operations do not constitute byproduct material within this
definition.
Cadmium
A metal with a very high absorption factor for neutrons in a
certain energy range. It is used in detectors to separate
thermal neutrons from fast neutrons, and for control rods and
neutron shielding.
Cation
A positively charged ion. (See Ionization.)
Centrifuge
A machine using centrifugal force that can be used for isotope
enrichment or uranium.
Cephalometric Device
A device intended for the radiographic visualization and
measurement of the dimensions of the human head.
Chain Reaction
A response that stimulates its own repetition. In a fission
chain reaction, a fissionable nucleus absorbs a neutron and
fissions, releasing additional neutrons. These in turn can be
absorbed by other fissionable nuclei, releasing still more
neutrons. A fission chain reaction is self-sustaining when the
number of neutrons released in a given time equals or exceeds
the number of neutrons lost by absorption in non-fissionable
material or by escape from the system.
Charged Particle
An ion. An elementary particle carrying a positive or negative
electric charge.
Chemical Recombination
Following an ionization event, the positively and negatively
charged ion pairs may or may not realign themselves to form the
same chemical substance they formed before ionization. Thus,
chemical recombination could change the chemical composition of
the material bombarded by radiation.
China Syndrome
A phrase referring to the possibility of a core reassembling
into a critical mass after meltdown, and burning its way
downward through the earth to China.
Chronic Exposure
The absorption of radiation (or intake of radioactive materials
over a long period of time, i.e., over a lifetime).
Class (Lung Class or Inhalation Class)
A classification scheme for inhaled material according to its
rate of clearance from the pulmonary region of the lung.
Materials are classified as D, W, or Y, which applies to a range
of clearance half-times; for Class D (Days) of less than 10
days, for Class W (Weeks) from 10 to 100 days, and for Class Y
(Years) of greater than 100 days.
Cleanup System
Components used for continuously filtering and demineralizing
the reactor coolant system to reduce contamination levels and
minimize corrosion.
Cloudshine
Gamma radiation from radioactive materials in an airborne
plume.
Cobalt
A gray, hard, magnetic, ductile, and somewhat malleable metal.
It is relative rare and generally obtained as a byproduct of
other metals such as copper.
Cold Neutrons
Neutrons in thermal equilibrium with an environment cooled well
below 20 degrees Celsius typically at 20-50Kelvin.
Collective Dose
The sum of the individual doses received in a given period of
time by a specified population from exposure to a specified
source of radiation.
Command Disable
A subsystem of command and control features that destroy a
weapon’s ability to produce nuclear yield.
Committed Dose Equivalent (HT,
50)
The dose equivalent to organs or tissues of reference that will
be received from an intake of radioactive material by an
individual during the 50-year period following the intake.
Committed Effective Dose
See Committed Effective Dose Equivalent.
Committed Effective Dose Equivalent (HE,
50)
The sum of the products of the weighting factors applicable to
each of the body organs or tissues that are irradiated and the
committed dose equivalent to these organs or tissues— (HE,
50 _ WTHT, 50)
Contamination, Radioactive
The deposition of unwanted radioactive material on the surfaces
of structures, areas, objects, or personnel.
Contamination Control
Procedures to avoid, reduce, remove, or render harmless,
temporarily or permanently, nuclear, biological, chemical agent
and hazardous materials contamination.
Containment Building
A structure made of steel-reinforced concrete that houses the
nuclear reactor. It is designed to protect the reactor from
external hazards and to prevent the escape of radioactive
material into the environment.
Containment Vessel
A gas-tight shell or other enclosure around a nuclear reactor.
Coordinating Committee (COCOM)
This group grew out of the NATO’s Cold War efforts to restrict
militarily useful trade to the Soviet Union. Belgium, Canada,
Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Luxembourg, The
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United States founded
COCOM. Since its inception, COCOM has worked to control
technology rather than products.
Correction Factor, Shield Tissue Interface
A correction factor to be applied to the basic infinite-medium
exposure buildup factor to correct for the scattering in a
tissue phantom after emerging from a shield.
Cosmic Radiation
Penetrating ionizing radiation, both particulate and
electromagnetic, originating in space. Secondary cosmic rays,
formed by interactions in the earth’s atmosphere, account for
about 45 to 50 millirem annually.
Count Rate
The number of particles of a given type or radiation counted per
second.
Counter
A general designation applied to radiation detection instruments
or survey meters that detect and measure radiation. The signal
that announces an ionization event is called a count.
Critical Mass
The smallest mass of fissionable material that will support a
self-sustaining chain reaction.
Critical Organ
The body organ receiving a radionuclide or radiation dose that
results in the greatest overall damage to the body.
Criticality
A term used in reactor physics to describe the state when the
number of neutrons released by fission is exactly balanced by
the neutrons being absorbed (by the fuel and poisons) and
escaping the reactor core. A reactor is said to be “critical”
when it achieves a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
Cumulative Dose
The total dose resulting from repeated exposures of radiation to
the same region, or to the whole body, over a period of time.
Curie (Ci)
The basic unit used to describe the intensity of radioactivity
in a sample of material. The Ci is equal to 37 billion
disintegrations per second, which is approximately the rate of
decay of 1 g of radium. A Ci is also a quantity of any
radionuclie that decays at a rate of 37 billion disintegrations
per second.
Daughter Products/Progeny
Isotopes that are formed by the radioactive decay of some other
isotope. In the case of radium-226, for example, there are 10
successive daughter products, ending in the stable isotope
lead-206.
Decay
The decrease in the radiation intensity of any radioactive
material with respect to time.
Decay Heat
The heat produced by the decay of radioactive fission products
after the reactor has been shut down.
Decay, Radioactive
The decrease in the amount of any radioactive material with the
passage of time, due to the spontaneous emission from the atomic
nuclei of either alpha or beta particles, often accompanied by
gamma radiation.
Decommission
The process or removing a nuclear facility from service by a
reduction of residual radioactivity to a level that permits the
release of the property for unrestricted use or maintenance
under protection for reasons of public health and safety.
Decontamination, Radioactive
The reduction or removal of contaminating radioactive material
from a structure, area, object, or person. Decontamination may
be accomplished by—
a.
Treating the surface to remove or decrease the contamination.
b.
Letting the material stand so that the radioactivity is
decreased as a result of nature decay.
c.
Covering the contamination to shield or attenuate the radiation
emitted.
Deep-Dose Equivalent (Hd)
Which applies to external whole-body exposure, is the dose
equivalent at a tissue depth of 1 centimeter (cm) (1000 mg/m3).
Delayed Fallout
Radioactive fallout that returns to Earth later than 24 hours
after a nuclear detonation.
Delayed Health Effects
The results of radiation that are manifested long after the
relevant exposure. The vast majority is stochastic, that is, the
severity is independent of dose and the probability is assumed
to be proportional to the dose, without threshold.
Demilitarization
The process of eliminating or reducing military weapons,
materials, or other hardware and organizational structures.
Depleted Uranium
Uranium having a percentage of uranium-235 smaller than the 0.7
percent found in natural uranium. It is obtained from spent
(used) fuel elements or as by-product tails, or residues, from
uranium isotope separation.
Derived Air Concentration
The concentration of a given radionuclide in air which, if
breathed, by the reference man for a working year of 2,000 hours
under conditions of light work (inhalation rate 1.2 m3
of air per hour), results in an intake of one
ALI.
Derived Air Concentration-Hour (DAC-Hour)
The product of the concentration of radioactive material in air
(expressed as a fraction or multiple of the derived air
concentration for each radionuclide) and the time of exposure to
that radionuclide, in hours. A licensee may take 2,000 derived
air concentration-hours to represent one ALI equivalent to a
committed effective dose equivalent of 5 rems (0.05 Sv).
Derived Response Level (DRL)
The amount of radioactivity in an environmental medium that
would be expected to produce a dose equal to its corresponding
Protective Action Guide.
Detector
A material or device that is sensitive to radiation and can
produce a response signal suitable for measurement or analysis.
A radiation detection instrument.
Deterministic Effect
A result that occurs after a certain dose threshold, with the
severity of the effect determined by the dose.
Detonation
An explosion.
Detonator
A device containing a sensitive explosive intended to produce a
detonation wave for setting off a high explosive element.
Deuterium
An isotope of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron in the
nucleus. (See Heavy Water.)
Deuteron
The nucleus of deuterium. It contains one proton and one
neutron.
Disassembly
The process of taking apart a nuclear warhead and removing the
subassemblies, components, and individual parts.
Disintegration
See Decay, Radioactive.
Doppler Coefficient
See Fuel Temperature Coefficient of Reactivity.
Dose or Radiation Dose
A generic term that means absorbed dose, dose equivalent,
effective dose equivalent, committed dose equivalent, committed
effective dose equivalent, or total effective dose equivalent.
Dose Conversion Factor
Any factor that is used to change an environmental measurement
to dose in the units of concern. Frequently used as the factor
that expresses the committed effective dose equivalent to a
person from the intake (inhalation or ingestion) of a unit
activity of a given radionuclide.
Dose Equivalent (HT)
The product of the absorbed dose in tissue, quality factor, and
all other necessary modifying factors at the location of
interest. The units of dose equivalent are the Rem and Sv. The
ICRP defines this as the equivalent dose.
Dose Rate
The radiation dose delivered per unit of time. Measured, for
example, in rem per hour.
Dosimeter
A portable instrument for measuring
and registering the total accumulated exposure to ionizing
radiation.
Dosimetry
The theory and application of the principles and techniques
involved in the measurement and recording of radiation doses.
Its practical aspect is concerned with the use of various types
of radiation instruments with which measurements are made. (See
Film Badge.)
Dosimetry Processor
An individual or an organization that processes and evaluates
individual monitoring equipment in order to determine the
radiation dose delivered to the equipment.
Dynamic Pressure
Air pressure that results from the wind behind the shock front
of a blast wave.
Early Fallout
Radioactive debris that returns to the Earth within 24 hours
after a nuclear detonation; local fallout.
Effective Dose Equivalent (HE)
The sum of the products of the dose equivalent to the organ or
tissue (HT)
and the weighting factors (WT) applicable to each of the body
organs or tissues that are irradiated (HE = _WTHT).
The ICRP defines this as the effective dose.
Effective Half-Life
The time required for the amount of a radioactive element
deposited in a living organism to be diminished 50 percent as a
result of the combined action of radioactive decay and
biological elimination. (See Biological Half-Life.)
Electromagnetic Pulse
A sharp pulse of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation is
produced when a nuclear explosion occurs in an unsymmetrical
environment, especially at or hear the earth’s surface or at
high altitudes.
Electromagnetic Radiation
A traveling wave motion resulting from changing electric or
magnetic fields. Familiar electromagnetic radiation range from x
rays (and gamma rays) of short wavelength, through the
ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions, to radar and radio
waves of relatively long wavelength. All electromagnetic
radiation travel in a vacuum with the velocity of light. (See
Photon.)
Electron
An elementary particle with a unit negative charge and a mass
1/1837 that of the photon. Electrons surround the positively
charged nucleus and determine the chemical properties of the
atom.
Energy Absorption Coefficient
Of a substance, for a parallel beam of specified radiation: the
quantity
en
in the
expression endx
for
the fraction removed by attenuation in passing through a thin
layer of thickness dx of that substance. It is a function
of energy of the radiation. As dx is expressed in terms
of length, mass per unit area, moles per unit area, or atoms per
unit area, en
is
called the linear, mass, molar, or atomic energy absorption
coefficient. NOTE: It is that part of the attenuation
coefficient resulting from energy absorption only, and is equal
to the product of the energy transfer coefficient and 1-g, where
g is the fraction of the energy of secondary charged particles
that is lost to bremstrahlung in the material.
Energy Reorganization Act (Public Law 93-438, 93rd
Congress, H.R. 11510, October 11, 1974)
An act to reorganize and consolidate certain functions of the
Federal Government in a new Energy Research and Development
Administration and in a new Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
in order to promote more efficient management of such
functions.
Enrichment
See Isotopic Enrichment.
Exposure
A measure of the ionization produced in air by x or gamma
radiation; the sum of electric charges on all ions of one sign
produced in air when all electrons liberated by photons in a
volume of air are completely stopped in air, divided by the mass
of the air in the volume; a unit of exposure in air is the
roentgen (R), or coulomb per kg (International System of
Units).
Eye Dose Equivalent
Applies to the external exposure of the lens of the eye and is
taken as the dose equivalent at a tissue depth of 0.3 cm (300
mg/m3).
Fallout
The process or phenomenon of the descent to the Earth’s surface
of particles contaminated with radioactive material from the
radioactive cloud produced by a nuclear detonation.
Fast Breeder Reactor
This reactor is fueled by a mixture of plutonium and natural
uranium oxides and relies on the nuclear fission of the two
atoms in an intense flux of high energy neutrons produced in a
highly compact core without any moderator.
Fast Fission
Fission of a heavy atom (such as uranium-238) when it absorbs a
high-energy (fast) neutron. Most fissionable materials need
thermal (slow) neutrons in order to fission.
Fast Neutron
A neutron with kinetic energy greater than its surroundings
released during fission.
Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan
The Federal plan to assist state and local government officials
or other Federal agencies in the response to a radiological
emergency in the U.S., it possessions and territories.
Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment
Center
A Center established near the scene of a radiological emergency
responsible for off-site radiological response from which the
Center Director conducts the response.
Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment
Plan
A plan to provide coordinated radiological monitoring and
assessment assistance to the state and local governments in
response to radiological emergencies.
Fertile Material
A material, which is not itself fissile (fissionable by thermal
neutrons) that can be converted into a fissile material by
irradiation in a reactor. There are two basic fertile materials,
uranium-238 and thorium-232. When these fertile materials
capture neutrons, they are converted into fissile plutonium-239
and uranium-233, respectively.
Film Badge
A pack of photographic film used for approximate measurement of
radiation exposure for personnel monitoring purposes. The badge
may contain two or three films of differing sensitivity, and it
may contain a filter that shields part of the film from certain
types of radiation.
Fireball
Hot gases that form a luminous sphere after a nuclear
explosion.
Fissile Material
Although sometimes used as a synonym for fissionable material,
this term has acquired a more restricted meaning; namely, any
material fissionable by thermal (slow) neutrons. The three
primarily fissile materials are uranium-233, uranium-235, and
plutonium-239.
Fission
The splitting of a nucleus into at least two other nuclei and
the release of a relatively large amount of energy. Two or three
neutrons are usually released during this type of
transformation.
Fission Gases
Those fission products that exist in the gaseous state.
Primarily the noble gases (e.g., krypton, xenon, etc.).
Fission Products
The nuclei (fission fragments) formed by the fission of heavy
elements, plus the nuclides formed by the fission fragments’
radioactive decay.
Fissionable Material
Commonly used as a synonym for fissile material, the meaning of
this term has been extended to include material that can be
fissioned by fast neutrons, such as uranium-238.
Flash Burn
A burn caused by excessive exposure of the skin to thermal
radiation.
Fluence
The number of radioactive particles, neutrons, or photons per
unit cross-sectional area.
Flux
A term applied to the amount of some type of radiation crossing
a certain area per unit time. The unit of flux is the number of
particles, energy, etc., per square centimeter per second.
Flux Density
The flux density at a point is the number of radioactive
particles, neutrons, or photons passing per unit time, per unit
area of the beam.
Fuel Cycle
The sequences of operations involved in supplying fuel for
nuclear power generation, for irradiating the fuel in a nuclear
reactor, and for handling and treating the fuel elements
following discharge from the reactor.
Fuel Temperature Coefficient of Reactivity
The physical property of fuel pellet material (uranium-238) that
causes the uranium to absorb more neutrons away from the fission
process as fuel pellet temperature increases. This acts to
stabilize power reactor operations. Also known as the Doppler
Coefficient.
Fusion
A nuclear reaction characterized by joining together of light
nuclei to form heavier nuclei, the energy for the reactions
being provided by violent thermal agitation of particles at very
high temperatures. If the colliding particles are properly
chosen and the agitation is violent enough, there will be a
release of energy from the reaction. The energy of the stars is
derived from such reactions.
Gamma Ray
High-energy, short wavelength electromagnetic radiation (a
packet of energy) emitted from the nucleus. Gamma radiation
frequently accompanies alpha and beta emissions and always
accompanies fission. Gamma rays are very penetrating and are
best stopped or shielded against by dense materials, such as
lead or uranium. Gamma rays are similar to x-rays but are
usually more energetic.
Gamma Ray, Radiation
High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by nuclei during
nuclear reactions or radioactive decay. These rays have high
energy and a short-wave length.
Gamma Ray Camera
A device for transporting and handling intense gamma ray sources
in the field for the purpose of gamma radiography. It consists
of a heavily shielded container with a shutter and remote
controls so that the source can be exposed without hazard to the
operator.
Gamma Ray Detector
A detector designed to measure gamma rays rather than x-rays.
Gases
Normally formless fluids that completely fill the space and take
the shape of their container.
Gaseous Diffusion
A method of isotopic separation based on the fact that gas atoms
or molecules with different masses will diffuse through a porous
barrier (or membrane) at different rates. This method is used to
separate uranium-235 from uranium-238; it requires large gaseous
diffusion plants and enormous amounts of electric power.
Geiger-Mueller Counter
A radiation detection and measuring instrument. It consists of a
gas-filled tube containing electrodes, between which there is an
electrical voltage but no current flowing. When ionizing
radiation passes through the tube, a short, intense pulse of
current passes from the negative electrode to the positive
electrode and is measured or counted. The number of pulses per
second measures the intensity of radiation.
Gonad Shield
A protective barrier for the testes or ovaries.
Graphite
A form of carbon, similar to the lead used in pencils, used as a
moderator in some nuclear reactors.
Gray (Gy)
The International System of Units of absorbed dose. One Gy is
equal to an absorbed dose of 1 J kg-1
(100 rad).
Groundshine
Gamma radiation from radioactive materials deposited on the
ground.
Half-Life
The time in which half the atoms of a particular radioactive
substance disintegrate to another nuclear form. Measured
half-lives vary from millionths of a second to billions of
years.
Half-Life, Effective
The time required for a radionuclide contained in a biological
system, such as a human or an animal, to reduce its activity by
half as a combined result of radioactive decay and biological
elimination.
Half-Thickness
The thickness of any given absorber that will reduce the
intensity of a beam of radiation to one half its initial value.
(See Attenuation; Shielding.)
Half-Time, Biological (Tb)
The time in which half the quantity of a material in a
component, in an organ, or in the whole body is eliminated by
biological processes.
Half-Time, Effective (Te)
The time taken for the activity of a radioactive material in a
compartment , in an organ, or in the whole body to be reduced to
half its value by a combination of biological elimination and
radioactive decay. 1 = 1 + 1 or Te
= Tb x TR Te Tb TR Tb + TR
Half-Time, Physical (TR)
The time taken for the activity of a radionuclide to lose half
its value by radioactive decay.
Health Physics
The science concerned with recognition, evaluation, and control
of health hazards from ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
Heat Exchanger
Any device that transfers heat from one fluid (liquid or gas) to
another fluid or to the environment.
Heat Sink
Anything that absorbs heat; usually part of the environment,
such as the air, a river or outer space.
Heavy Metal
The fuel materials, including uranium, plutonium, and thorium,
with atomic numbers of 90 and above, used in nuclear reactors
and nuclear weapons.
Heavy Water (D2O)
Water containing significantly more than the natural proportions
(1 in 6500) of heavy hydrogen (deuterium) atoms to ordinary
hydrogen atoms. Heavy water is used as a moderator in some
reactors because it slows down neutrons effectively and also has
a low probability for absorption of neutrons.
Heavy Water Reactor
A nuclear reactor that uses heavy water as a moderator and/or
coolant and natural uranium as fuel.
Hematopoietic
Pertaining to or effecting the formation of blood cells.
Hemorrhage
The escape of blood from the vessels.
High-Radiation Area
An area, accessible to individuals, in which radiation levels
could result in an individual receiving a dose equivalent in
excess of 0.1 rem (1 milli/Sv (m/Sv) in 1 hour at 30 cm from the
radiation source or from any surface that the radiation
penetrates.
Hot
A colloquial term meaning highly radioactive.
Hot Cells
Any type of shielded room with remote handling equipment for
examining and processing radioactive materials.
Hot Line
The inner boundary of the contamination control station, marked
with tape or line.
Hot Spot
The region in an NBC contamination area in which the level of
contamination is noticeably greater than in neighboring regions
in the area.
Hydrogen Bomb
A nuclear weapon that derives its energy largely from fusion; it
is also known as thermo-nuclear weapon.
Hyperpyrexia
A highly elevated body temperature.
Image Intensifier
A device, installed in its housing, which instantaneously
converts an x-ray pattern into a corresponding light image or
higher energy density.
Image Receptor
Any device, such as a fluorescent screen or radiographic film,
which transforms incident x-ray photons either into a visible
image or into another form which can be made into a visible
image by further transformations.
Individual Monitoring
a. The assessment of dose equivalent by the use of devices
designed to be worn by an individual.
b.
The assessment of committed effective dose equivalent by
bioassay (see Bioassay) or by determination of the time-weighted
air concentrations to which an individual has been exposed
(i.e., derived air concentration-hours).
c.
The assessment of dose equivalent by the use of survey data.
Individual Monitoring Devices (Individual
Monitoring Equipment)
Devices designed to be worn by a single individual for the
assessment of dose equivalent such as film badges,
thermoluminescent dosimeters, pocket ionization chambers, and
personal (“lapel”) air sampling devices.
Induced Radioactivity
Radioactivity that is created when stable substances are
bombarded by neutrons. For example, the stable isotope cobalt-59
becomes the radioactive isotope cobalt-60 under neutron
bombardment.
Industrial Radiography
The examination of the macroscopic structure of materials by
nondestructive methods using sources of ionizing radiation to
produce radiographic images.
Ingestion Pathway
Route for internalization of radioactive contaminants; the
pathway most accessible for decontamination.
Inhalation Pathway
The means by which a person at the accident area or downwind is
subjected to respiratory radiation exposure.
Inherent Filtration
The filtration of the useful beam provided by the permanently
installed components of the tube housing assembly.
Internal Dose
That portion of the dose equivalent received from radioactive
material taken into the body.
International Commission on Radiological
Protection (ICRP)
ICRP is an independent Registered Charity, established in 1928
in the United Kingdom, to advance for the public benefit the
science of radiological protection, in particular by showing
recommendations and guidance on all aspects of protection
against ionizing radiation.
http://www.icrp.net
Ion
An atom that has too many or too few electrons, causing it to be
chemically active; an electron that is not associated (in orbit)
with a nucleus. (See Ionization.)
Ionization
The process of stripping electrons from their atomic orbits by
radiation.
Ionization Chamber
An instrument that detects and measures ionizing radiation by
measuring the electrical current that flows when radiation
ionizes gas in a chamber, making the gas a conductor of
electricity. (See Counter.)
Ionizing Radiation
Any radiation capable of displacing electrons from atoms or
molecules, thereby producing ions. Examples: alpha, beta,
gamma, x-rays, neutrons and ultraviolet light. High doses of
ionizing radiation may produce severe skin or tissue damage.
Irradiation
Exposure to radiation.
Isotone
One of several different nuclides having the same number of
neutrons in their nuclei.
Isotope
One of two or more atoms with the same number of protons but
different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. Thus, carbon-12,
carbon-13, and carbon-14 are isotopes of the element carbon, the
numbers denoting the approximate atomic weights. Isotopes have
very nearly the same chemical properties but often different
physical properties (e.g., carbon-12 and -13 are stable,
carbon-14 is radioactive).
Isotope Separation
The process of separating isotopes from one another or changing
their relative abundances, as by gaseous diffusion or
electromagnetic separation. Isotope separation is a step in the
isotopic enrichment process.
Isotopic Enrichment
A process by which the relative abundances of the isotopes of a
given element are altered, thus producing a form of the element
that has been enriched in one particular isotope and depleted in
its other isotopic forms.
keV
A kiloelectronvolt, 1000 electronvolts.
Kelvin
The unit of thermodynamic temperature equal to 1/273.16 of the
thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water.
Kilo (k)
A prefix that multiplies a basic unit by 1000. Example: 1
kilometer = 1000 meters.
Kilovolt (kV)
The unit of electrical potential equal to 1000 volts.
Kinetic Energy
The energy that a body possesses by virtue of its mass and
velocity; the energy of motion.
Laser
A device that produces a coherent, intense, and collimated beam
of electromagnetic radiation of well-determined wave length,
through a physical process known as stimulated emission.
Latent Effect
A biological effect that occurs long after radiation exposure
ends (e.g., cancer).
Lethal Dose (LD) 50/60
The dose of radiation expected to cause death within 60 days to
50 percent of those exposed. Generally accepted as 500 rad
received over a short period of time.
Light Water
Ordinary water (H2O)
as distinguished from heavy water (D2O).
Light Water Reactor
The most common type of nuclear reactor in which ordinary water
is used as the moderator and coolant and enriched uranium is
used as fuel. They are usually boiling water reactors or
pressurized water reactors.
Limits
The permissible upper bounds of radiation doses (dose limits).
Linear Energy Transfer
A measure of the ability of biological material to absorb
ionizing radiation; specifically, for charged particles
traversing a medium, the energy lost per unit length of path as
a result of those collisions with electrons in which the energy
loss is less than a specified maximum value. A similar quantity
may be defined for photons.
Liquid Nitrogen
A major coolant for various types of radiation detectors.
Lixiscope
A portable light intensified imaging device using a sealed
source.
Low-Level Waste
A general term for a wide range of radioactive wastes that
includes materials such as laboratory wastes and protective
clothing that contain only small amounts of radioactivity, pose
few health hazards, and are usually disposed of by shallow land
burial.
Low Population Zone
An area of low population density often required around a
nuclear installation. The number and density of residents is of
concern in emergency planning so that certain protective
measures (such as notification and instructions to residents)
can be accomplished in a timely manner.
Lung Class (Days, Weeks, or Years or Fast Absorption,
Moderate Absorption, and Slow Absorption)
A classification scheme for inhaled material according to its
rate of clearance from the pulmonary region of the lung.
Lymphocyte
A mononuclear leukocyte; chiefly a product of lymphoid tissue
and participates in humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
Mach Stem
The shock front formed by the merging of the primary and
reflected shock fronts from an explosion.
Mass-Energy Equation
The equation developed by Albert Einstein which is usually given
as E = mc2,
showing that, when the energy of a body changes by an amount E
(no matter what form the energy takes), the mass, m, of the body
will change by an amount equal to E/c2. The c2,
the square of the speed of light in a vacuum, may be regarded as
the conversion factor relating units of mass and energy. The
equation predicted the possibility of releasing enormous amounts
of energy by the conversion of mass to energy. It is also called
the Einstein equation.
Mass Number
The number of nucleons (neutrons and protons) in the nucleus of
an atom. Also known as the atomic weight of an atom.
Maximum Permissible Dose
That radiation dose which a military commander or other
appropriate authority may prescribe as the limiting cumulative
radiation dose to be received over a specific period of time by
members of the command, consistent with operational military
consideration.
Mean Free Path
The average distance that photons of a given energy travel
before an interaction in a given medium occurs. It is equal to
the reciprocal of the attenuation coefficient. Thus, the
distance x in ordinary units can be converted into the
dimensionless distance
x,
the number of mean free path lengths.
Mean Lifetime
An average lifetime related to the biologic of the effective
half-time, or the physical half-life. Effective mean lifetime =
1.443 x effective half-time.
Mega
A prefix that multiplies a basic unit by 1,000,000.
Megacurie
One million curies. (See Curie.)
Meltdown
A situation in a nuclear reactor, in which the core materials
melt.
MeV
A megaelectronvolt, 1 million electronvolts.
Member of the Public
An individual in a controlled or unrestricted area. However, an
individual is not a member of the public during any period in
which the individual receives an occupational dose.
Microcurie
A one-millionth part of a curie.
Milli
Prefix meaning 10-3,
or 1/1000th
part.
Milling
A process in the uranium fuel cycle by which ore containing only
a very small percentage of uranium oxide is converted into
material containing a high percent of uranium oxide, often
referred to as yellowcake.
Millirem
A one-thousandth part of a rem. (See Rem.)
Milliroentgen
A one-thousandth part of a roentgen. (See Roentgen.)
Missile Technology Control Regime
A joint effort of 23 member countries led by the U.S. to control
the proliferation of missiles (and missile technology) capable
of delivering nuclear weapons.
http://fas.org/nuke/control/mtcr/
Moderator Temperature Coefficient of Reactivity
The property of a reactor moderator to slow down fewer neutrons
as its temperature increases. This acts to stabilize power
reactor operations.
Monitoring, Radiation
The measurement of radiation levels, concentrations, surface
area concentrations or quantities of radioactive material and
the use of the results of these measurements to valuate
potential exposures and doses.
Nadir
The point at which a blood count drops to or closest to zero
before beginning to increase.
Nano
A prefix that divides a basic unit by one billion.
Nanocurie
One billionth part of a curie.
Natural Radiation
See Background Radiation.
Natural Uranium
Uranium is found in nature. It contains 0.7 percent uranium-235,
99.3 percent uranium-238, and a trace of uranium-234.
Negative Temperature Coefficient
See Moderator Temperature Coefficient of Reactivity.
Neutron
An uncharted elementary particle with a mass slightly greater
than that of the proton, and found in the nucleus of every atom
heavier than hydrogen.
Neutron Capture
The process in which an atomic nucleus absorbs or captures a
neutron.
Neutron Chain Reaction
A process in which some of the neutrons released in one fission
event causes other fissions to occur. There are three types of
chain reactions—
a.
Non-sustaining (see Subcriticality).
b.
Sustaining (see Criticality).
c.
Multiplying (see Supercriticality).
Neutron Generation
The release, thermalization, and absorption of fission neutrons
by a fissile material and the fission of that material producing
a second generation of neutrons. In a typical reactor system,
there are about 40,000 generations of neutrons every second.
Neutron Radiography
The industrial use of neutrons to produce x-ray like images of
the internal structure of objects. It has been used to examine
explosive devices.
Neutron Source
A radioactive material (i.e., decays
by neutron emission) that can be inserted into a reactor to
ensure that a sufficient quantity of neutrons is available to
start a chain reaction and register on neutron detection
equipment.
Non-penetrating Radiation
External radiation of such low penetrating power that the
absorbed dose from human exposure is in the skin and does not
reach deeper organs to any damaging extent.
Neutron, Thermal
A neutron that has (by collision with other particles) reached
an energy state equal to that of its surroundings.
Noble Gas
A gaseous chemical element that does not readily enter into
chemical combination with other elements. An inert gas. (See
Fission Gases.)
Non-ionizing Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation that does not have sufficient energy
to remove electrons from the outer shells of atoms. Types of
non-ionizing radiation would include ultraviolet, visible light,
infrared, microwave, radio and television, and extremely low
frequency. The primary health effect from high exposure levels
of non-ionizing radiation arises from heat generation in body
tissue.
Nonstochastic Effect
Health effects, the severity of which varies with the dose and
for which a threshold is believed to exist. Radiation-induced
cataract formation is an example of a non-stochastic effect
(also called a Deterministic Effect).
Normal Form Radioactive Material
Radioactive material that has not been demonstrated to qualify
as special form radioactive material.
Nuclear Accident Response Procedures
A manual summarizing Department of Defense responsibilities and
provides procedural guidance for a joint response to accidents
involving nuclear weapons or components thereof in the U.S. and
its territories or possessions.
http://www.dtra.mil
Nuclear Detonation
A nuclear explosion resulting from fission or fusion reactions
in nuclear materials such as from a nuclear weapon.
Nuclear Device
Nuclear fission together with the arming, fuzing, firing,
chemical explosive, canister, and diagnostic measurement
equipment that have not reached the development status of an
operational nuclear weapon.
Nuclear Emergency Search Team
A cadre of highly trained technical personnel that maintain
on-call, deployable search, identification and diagnostic
capabilities to respond to lost or stolen nuclear weapons and
special nuclear materials; nuclear explosive threats; and
radiation dispersal threats.
http://www.milnet.com/nest.htm.
Nuclear Energy
The energy liberated by a nuclear reaction (fission or fusion)
or by radioactive decay.
Nuclear Force
A powerful short-ranged attractive force that holds together the
particles inside an atomic nucleus.
Nuclear Materials Licensing Requirements
Within the U.S., a license is required from the NRC to deliver,
receive, possess, use, or transfer thorium, plutonium, or
uranium. A specific license is required to authorize a general
licensee to acquire, deliver, receive, possess, use, transfer,
import, or export special nuclear material.
Nuclear Power Plant
Any device or assembly that converts nuclear energy into useful
power. In a nuclear electric power plant, heat produced by a
nuclear reactor is used to produce steam to drive a turbine that
in turn drives an electricity generator.
Nuclear Radiation
See Radiation.
Nuclear/Radiological Agent
Traditionally, uranium and plutonium used to produce a nuclear
detonation via the fission or fusion process. The fuel is
compressed into a given volume to cause supercriticality. The
major products include blast effects, heat, nuclear radiation,
and fallout.
Nuclear Reaction
See Reaction.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
The NRC is an independent agency established by the Energy
Reorganization Act of 1974 to regulate civilian use of nuclear
materials. Its mission is to regulation the Nation’s civilian
use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials to
ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, to
promote the common defense and security, and to protect the
environment.
http://www.nrc.gov/
Nuclear Technology Security Program
A Department of Energy program dedicated to controlling the
transfer or dissemination outside the U.S. or certain
unclassified equipment and materials and scientific and
technical information.
Nuclear Waste
The radioactive by-products formed by fission and other nuclear
processes in a reactor. It is separated from irradiated fuel in
a processing plant.
Nuclear Weapon
A device that releases nuclear energy in an explosive manner as
the result of nuclear chain reactions involving the fission or
fusions, or both, of atomic nuclei.
Nuclear Weapon Incident
An unexpected event involving a nuclear weapon, facility, or
component resulting in any of the following, but not
constituting a nuclear weapon(s) accident:
a.
An increase in the possibility of explosion or radioactive
contamination.
b.
Errors committed in the assembly, testing, loading, or
transportation of equipment, and/or the malfunctioning of
equipment and material which could lead to an unintentional
operation of all or part of the weapon arming and/or firing
sequence, or which could lead to a substantial change in yield,
or increased dud probability.
c.
Any act of God, unfavorable environment, or condition resulting
in damage to a weapon, facility, or component.
Nucleated Blood Cell
A blood cell that contains a nucleus, to include white cells and
reticulocytes.
Nucleon
Common name for a constituent particle of the atomic nucleus. At
present, applied to protons and neutrons but may include any
other particles found to exist in the nucleus.
Nucleus, (Pl. Nuclei)
The small, central, positively charged regions of an atom that
carries essentially all the mass. Except for the nucleus of
ordinary (light) hydrogen, which has a single proton, all atomic
nuclei contain both protons and neutrons. The number of protons
determines the total positive charge, or atomic number; this is
the same for all the atomic nuclei of a given chemical element.
The total number of neutrons or protons is called the mass
number (or Atomic Nucleus).
Nuclide
A general term referring to all known isotopes, both stable
(279) and unstable (about 5000), of the chemical elements.
Occupational Dose
The dose received by an individual in a restricted area or in
the course of employment in which the individual’s assigned
duties involve exposure to radiation and to radioactive material
from licensed and unlicensed sources of radiation, whether in
the possession of the licensee or other person. Occupational
dose does not include dose received from background radiation,
as a patient from medical practices, from voluntary
participation in medical research programs, or as a member of
the general public.
Open Beam Configuration
An analytical x-ray system in which an individual could
accidentally place some part of his body in the primary beam
path during normal operation.
Oralloy
Uranium enriched in the isotope uranium-235. This material is an
excellent fission fuel and is capable of sustaining a chain
reaction.
Parent
A radionuclide that upon radioactive decay or disintegration
yields a specific nuclide (the daughter/progeny).
Particulate Radiation
Radiation in the form of particles as opposed to electromagnetic
radiation.
Penetrating Radiation
External radiations of such penetrating power that the absorbed
dose from exposure is delivered in significant and damaging
quantities to human tissues and other organs. It refers to most
gamma radiation, x-ray radiation, and neutron radiation.
Personnel Monitoring
The determination of the degree of radioactive contamination on
individuals using survey meters, or the determination of
radiation dosage received by means of dosimetry devices.
Phantom
A volume of material behaving in a manner similar to tissue with
respect to the attenuation and scattering of radiation.
Photodosimetry
The determination of the cumulative dose of ionizing radiation
by use of photographic film.
Photon
A quantum (or packet) of energy emitted in the form of
electromagnetic radiation. Gamma rays and x-rays are examples of
photons.
Phototimer
A method for controlling radiation exposures to image receptors
by the amount of radiation that reaches a radiation monitoring
device(s). The radiation monitoring device(s) is part of an
electronic circuit that controls the duration of time the tube
is activated.
Picocurie
One trillionth part of a curie.
Pig
A container (usually lead) used to ship or store radioactive
materials. The thick walls protect the person handling the
container from radiation. Large containers are commonly called
casks.
Pit
The components of a nuclear warhead located within the inner
boundary of the high explosive assembly, but not including
safing materials.
Planned Special Exposure
An infrequent exposure to radiation, separate from and in
addition to the annual dose limits.
Plume
Airborne material spreading from a particular source; the
dispersal of particles, gases, vapors, and aerosols in the
atmosphere.
Plutonium (Pu)
A heavy, radioactive, manmade metallic element with atomic
number 94. Its most important isotope is fissile plutonium-239,
which is produced by neutron irradiation of uranium-238.
Pocket Dosimeter
A small ionization detection instrument that indicates radiation
exposure directly. An auxiliary charging device is usually
necessary.
Positron
Particle equal in mass, but opposite in charge, to the electron;
a positive electron.
Power Reactor
A nuclear reactor designed to produce electricity as
distinguished from reactors used primarily for research for
producing radiation or fissionable materials.
Primary Stage
The fission trigger or first stage of a thermonuclear weapon or
device.
Projected Dose
Future dose calculated for a specified time period on the basis
of estimated or measured initial concentrations of radionuclides
or exposure rates and in the absence of protective actions.
Proportional Counter
An instrument in which an electronic detection system receives
pulses that are proportional to the number of ions formed in a
gas-filled tube in ionizing radiation.
Protective Action
An activity conducted in response to an incident or potential
incident to avoid or reduce radiation dose to members of the
public (sometimes called a protective measure).
Protective Barrier
A radiation absorbing material(s) used to reduce radiation
exposure. The types of protective barriers are as follows:
a.
Primary Protective Barrier: the material, excluding filters,
placed in the useful beam, for protection purposes, to reduce
the radiation exposure.
b.
Secondary Protective Barrier: a barrier sufficient to attenuate
the stray radiation to the required degree.
Proton
An elementary nuclear particle with a
positive electric charge located in the nucleus of an atom.
(See Atomic Number.)
Public Dose
The dose received by a member of the public from exposure to
radiation and to radioactive material released by a licensee, or
to another source of radiation either within a licensee’s
controlled area or in unrestricted areas. It does not include
occupational dose or doses received from background radiation,
as a patient from medical practices, or from voluntary
participation in medical research programs.
Quality Factor
The modifying factor that is used to derive dose equivalent from
absorbed dose.
Quantum Theory
The concept that energy is radiated intermittently in units of
definite magnitude called quanta, and absorbed in a like manner.
(See Photon.)
Rad
The special unit of absorbed dose. One rad is equal to an
absorbed dose of 100 ergs/g or 0.01 J kg-1
(0.01 Gy).
RADIAC
An acronym derived from “radioactivity detection indication and
computation,” a generic term applying to radiological
instruments or equipment.
Radiation
Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, x-rays, neutrons,
high-speed electrons, high-speed protons, and other particles
capable of producing ions. Radiation, as used in this part, does
not include non-ionizing radiation, such as radio- or
microwaves, or visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light. (See
Ionizing Radiation.)
Radiation Area
An area, accessible to individuals, in which radiation levels
could result in an individual receiving a dose equivalent in
excess of 0.005 rem (0.05 mSv) in 1 hour at 30 cm from the
radiation source or from any surface that the radiation
penetrates.
Radiation Detection Instrument
A device that detects and records the characteristics of
ionizing radiation.
Radiation Dispersal Weapon
Any device other than a nuclear exposure device and including
weapons or equipment that are specifically designed to
disseminate radioactive material to cause destruction, fear, or
injury by means of the radiation produced by the decay of such
material.
Radiation Machine
Any device capable of producing radiation except those that
produce radiation only from radioactive material.
Radiation Shielding
Reduction of radiation by interposing a shield of absorbing
material between any radioactive source and a person, work area,
or radiation-sensitive device.
Radiation Sickness
The complex of symptoms characterizing the disease known as
radiation injury, resulting from excessive exposure to the whole
body (or large part) to ionizing radiation. The earliest of
these symptoms are nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea,
which may be followed by loss of hair (epilation), hemorrhage,
inflammation of the mouth and throat, and general loss of
energy. In severe cases, where the radiation exposure has been
relatively large, death may occur within 2 to 4 weeks. Those who
survive 6 weeks after the receipt of a single large dose of
radiation may generally be expected to recover. (See Syndrome.)
Radiation Source
Usually a manmade-sealed ounce of radiation used in teletherapy,
radiography, as a power source for batteries, or in various
types of industrial gauges. Machines such as accelerators and
radioisotope generators and natural radio nuclides may be
considered sources.
Radiation Standards
Exposure standards, permissible concentrations,
rules for safe handling, regulations for transportation,
regulations for industrial control of radiation and control of
radioactive material by legislative means.
Radiation Syndrome
See Radiation Sickness.
Radiation Warning Symbol
An officially prescribed symbol (a magenta, purple, or black
trefoil) on a yellow background that must be displayed where
certain quantities of radioactive materials are present or where
certain doses of radiation could be received.
Radioactive Cloud
An all-inclusive term for the cloud of hot gases, smoke, dust,
dirt, and debris from a weapon and the environment. The cloud is
carried aloft in conjunction with the rising fireball produced
by the detonation of a nuclear weapon.
Radioactive Contamination
Deposition of radioactive material in any place where it may
harm persons or equipment.
Radioactive Decay
The process in which a radioactive nucleus emits radiation and
changes to a different isotope or element.
Radioactive Isotope
A radioisotope. (See Radioisotope.)
Radioactive Series
A succession of nuclides, each of which transforms by
radioactive disintegration into the next until a stable nuclide
results. The first member is called the parent, the intermediate
members are called daughters, and the final stable member is
called the end product.
Radioactive Waste
See Waste, Radioactive.
Radioactivity
The spontaneous emission of radiation, generally alpha or beta
particles, often accompanied by gamma rays, from the nucleus of
an unstable isotope.
Radioassay
The process of identifying the radioactive elements and their
amounts in a sample of material such as low-level waste.
Radiographer
Any individual who performs or personally supervises industrial
radiographic operations and who is responsible to the licensee
or registrant for assuring compliance with the requirements of
these regulations and all license and/or certificate of
registration conditions.
Radiological Accident
A loss of control over radiation or radioactive material which
presents a potential hazard to personnel, public health,
property, or the environment.
Radioisotope
An unstable isotope of an element that decays or disintegrates
spontaneously, emitting radiation. Approximately 5000 natural
and artificial radioisotopes have been identified.
Radiological Assistance Program Team
A part of the Nuclear Incident Response, it is a team of expert
personnel who assist state and local authorities in dealing with
accidents or incidents involving radiation
(for
fact sheet click here).
Radiological Control Team
A special radiological team of the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy
organized to provide technical assistance and advice in
radiological emergencies.
Radiological Release
An unplanned incident in which radiological material is
discharged into the biosphere.
Radiological Survey
The evaluation of the radiation hazards accompanying the
production, use, or existence of radioactive materials under a
specific set of conditions. Such evaluation customarily includes
a physical survey of the disposition of materials and equipment,
measurements or estimates of the levels of radiation that may be
involved, and a sufficient knowledge of processes affecting
these materials to predict hazards resulting from unexpected or
possible changes in materials or equipment.
Radiology
That branch of medicine dealing with the diagnostic and
therapeutic applications of radiant energy, including x-rays and
radioisotopes.
Radionuclide
A radioisotope.
Radiosensitivity
The relative susceptibility of cells, tissues, organs,
organisms, or other substances to the injurious action of
radiation.
Radium (Ra)
A radioactive metallic element with atomic number 88. As found
in nature, the most common isotope has a mass number of 226. It
occurs in minute quantities associated with uranium in
pitchblende, carnotite and other minerals.
Radon (Rn)
A radioactive element that is one of the heaviest gases known.
Its atomic number is 86, and its mass number is 222. It is a
decay product or progeny of radium.
Rainout
The removal of radioactive particles from a nuclear cloud by
precipitation when the cloud is within a rain cloud.
Reactivity
A term expressing the departure of a reactor system from
criticality. A positive reactivity addition indicates a move
toward supercriticality (power increase). A negative reactivity
addition indicates a move toward subcriticality (power
decrease).
Reactor
A facility that contains a controlled nuclear fission chain
reaction. It can be used to generate electricity, conduct
research, and produce isotopes and manmade elements such as
plutonium.
Recording Level (RL) (for intake of
radionuclides)
Level of committed dose equivalent or intake, above which the
result is of sufficient interest to be worth keeping and
interpreting. Recording levels are defined for routine
monitoring, RLR,
and for special or operational monitoring, RLS. Derived
recording levels, DRLR and DRLS, are values of body or organ
content or elimination rate that correspond to recording levels,
RLR and RLS.
The values are calculated by means of defined models of intake,
deposition, uptake, retention, and elimination.
Recovery
The process of reducing radiation exposure rates and
concentrations of radioactive material in the environment to
levels acceptable for unconditional occupancy or use.
Recycling
The reuse of fissionable material after it has been recovered by
chemical processing from spent or depleted reactor fuel,
re-enriched and then re-fabricated into new fuel elements.
Reentry
Temporary entry into a restricted zone under controlled
conditions.
Rem (Roentgen Equivalent Man)
The special unit of any of the quantities expressed as dose
equivalent. The dose equivalent in rem is equal to the absorbed
dose in rad multiplied by the quality factor (1 rem = 0.01 Sv).
Respiratory Protective Device
An apparatus, such as a respirator, used to reduce the
individual’s intake or airborne radioactive materials.
Roentgen (R)
A unit of exposure to ionizing radiation. It is that amount of
gamma or x-rays required to produce ions carrying 1
electrostatic unit of electrical charge in 1 cm3
of dry air under standard conditions.
Safing
As applied to weapons and ammunition, the changing from a state
of readiness to initiation to a safe condition that prevents an
unauthorized firing.
Scattered Radiation
Radiation that, during passage through matter, has been deviated
in direction.
Scavenging
The selective removal of material from the radioactive cloud by
inert substances, such as precipitation, introduced into the
fireball.
Scintillation Detector or Counter
The combination of phosphor, photo-multiplier tube, and
associated electronic circuits for counting light emissions
produced in the phosphor by ionizing radiation.
Secondary Radiation
Radiation originating as the result of absorption of other
radiation in matter. It may be either electromagnetic or
particulate in nature.
Seismic Category I
A term used to define structures, systems and components that
are designed and built to withstand the maximum potential
(earthquake) stresses for the particular region that a nuclear
plant is sited.
Seivert (Sv)
The SI unit of any of the quantities expressed as dose
equivalent. The dose equivalent in Sv is equal to the absorbed
dose in gray multiplied by the quality factor (1 Sv - 100 rem).
Shallow-Dose Equivalent (Hs)
Applying to the external exposure of the skin or an extremity is
taken as the dose equivalent at a tissue depth of 0.007 cm (7
milligram per square meter (mg/m2))
averaged over an area of 1 square centimeter (cm2).
Sheltering
The use of a structure for radiation protection from an airborne
plume and/or deposited radioactive materials.
Shielded Room Radiography
Industrial radiography conducted in a room shielded so that
radiation levels at every location on the exterior meet the
limitations specified in the regulations.
Shielding
Any material or obstruction that absorbs radiation and thus
tends to protect personnel or materials from the effects or
ionizing radiation.
Shock Wave
A pressure pulse that is initiated by the expansion of hot gases
produced in an explosion and that is continuously propagated in
the medium surrounding the explosion.
Short-Lived Daughters
Radioactive progeny of radioactive isotopes that have half-lives
on the order of a few hours or less.
Site Boundary
That line beyond which the land or property is not owned,
leased, or otherwise controlled by the licensee.
Skin Decontamination
Removal of radioactive material from the skin.
Somatic Cell
Body cell other than a germ cell.
Somatic Effects of Radiation
Effects of radiation limited to the exposed individual, as
distinguished from genetic effects, which may also affect
subsequent unexposed generations.
Source Image Receptor Distance
The distance from the source to the center of the input surface
of the image receptor.
Source Material
a. Uranium or thorium or any combination or uranium and thorium
in any physical or chemical form.
b.
Ores that contain, by weight, one-twentieth of 1 percent (0.05
percent), or more, of uranium, thorium, or any combination of
uranium and thorium.
Special Form Radioactive Material
Radioactive material that satisfies the following conditions:
a.
It is either a single solid piece or is contained in a sealed
capsule that can be opened only by destroying the capsule.
b.
The piece or capsule has at least one dimension not less than 5
mm (0.197 inch).
c.
It satisfies the test requirements specified by the NRC.
Special Nuclear Material
a. Plutonium, uranium-233, uranium
enriched in the isotope 233 or in the isotope 235, and any other
material that the NRC determines to be special nuclear material
but does not include source material.
b.
Any material artificially enriched by any of the foregoing but
does not include source material.
Spent Fuel
Fuel elements that have been removed from the reactor because
they contain too little fissile material and too high a
concentration of radioactive fission products. They are highly
radioactive.
Stable Isotope
An isotope that does not undergo radioactive decay.
Stay Time
The period during which personnel may remain in a restricted
area before accumulating some permissible dose.
Stochastic Effects
Health effects that occur randomly and for which the probability
of the effect occurring, rather than its severity, is assumed to
be a linear function of dose without threshold. Hereditary
effects and cancer incidence are examples of stochastic
effects.
Stratosphere
A relatively stable layer of the atmosphere extending from the
tropopause to an altitude of about 30 miles.
Subcriticality
The condition of a nuclear reactor system when the rate of
production of fission neutrons is lower than the rate of
production in the previous generation due to increased neutron
leakage and poisons.
Subsurface Burst
The explosion of a nuclear weapon beneath the surface of the
Earth.
Supercriticality
The condition for increasing the level of operation of a
reactor. The rate of fission neutron production exceeds all
neutron losses, and the overall neutron population increases.
Surety
Umbrella term for safety, security, and use control of nuclear
weapons.
Survey, Radiological
An evaluation of the radiological conditions and potential
hazards incident to the production, use, transfer, release,
disposal, or presence of radioactive material or other sources
of radiation. When appropriate, such an evaluation includes a
physical survey of the location of radioactive material and
measurements or calculations of levels of radiation, or
concentrations or quantities of radioactive material present.
Survey Meter
Any portable radiation detection instrument especially adapted
for inspecting an area to establish the existence and amount of
radioactive material present.
Tail, Tailings
The depleted stream of an enrichment plant or stage after the
enriched produced is removed, expressed as percent of
uranium-235 content.
Technologically Enhanced
Substance that because of processing contains more naturally
occurring radioactive material than originally.
Teletherapy
Therapeutic irradiation in which the source of radiation is at a
distance from the body.
Tenth Thickness
The thickness of a given material that will decrease the amount
(or dose) of radiation to onetenth of the amount incident upon
it. Two-tenth thickness will reduce the dose received by a
factor of 10 x 10 (i.e., 100, and so on). (See Shielding.)
Terrestrial Radiation
The portion of natural radiation (background) that is emitted by
naturally occurring radioactive materials in the earth.
Thermal Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation (infrared, visible, and ultraviolet)
emitted from the fireball of a nuclear explosion as a
consequence of high temperatures.
Thermal Reactor
A reactor in which the fission chain reaction is sustained by
low-energy neutrons that have been moderated to thermal energy
in order to produce a chain reaction.
Thermonuclear
An adjective referring to the process in which very high
temperatures are used to bring about the fusion of light nuclei,
such as those of the hydrogen isotopes, deuterium and tritium,
with the accompanying liberation of energy. (See Fusion.)
Tomogram
The depiction of the x-ray attenuation properties of a section
through the body.
Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE)
The sum of the deep-dose equivalent (for external exposures) and
the committed effective dose equivalent (for internal
exposures).
Transport Index
The dimensionless number, rounded up to the first decimal place,
placed on the label of a package to designate the degree of
control to be exercised by the carrier during transportation.
The transport index is the number expressing the maximum
radiation level in millirem per hour at 1 meter from the
external surface of the package.
Transition
A nuclear change from one energy state to another, generally
accompanied by thee mission of particles. Often called decay or
disintegration.
Tritium
A radioactive isotope of hydrogen (one proton, two neutrons).
Because it is chemically identical to natural hydrogen, tritium
can easily be taken into the body by any ingestion path. Its
radioactive half-life is about 12 1/2years.
Tube
An x-ray tube, unless otherwise specified.
Type A Quantity
A quantity of radioactive material, the aggregate radioactivity
of which does not exceed A1
for special form radioactive material or A2
for normal form radioactive material.
Type B Quantity
A quantity of radioactive material greater than a Type A
quantity.
Ultraviolet
Electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength between the shortest
visible violet and low-energy x-rays.
Uranium (U)
A radioactive element with the atomic number 92, and as found in
natural ores, an atomic weight of approximately 238. The two
principal natural isotopes are uranium-235 (0.7 percent of
natural uranium), which is fissile, and uranium-238 (99.3
percent of natural uranium), which is fissionable by fast
neutrons and is fertile. Natural uranium also includes a minute
amount of uranium-234.
U.S. Munitions List
The following is a list of items designated by the President to
require export licenses to all nuclear countries: firearms;
artillery projectors; ammunition; launch vehicles, etc.;
explosives, propellants, incendiary agents and their
constituents; vessels of war and special naval equipment; tanks
and military vehicles; aircraft and associated equipment;
military training equipment; protective personnel equipment;
military electronics; fire control, range finder, optical and
guidance and control equipment; auxiliary military equipment;
toxicological agents and equipment and radiological equipment;
spacecraft systems and associated equipment; nuclear weapons
design and related equipment; classified articles, technical
data, and defense services not otherwise enumerated; submersible
vessels, oceanographic and associated equipment; and
miscellaneous articles.
http://www.ciponline.org/facts/munilist.htm
Very High Radiation Area
An area, accessible to individuals, in which radiation levels
could result in an individual receiving an absorbed dose in
excess of 500 rad (5 Gys) in 1 hour at 1 m from a radiation
source or from any surface that the radiation penetrates. [Note:
At very high doses received at high dose rates, units of
absorbed dose (e.g., rad and Gy) are appropriate, rather than
units of dose equivalent (e.g., rem and Svs).]
Venting
The escape through the surface to the atmosphere of gases or
radioactive products from a subsurface high explosive or nuclear
detonation.
Vessel
The part of the nuclear reactor that contains the nuclear fuel.
Warhead
That part of a missile, projectile, torpedo, rocket, or other
munition that contains either the nuclear or thermonuclear
system, high explosive system, chemical or biological agents, or
inert materials intended to inflict damage.
Washout
The removal of radioactive particles from a nuclear cloud by
precipitation when the cloud is below a rain or snow cloud.
Weapon Debris
The highly radioactive material consisting of fission products,
various products of neutron capture, unspent fuel, and shards of
bomb casing that remain after a nuclear explosion.
Weapon System
Collective term for the nuclear and nonnuclear components,
systems, and subsystems that compost a nuclear weapon.
Weathering Factor
The fraction of radioactivity remaining after being affected by
average weather conditions for a specified period of time.
Weighting Factor WT
For an organ of tissue (T) is the proportion of the risk of
stochastic effects resulting from irradiation of that organ or
tissue to the total risk of stochastic effects when the whole
body is irradiated uniformly. Presently, the organ dose
weighting defined by the NRC and ICRP differ.
Well Logging
All operations involving the lowering and raising of measuring
devices or tools which may contain sources of radiation into
well bores or cavities for the purpose of obtaining information
about the well or adjacent formations.
Whole Body
For purposes of external exposure, head, trunk, arms above the
elbow, or legs above the knee.
Whole-Body Counter
A device used to identify and measure the radiation in the body
(body burden) of human beings and animals; it uses heavy
shielding to keep out background radiation and ultra-sensitive
radiation detectors and electronic counting equipment.
Whole-Body Exposure
An exposure of the body to radiation, in which the entire body
rather than an isolated part, is irradiated. Where a
radioisotope is uniformly distributed throughout the body
tissues, rather than being concentrated in certain parts the
irradiation can be considered as a whole-body exposure.
Wipe Sample (Swipe Sample)
A sample made for the purpose of determining the presence of
removable radioactive contamination on a surface. It is done by
wiping, with slight pressure, a piece of soft filter paper over
a representative type of surface area.
Working Level (WL)
Any combination of short-lived radon daughters (for radon-222,
polonium-218, lead-214, bismuth-214, and polonium-214; and for
radon -220: polonium-216, lead-212, bismuth-212, and
polonium-212) in 1 liter of air that will result in the ultimate
emission of 1.3 x 105
million electron volts of potential alpha
particle energy.
Working Level Month (WLM)
An exposure to 1 working level for 170 hours (2,000 working
hours per year/12 months per year = approximately 170 hours per
month).
Wound Contamination
The presence of a radioactive substance in a wound, whether an
abrasion, puncture, or laceration; condition in which the loss
of intact skin increases the risk that the contaminant will be
absorbed.
X-ray Control
A device that controls input power to the x-ray high voltage
generator and/or the x-ray tube. It includes equipment such as
timers, photo-timers, automatic brightness stabilizers, and
similar devices, which control the technique factors of an x-ray
exposure.
X-ray Equipment
An x-ray system, subsystem, or component thereof. Types of x-ray
equipment are as follows:
a.
Mobile x-ray equipment means x-ray equipment mounted on a
permanent base with wheels and/or casters for moving while
completely assembled.
b.
Portable x-ray equipment means x-ray equipment designed to be
hand carried.
c.
Stationary x-ray equipment means x-ray equipment that is
installed in a fixed location.
X-ray High Voltage Generator
A device that transforms electrical energy from the potential
supplied by the x-ray control to the tube operating potential.
The device may also include means for transforming alternative
current to direct current, filament transformers for the x-ray
tube(s), high voltage switches, electrical protective devices,
and other appropriate elements.
X-ray System
An assemblage of components for the controlled production of
x-rays. It includes minimally an x-ray high voltage generator,
an x-ray control, a tube housing assembly, a beam limiting
device, and the necessary supporting structures. Additional
components that function with the system are considered integral
parts of the system. X-ray subsystem means any combination of
two or more components of an x-ray system.
X-rays
Penetrating electromagnetic radiation (photon) having a
wavelength that is much shorter than that of visible light. Rays
produced by excitation of the electron field around certain
nuclei are called characteristic x-rays. In nuclear reactions,
it is customary to refer to photon originating in the nucleus as
gamma rays, and to those originating in the electron field of
the atom as X-rays.
Yellowcake
A concentrated form of uranium ore known as UO.
Yield
The energy released in a nuclear explosion, expressed usually as
the number of tons of TNT that would release the same amount of
energy.
Acetylcholine (ACH, ACh)
The neurotransmitter substance at cholinergic synapses that
causes cardiac inhibition, vasodilation, gastrointestinal
peristalsis, and other parasympathetic effects. It is liberated
from preganglionic and post-ganglionic endings of
parasympathetic fibers and from pre-ganglionic fibers of the
sympathetic nervous system as a result of nerve injuries,
whereupon it acts as a transmitter on the effector organ; it is
hydrolyzed into choline and acetic acid by acetylcholinesterase
before a second impulse may be transmitted.
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
True cholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase hydrolyzes
acetylcholine within the Central Nervous System and peripheral
neuroeffector functions.
Active Immunization
The act of artificially stimulating the body to develop
antibodies against infectious disease by the administration of
vaccines or toxoids.
Acute Samples
Samples (e.g., blood, sputum, urine, etc.) taken from a patient
who is experiencing the full symptoms of a disease.
Adenopathy
Swelling or morbid enlargement of the lymph nodes.
Aedes Aegypti
Asian tiger mosquito; an alien mosquito established in the
southeast U.S. and from which Eastern Equine Encephalitis has
been isolated.
Aerosol
A suspension of very small solid
liquid particles in gas (such as air).
Alpha Interferon
One of a group of heat-stable and soluble basic antiviral
glycoproteins produced by cells exposed to the action of a
virus, bacterium, or toxin; used medically as an antiviral
compound.
Amikacin
An antibiotic drug effective against Gram-negative bacteria
(particularly gentamicin- and tobramycin-resistant strains) or
staphylococci.
Amino Acid
An organic compound having both an amino group (NH2)
and a carboxylic acid (COOH) group.
Analgesic
a. A compound capable of producing analgesia (i.e., one that
relieves pain without producing anesthesia or loss of
consciousness).
b.
Characterized by reduced response to painful stimuli.
Anaphylaxis
Hypersensitivity or abnormal reaction to a foreign substance
(e.g., penicillin) induced by a small preliminary or sensitizing
injection of the substance; it is an extreme form of allergy
that often has serious consequences (i.e., swelling of tissues)
and has been known to be fatal.
Anemia
A condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells,
in hemoglobin, or in total volume.
Anthrax
A highly lethal infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus
anthracis; normally, a disease of livestock that can be
transmitted to man by direct contact with or ingestion of
contaminated meat, hide, wool, hair, blood, or excreta. In most
cases involving humans, the bacteria enters the body through
skin wounds and infects the skin. In other cases, the bacteria
may be ingested (eaten) or inhaled. Spore inhalation results in
the inhalation form of anthrax that is characterized by a human
fatality rate of nearly 90 percent. A short period of flu-link
symptoms that is followed by respiratory distress; shock and
death usually follows within 24 - 36 hours after onset of
respiratory distress. Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics,
but treatment must be started early to be effective.
Anthrax Vaccine
Inactivated vaccine made from protective antigen of organisms.
Protects against dermal exposure in occupational setting.
Vaccine may be less effective with overwhelming challenge of
inhaled spores.
Antibody
A protein substance produced in the blood or tissues in response
to a specific antigen, such as bacterium or a toxin. Antibodies
destroy or weaken bacteria and neutralize organic poisons, thus
forming the basis of immunity.
Antibiotic
A substance produced by or derived from a microorganism that
inhibits or kills another microorganism (such as bacteria).
Anticonvulsant
An agent that prevents or arrests seizures.
Antigen
A molecule capable of eliciting a specific antibody or T-cell
response.
Antiserum
The blood fluid remaining after blood cells, fibrinogen, and
fibrin are removed, and which also contains antibodies; immune
serum.
Antitoxin
An antibody formed in response to and capable of neutralizing a
biological poison; an animal serum containing antitoxins.
Arbovirus
A group of viruses transmitted to humans and animals from ticks
and insects such as mosquitoes and sand flies; shortened form of
arthropod-borne virus.
Arenavirus
A family of viruses that includes the viral Hemorrhagic Fevers,
Lassa Fever, Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever, Venezuelan Hemorrhagic
Fever, Brazilian Hemorrhagic Fever, and Bolivian Hemorrhagic
Fever.
Arthralgia
Severe pain in a joint, especially one not inflammatory in
character.
Aseptic
Preventing infection; free or freed of pathogens by use of
disinfectants, filtration, etc.
AST
Aspartate aminotransferase, a liver enzyme.
Asthenia
Weakness or debility.
Ataxia
An inability to coordinate muscle activity during voluntary
movement so that smooth movements occur. Most often due to
disorders of the cerebellum or the posterior columns of the
spinal cord; may involve the limbs, head, or trunk.
Atelectasis
The absence of gas from a part or the whole of the lungs, due to
failure of expansion or resorption of gas from the alveoli.
Bacillus
A rod-shaped bacteria.
Bacteria
Small, free-living microscopic organisms that reproduce by
simple division; the diseases they produce often respond to
treatment with antibiotics. Bacteria are single-celled, can
exist independently, and vary in size from about 0.3 m to 10
m. Bacteria can cause disease either by directly invading body
tissue or by producing toxins once inside the body.
Bilirubin
A red bile pigment formed from hemoglobin during normal and
abnormal destruction of erythrocytes. Excess bilirubin is
associated with jaundice.
Biodegradation
The breakdown of substances of environmental concern by living
cells.
Biohazard
A biological agent or condition (e.g., an infectious organism or
insecure laboratory procedures) that constitutes a hazard to
humans or the environment.
Biological Agent
A microorganism that causes disease in man, plants, or animals
or causes the deterioration of material.
Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS)
This system provides commanders with an effective system to
detect and presumptively identify biological warfare agents. Its
primary purpose is to provide information to limit the impact of
large-area-coverage biological agent attacks that have the
potential for catastrophic effects to U.S. forces at the
operational levels of war. It consists of wheeled vehicles and
specially trained operators.
Biological Operation
Employment of biological agents to produce casualties in man or
animal and damage to plants or materiel, or defense against such
employment.
Biological Warfare
The use, for military or terrorist purposes, of living organisms
or material derived from them, which are intended to cause death
or incapacitation in man, animals, or plants.
Biological Warfare Agent
Living organisms or their derivatives that can be used in
weapons to cause incapacitation or death. Biological agents have
the ability to reproduce themselves, thus they are less
predictable than chemical agents.
Bioregulators/Modulators
Biological agents that are biochemical compounds, such as
peptides that occur naturally in organisms.
Biosafety Level (BSL)
A designation that indicates specific precautions that must be
taken when culturing or working with infectious organisms or
toxins. Each biosafety level describes appropriate laboratory
practices and techniques as well as required safety equipment.
Biosafety levels range from BL-1, for organisms that can cause
minor infections, to BL-4 for those that can cause fatal
diseases for which there is no known cure.
Blood Agar
A mixture of blood and nutrient agar, used for the cultivation
of many medically important microorganisms.
Bomblet
A small munition capable of containing a biological warfare
agent; a submunition. Numerous bomblets could be packed inside a
larger munition (e.g., a bomb or warhead) that would explode in
the air scattering the bomblets over a relatively wide area.
Botulism
Poisoning by toxic derived from the microorganism Clostridium
botulinum.
Bronchiolitis
The inflammation of the bronchioles often associated with
bronchopneumonia.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes.
Brucella
A genus of encapsulated, non-motile bacteria (family
Brucellaceae) containing short, rod-shaped to coccoid,
Gram-negative cells. These organisms are parasitic, invading all
animal tissues and causing infection of the genital organs, the
mammary gland, and the respiratory and intestinal tracts, and
are pathogenic for man and various species of domestic animals.
They do not produce gas from carbohydrates. If used as a
biological warfare agent, it would move likely be delivered by
the aerosol route; the resulting infection would be expected to
mimic natural disease.
Bubo
Inflammatory swelling of one or more lymph nodes, usually in the
groin; the confluent mass of nodes usually suppurates and drains
pus.
Bubonic Plague
A form of plague characterized by the presence of inflammatory
swellings of lymph nodes that first occur at the regional node
site closets to the bite of an infected flea. (See Plague.)
Bulla (Pl. Bullae)
A large blister appearing as a circumscribed area of separation
of the epidermis from the subepidermal structure (subepidermal
bulla) or as a circumscribed area of separation of
epidermal cells (intraepidermal bulla) caused by the
presence of serum, or occasionally by an injected substance.
Carbuncle
Deep-seated pyogenic infection of the skin and subcutaneous
tissues, usually arising in several contiguous hair follicles,
with formation of connecting sinuses; often preceded or
accompanied by fever, malaise, and prostration.
Casual Contact
A person who has been in the proximity to an infected person or
animal (e.g., sharing an airplane, bus, taxi, etc.) but has not
been associated with body fluids or excretions.
Cerebrospinal
Relating to the brain and the spinal cord.
Chemoprophylaxis
Prevention of disease by the use of chemicals or drugs.
Cholera
A diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholera, a short,
curved, gram-negative bacillus. Humans acquire the disease by
consuming water or food contaminated with the organism. The
organism multiplies in the small intestine and secretes an
enterotoxin that causes a secretory diarrhea. If used as a
biological warfare agent, it would most likely be used to
contaminate water supplies.
Cholinergic
Relating to nerve cells or fibers that employ acetylcholine as
their neurotransmitter.
Ciprofloxacin
An antibiotic drug useful in treating bacterial infections; the
recommended antibiotic for treating anthrax infections as well
as prophylaxis in a biological warfare setting.
Clostridium Perfringens Toxins
A common anaerobic bacterium associated with three distinct
disease syndromes: gas gangrene or clostridial myonecrosis,
enteritis necroticans, and clostridium food poisoning.
Coagulopathy
A disease affecting the coagulability of the blood.
Coccobacillus
A short, thick bacterial rod of the shape of an oval or slightly
elongated coccus.
Communicable
Capable of being transmitted from human to human, animal to
animal, animal to human, or human to animal.
Conjunctiva (Pl. Conjunctivae)
The mucous membrane investing the anterior surface of the
eyeball and the posterior surface of the lids.
Contagion
The spread of disease from one person to another.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
A viral disease caused by Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus.
The virus is transmitted by ticks, principally of the genus
Hyalomma. Humans become infected through tick bites, crushing an
infected tick, or at the slaughter or viremic livestock. If used
as a biological warfare agent, it would most likely be delivered
by aerosol.
Cutaneous
Relating to the skin.
Cyanosis
A dark bluish or purplish coloration of the skin and mucous
membrane due to deficient oxygenation of the blood, evident when
reduced hemoglobin in the blood exceeds 5 g/100 mL.
Cytotoxin
Toxin that directly damages and kills the cell with which is
makes contact.
Decay Rate
The predictable rate at which microorganisms die/or which
biological agents lost viability.
Dengue
An acute infectious disease caused by an arbovirus transmitted
by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes characterized by fever, chills,
headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, and severe muscle and joint
pains.
Diathesis
The constitutional or inborn state disposing to a disease, group
of diseases, or metabolic or structural anomaly.
Diplopia
The condition in which a single object is perceived as two
objects.
Distal
Situated away from the center of the body, or from the point of
origin; specifically applied to the extremity or distant part of
a limb or organ.
Dysarthria
A disturbance of speech and language due to emotional stress, to
brain injury, or to paralysis, incoordination, or spasticity of
the muscles used for speaking.
Dysentery
An often infectious disease characterized by severe diarrhea
with passage of mucus and blood.
Dysphagia, dysphagy
Difficulty in swallowing.
Dysphonia
Altered voice production.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath, a subjective difficulty or distress in
breathing, usually associated with disease of the heart or
lungs; occurs normally during intense physical exertion or at
high altitude.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
A member of the Alphavirus family transmitted by mosquitos that
generally infect horses but can cause epidemics in humans. Those
infected present symptoms of malaise, headache, nausea, and
vomiting.
Ebola
An RNA virus of the Filovirus family that causes one of the
viral hemorrhagic fevers. Contact with infected body fluids
rather than aerosols may be the principal mode of transmission.
The incubation period is 20 to 21 days. The initial symptoms are
fever, headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, vomiting and
diarrhea. Those patients who exhibit hemorrhage usually follow a
downhill course to shock and death.
Ecchymosis
A purplish patch caused by extravasation of blood into the skin,
differing from petechiae only in size (larger than 3 mm
diameter).
Eczema
Generic term for inflammatory conditions of the skin,
particularly with vesiculation in the acute stage, typically
erythematous, edematous, papular, and crusting; followed often
by lichenification and scaling and occasionally by duskiness of
the erythema and, infrequently, hyperpigmentation; often
accompanied by sensations of itching and burning.
Edema
An accumulation of an excessive amount of watery fluid in cells,
tissues, or serous cavities.
Enanthem, Enanthema
A mucous membrane eruption, especially one occurring in
connection with one of the exanthemas.
Encephalitis (Pl. Encephalitides)
Inflammation of the brain.
Endemic
A disease process that is continuously present in a given
community, population, or geographic location.
Endotoxemia
Presence in the blood of endotoxins.
Endotoxin
A toxin produced in an organisms and liberated only when the
organism disintegrates.
Endotracheal Intubation
Passage of a tube through the nose or mouth into the trachea for
maintenance of the airway during anesthesia or for maintenance
of an imperiled airway.
Enterotoxin
Toxins of bacterial origin that affect the intestines, causing
diarrhea (e.g., toxins from Vibrio cholera, Staphylococcus,
Shigella, E. coli, Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas.
Enzyme
A protein formed by living cells which acts as a catalyst on
physiological chemical processes.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
An immunological technique used to quantify the amount of
antigen or antibody in a sample such as blood plasma or serum.
Epidemic
The condition in which a disease spreads rapidly through a
community in which that disease is not normally present.
Epistaxis
Profuse bleeding from the nose.
Epizootic
a. Denoting a temporal pattern of disease occurrence in an
animal population in which the disease occurs with a frequency
clearly in excess of the expected frequency in that population
during a given time interval.
b.
An outbreak (epidemic) of disease in an animal population; often
with the implication that it may also affect human populations.
Erythema
Redness of the skin due to capillary dilatation.
Erythema Multiforme
An acute eruption of macules, papules, or subdermal vesicles
presenting a multiform appearance, the characteristic lesion
being the target or iris lesion over the dorsal aspect of the
hands and forearms; its origin may be allergic, seasonal, or
from drug sensitivity, and the eruption, although usually
self-limited (e.g., multiforme minor), may be recurrent or may
run a severe course, sometimes with fatal termination (e.g.,
multiforme major).
Erythrocyte
A mature red blood cell.
Erythropoiesis
The formation of red blood cells.
Etiologic Agent
A viable microorganism or its toxin that causes, or may cause,
human disease.
Exanthema
A skin eruption occurring as a symptom of an acute viral or
coccal disease, as in scarlet fever or measles.
Exotoxin
A toxin secreted by a microorganism into the surrounding
medicine.
Extracellular
Outside the cells.
Extraocular
Adjacent to but outside the eyeball.
Fasciculation
Involuntary contractions, or twitchings, of groups (fasciculi)
of muscle fibers, a coarser form of muscular contraction than
fibrillation.
Febrile
Denoting or relating to fever.
Filovirus
A member of the Filoviridae viral family. Filoviruses are highly
pathogenic and capable of epidemic transmission. The family
includes the Ebola and Marburg viruses. Filoviruses are
stringshaped, often with a little hook or loop at one end.
Flash Message
A communication message with top priority to warn units of an
actual or predicted chemical or biological agent hazard; a
category of the NBC Warning and Reporting System.
Fomite
Objects, such as clothing, towels, and utensils that possibly
harbor a disease agent and are capable of transmitting it.
Formalin
A 37 percent aqueous solution of formaldehyde.
Fulminant Hepatitis
Severe, rapidly progressive loss of hepatic function due to
viral infection or other cause of inflammatory destruction of
liver tissue.
Fungus
A general term used to denote a group of eukaryotic protist,
including mushrooms, yeasts, rusts, molds, smuts, etc., which
are characterized by the absence of a rigid cell wall composed
of chitin, mannans, and sometimes cellulose.
Gene
A sequence of nucleic acids in the DNA molecules representing
the genetic code for the production of one or more proteins in a
living cell.
Generalized Vaccinia
Secondary lesions of the skin following vaccination that may
occur in subjects with previously healthy skin but are more
common in the case of traumatized skin, especially in the case
of eczema (eczema vaccinatum). In the latter instance,
generalized vaccinia may result from mere contact with a
vaccinated person. Secondary vaccinial lesions may also occur
following transfer of virus from the vaccination to another site
by means of the fingers (autoinnoculation).
Germicide
An agent that destroys disease-causing microorganisms.
Gram Stain
A staining procedure used in classifying bacteria. A bacterial
smear on a slide is stained with a purple basic triphenyl
methane dye, usually crystal violet, in the presence of
iodine/potassium iodide. The cells are then rinsed with alcohol
or other solvent, and then counterstained, usually with
safranin. The bacteria then appear purple or red according to
their ability to keep the purple stain when rinsed with alcohol.
This property is related to the composition of the bacterial
cell wall.
Gram-Negative
Refers to the inability of many bacteria to retain crystal
violet or similar stain through the standard Gram stain
procedure. They show only the red counterstain.
Gram-Positive
Refers to the ability of many bacteria to retain crystal violet
or similar stain through the standard Gram stain procedure. They
retain a purple color.
Granulocytopenia
Less than the normal number of granular leukocytes in the
blood.
Guarnieri Bodies
Intracytoplasmic acidophilic inclusion bodies observed in
epithelial cells in variola (smallpox) and vaccinia infections,
and which include aggregations of Paschen body's or virus
particles.
Half-Life, Biological
The time required for the body to eliminate half of the material
taken in by natural biological means.
Hemagglutination
The agglutination of red blood cells; may be immune as a result
of specific antibody either for red blood cell antigens per se
or other antigens which coat the red blood cells, or may be
non-immune as in hemagglutination caused by viruses or other
microbes.
Hemagglutinin
A substance, antibody or other, that causes hemagglutination.
Hematemesis
Vomiting of blood.
Hematuria
Any condition in which the urine contains blood or red blood
cells.
Hemoglobin
The constituent of red blood cells that carried oxygen and gives
them their color.
Hemopoietic
Pertaining to or related to the formation of blood cells.
Hemorrhage
The discharge of blood, as from a ruptured blood vessel.
Hemorrhagic Fever
Any of a diverse group of diseases characterized by a sudden
onset, fever, muscle aches, petechiae, bleeding in the internal
organs, and shock.
Hematuria
Any condition in which the urine contains blood or red blood
cells.
Hemodynamic
Relating to the physical aspects of the blood circulation.
Hemolysis
Alteration, dissolution, or destruction of red blood cells in
such a manner that hemoglobin is liberated into the medium in
which the cells are suspended (e.g., by specific
complement-fixing antibodies, toxins, various chemical agents,
tonicity, alteration of temperature).
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia occurring with acute renal
failure.
Hemoptysis
The spitting of blood derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes
as a result of pulmonary or bronchial hemorrhage.
Hepatic
Relating to the liver.
Heterologous
a. Pertaining to cytologic or histologic elements occurring
where they are not normally found.
b.
Derived from an animal of a different species, as the serum of a
horse is heterologous for a rabbit.
Host
Organism that serves as a home to, and often as a food supply
for, a parasite, such as a virus.
Hot Agent
An extremely lethal infectious microorganism that is potentially
airborne.
Hot Zone
An area that contains lethal, infectious organisms.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
The condition of having antibodies indicating the presence of
HIV; the pathogen that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS).
Hyperemia
The presence of an increased amount of blood in a part or
organ.
Hyperesthesia
Abnormal acuteness of sensitivity to touch, pain, or other
sensory stimuli.
Hypotension
Subnormal arterial blood pressure.
Hypovolemia
A decreased amount of blood in the body.
Hypoxemia
Subnormal oxygenation of arterial blood, short of anoxia.
Idiopathic
Denoting a disease of unknown cause.
Immunity
a. Resistance usually associated with the presence of antibodies
or cells in a body that effectively resist the effects of an
infectious disease organism or toxin.
b.
A condition of being able to resist a particular disease
especially through preventing growth and development of a
pathogenic microorganism or by counteracting the effects of its
products.
Immunization
Administration either of a non-toxic antigen to confer active
immunity or antibody to confer passive immunity to a person or
animal in order to render them insusceptible to the toxic
effects of a pathogen or toxin.
Immunoassay
Detection and assay of substances by serological (immunological)
methods; in most applications the substance in question serves
as antigen, both in antibody production and in measurement of
antibody by the test substance.
Immunogen
An antigen that provokes an immune response.
Induration
a. The process of becoming extremely firm or hard, or having
such physical features.
b.
A focus or region of indurated tissue.
Infectious
Capable of producing disease in a susceptible host.
Inguinal
Relating to the groin.
Inoculation
Introduction into the body of the causative organism of a
disease.
Interim Biological Agent Detector (IBAD) – Rapid
Prototype
Detector that provides a near-term solution to a deficiency in
shipboard detection of biological warfare agents. This equipment
is capable of detecting an increase in the particulate
background, which may indicate a man-made biological attack is
underway, and sampling the air for identification analysis. It
can also detect a change in background within 15 minutes and can
identify biological agents within an additional 30 minutes.
Ion-Channel-Binding Toxins
These toxins interfere with the movement of ions such as sodium
or potassium, through membranes.
Isolation
Separation of infected persons or animals from others to prevent
or limit direct or indirect transmissions of the infectious
agent.
Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS)
The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps use this detection
system. The developmental system will replace all existing
biological detection systems (Biological Integrated Detection
System, Interim Biological Agent Detector, and Air Base/Port
Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration), and provide
biological detection capabilities throughout the services and
throughout the battlespace. The common biological detection
suite will consist of four functionalities—
a.
Trigger (detects a significant change in the ambient aerosol in
real time).
b.
Collector (collects samples of the suspect aerosol for analysis
by the JBPDS, and for confirmatory analysis by supporting
laboratories in the Communications Zone and the continental U.S.
c.
Detector (able to broadly categorize the contents of the aerosol
and lend confidence to the detection process; e.g., biological
material in the aerosol or not, bacteriological, spore, protein,
etc.).
d.
Identification (provides presumptive identification of the
suspect biological warfare agent and increases confidence in the
detection process). The JBPDS program consists of two phases
(Block I and Block II) to allow the fastest possible fielding of
a joint biological detection system, while at the same time
preparing to take advantage of the rapid advances taking place
in the biological detection/identification, information
processing and engineering services.
Lassa Fever
An acute illness caused by the RNA containing Arenavirus. This
is also classified as one of the viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Transmission may be from infected rodents, contact with infected
body fluids, or person-to-person contact. The incubation period
is 6 to 21 days. Headache, sore throat, cough, chest pain,
abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and fever are frequent
symptoms.
Lethal Toxin
One of the proteins comprising the anthrax toxin; a zinc
metalloprotease with a molecular weight of 90,000.
Leukopenia
The opposite of leukocytosis; any situation in which the total
number of leukocytes in the circulating blood is less than
normal, the lower limit of which is generally regarded as
4000-5000/mm3.
Long Range Biological Standoff Detection System
(LR-BSDS) P31
This detection system uses infrared light detection and ranging
(Infrared Light-Detection and Ranging) technology to detect,
range, and track aerosol clouds that are indicative of a
biological warfare attack; the LR-BSDS cannot discriminate
biological from non-biological clouds. The system has three
major components:
a.
Aiode pulsed ionizing radiation laser transmitter operating at
infrared wavelength.
b.
A receiver and telescope.
c.
An information processor and display.
This system has been designed in two phase: a non-developmental
item phase designed to rapidly field an interim capability, and
a pre-planned product improvement (P31) phase. The
nondevelopmental item system is able to detect and track
man-made aerosols out to 30 km, but noneyesafe out to about 2.5
km. The P31 LR-BSDS will be eye safe, have a longer operating
range (50 km), and be easier to operate.
Lumbosacral
Relating to the lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum.
Lumen (Pl. Lumina)
The space in the interior of a tubular structure, such as an
artery or the intestine.
Lymphadenopathy
Any disease process affecting a lymph node or lymph nodes.
Lymphopenia
A reduction, relative or absolute, in the number of lymphocytes
in the circulating blood.
M31 Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS)
This detection system uses a multiple technology approach, both
developmental and off-the-shelf material, to detect biological
agents with maximum accuracy. The BIDS is a vehicle-mounted,
fully integrated biological detection system. The system is
capable of detecting and presumptively identifying four
biological warfare agents simultaneously in less than 45
minutes.
Macula, (Pl. Maculae)
a. A small spot, perceptibly different in color from the
surrounding tissue.
b.
A small, discolored patch or spot on the skin, neither elevated
above nor depressed below the skin's surface.
Malaria
A chronic parasitic disease caused by Plasmodia and transmitted
by the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is accompanied by severe
chills and fever at regular intervals.
Marburg Virus
One of the RNA containing Filovirus family also classified in
the viral hemorrhagic fever group. The incubation period is 3
to 9 days. The disease is contracted by skin or mucous membrane
contact with blood or other tissues of infected monkeys or
humans. The disease is manifested by headache, sore throat,
muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash,
jaundice, easy bruising and bleeding.
Mediastinitis
Inflammation of the cellular tissue of the mediastinum.
Mediastinum
The median partition of the thoracic cavity, covered by the
mediastinal pleura and containing all the thoracic viscera and
structures except the lungs.
Megakaryocyte
A large cell with a polyploid nucleus that is usually
multilobed; megakaryocytes are normally present in bone marrow,
not in the circulating blood, and give rise to blood platelets.
Melena
Passage of dark-colored, tarry stools, due to the presence of
blood altered by the intestinal juices.
Melioidosis
An infectious disease of humans and animals caused by
Pseudomonas pseudomallei, a gramnegative bacillus. A
biological warfare attack with this organism would most like be
by the aerosol route.
Meningism
A condition in which the symptoms simulate a meningitis, but in
which no actual inflammation of these membranes is present.
Meningitis
Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal
cord.
Meningococcemia
Presence of meningococci (N. meningitidis) in the
circulating blood.
Meninges
Any membrane; specifically, the membranous coverings of the
brain and spinal cord.
Microcyst
A tiny cyst, frequently of such dimensions that a magnifying
lens or microscope is required for observation.
Microscopy
Investigation of minute objects by means of a microscope.
Microorganism
Any organism of microscopic dimensions. Once they enter the
body, microorganisms multiply, overcoming the body’s natural
defenses, and produce disease.
Monkey Pox Virus
A virus that causes a blister type rash in monkeys similar to
small pox in man. The disease is endemic in Western and Central
Africa and has infected humans in this geographic area. It may
have the ability for person-to-person transmission. It
causes swollen lymph nodes in the neck and groin areas.
Moribund
Dying; at the point of death.
Mucocutaneous
Relating to mucous membrane and skin; denoting the line of
junction of the two at the nasal, oral, vaginal, and anal
orifices.
Myalgia
Muscular pain.
Mycotoxin
A fungal toxin. They can cause illness or death upon ingestion,
skin contact or inhalation. They exhibit great stability and
heat resistance. Mycotoxins are difficult to detect, to
identify, and to decontaminate.
Mydriasis
Dilation of the pupil.
Narcosis
General and nonspecific reversible depression of neuronal
excitability, produced by a number of physical and chemical
agents, usually resulting in stupor rather than in anesthesia.
Necrosis
Pathologic death of one or more cells, or of a portion of tissue
or organ, resulting from irreversible damage.
Nephropathia Epidemica
A generally benign form of epidemic hemorrhagic fever reported
in Scandinavia.
Neurotoxic
Poisonous to nerve tissue.
Neutrophilia
An increase of neutrophilic leukocytes in blood or tissues; also
frequently used synonymously with leukocytosis, inasmuch as the
latter is generally the result of an increased number of
neutrophilic granulocytes in the circulating blood (or in the
tissues, or both).
Node
Swelling
Nodule
A small mass of rounded or irregular shape.
Nosocomial
Denoting a new disorder (not the patient's original condition)
associated with being treated in a hospital, such as a
hospital-acquired infection.
Oliguria
Scanty urine production.
Organism
A complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements
whose relations and properties are largely determined by their
function in the whole.
Oropharynx
The portion of the pharynx that lies posterior to the mouth; it
is continuous above with the nasopharynx via the pharyngeal
isthmus and below with the laryngopharynx.
Osteomyelitis
Inflammation of the bone marrow and adjacent bone.
Pancytopenia
Pronounced reduction in the number of erythrocytes, all types of
white blood cells, and the blood platelets in the circulating
blood.
Pandemic
Denoting a disease affecting or attacking the population of an
extensive region, country, continent; extensively epidemic.
Papule
A small, circumscribed, solid elevation on the skin.
Parasitemia
The presence of parasites in the circulating blood; used
especially with reference to malarial and other protozoan forms,
and microfilariae.
Passive Immunity
Providing temporary protection from disease through the
administration of exogenously produced antibody (i.e.,
transplacental transmission of antibodies to the fetus or the
injection of immune globulin for specific preventive purposes).
Pathogen
Biological agents that are disease-producing microorganisms,
such as bacteria, mycoplasma rickettsia, fungi, or viruses.
Penicillin
A drug of choice for therapy of anthrax. (See antibiotics.)
Peptide
Any of various amides that are derived from two or more amino
acids by combination of the amino group of one acid with the
carboxyl group of another and are usually obtained by partial
hydrolysis of proteins.
Percutaneous
Denoting the passage of substances through unbroken skin, for
example, by needle puncture, including introduction of wires and
catheters.
Perivascular
Surrounding a blood or lymph vessel.
Petechia (Pl. Petechiae)
Minute hemorrhagic spots, of pinpoint to pinhead size, in the
skin, that are not blanched by pressure.
Pharyngeal
Relating to the pharynx.
Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane and underlying parts of the
pharynx.
Photophobia
Morbid dread and avoidance of light. Photosensitivity, or pain
in the eyes with exposure to light, can be a cause.
Plague
An acute infectious disease caused by Yersinia pestis.
Under normal conditions, humans become infected as a result of
contact with rodents and their fleas. In a biological warfare
scenario, the plague bacillus could be delivered by means of
contaminated vectors (fleas) causing the bubonic type or, more
likely, by means of aerosol causing the pneumonic type. The
incubation period is 2 to 8 days following the bite of an
infected flea and is characterized by high fever; chills;
prostration; enlarged, painful lymph nodes known as buboes,
located particularly in the groin or under the arms. The
bacteria can invade the blood stream leading to the septicemic
form of the disease. Subsequent invasion of the lungs causes a
rapidly fatal form known as pneumonic plague that can be
transmitted from person-to-person via airborne respiratory
droplets. The agent is highly infectious by the aerosol route
and most populations are completely susceptible.
Plasma
The fluid portion of the blood, as opposed to the particulate
bodies suspended in the blood.
Pleurisy
Inflammation of the two membranous sacs (pleura), each of which
lines one side of the thoracic cavity and envelops the adjacent
lung, reducing the friction of respiratory movements to a
minimum.
Pneumonia
Inflammation of the lungs caused by viral or bacterial
infections or by irritants.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
An in-vitro method for enzymatically synthesizing and amplifying
defined sequences of DNA in molecular biology. It can be used
for improving DNA-based diagnostic procedures for identifying
unknown biological warfare agents.
Polymorphonuclear
Having nuclei of varied forms; denoting a variety of leukocyte.
Polyuria
Excessive excretion of urine.
Potency
The quality or state of having force or power to cause an
effect, as—
a.
Chemical or medicinal strength (e.g., a vaccine or drug).
b.
The ability of a pathogen or toxin to cause infection or
intoxication. (When two pathogens or toxins are being compared,
the one with the smallest effective dose is the most potent.)
Presynaptic Neurotoxins
Microbial paralytic toxins, such as botulinum and tetanus toxins
and snake phospholipases. They block release of actylcholine
from nerve terminals.
Prophylaxis (Pl. Prophylaxes)
The prevention of disease or of a process that can lead to
disease.
Prostration
A marked loss of strength, as in exhaustion.
Protein
Any of numerous naturally occurring extremely complex substances
that consist of amino-acid residues joint by peptide bonds,
contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, usually
sulfur, and occasionally other elements and include many
essential biological compounds or immunoglobulins.
Proteinuria
The presence of urinary protein in concentrations greater than
0.3 g in a 24-hour urine collection or in concentrations greater
than 1 g/L in a random urine collection on two or more occasions
at least 6 hours apart; specimens must be clean, voided
midstream, or obtained by catheterization.
Pruritus
Itching.
Ptosis (Pl. Ptoses)
Drooping of the eyelids.
Pulmonary Edema
Swelling or excessive accumulation of serous fluid in the
lungs.
Pyrogenic
Causing fever.
Q Fever
An acute, febrile, incapacitating disease caused by the
rickettsial bacterium Coxiella burnetti and transmitted via
inhalation of contaminated aerosols, the bites of infected ticks
or ingestion of milk from infected dairy animals. A biological
warfare attack would cause disease similar to that occurring
naturally.
Quarantine
Detaining, isolating, or restricting the activities of people or
animals exposed to a communicable disease during the period in
which the disease can be transmitted to prevent others from
contracting disease.
Reservoir
Any person, animal, anthropod, plant, soil, or substance (or
combination of these) in which an infectious agent normally
lives and multiplies, on which it depends for survival, and in
which it reproduces itself in such a manner that it can be
transmitted to a susceptible vector.
Retinitis
Inflammation of the retina (a delicate multiplayer
light-sensitive membrane lining the inner eyeball and connected
by the optic nerve to the brain).
Retrosternal
Posterior to the sternum.
Rhinorrhea
A discharge from the nasal mucous membrane.
Ribavirin
An antiviral drug used in the treatment of viral hemorrhagic
fevers.
Ricin
A glycoprotein toxic from the seed of the castor plant. It
blocks protein synthesis by altering the RNA, thus killing the
cell. Ricin’s significance as a potential biological warfare
agent relates to its availability worldwide, ease of production,
and extreme pulmonary toxicity when inhaled.
Rickettsia
A microorganism of the genus Rickettisia, made up of small
rod-shaped coccoids occurring intracytoplasmically or free in
the lumen of the gut of lice, fleas, ticks, and mites, by which
they are transmitted to man and other animals. They cause
diseases such as typhus, scrub typhus, and Rocky Mountain
Spotted Fever in humans.
Rift Valley Fever
One of the viral hemorrhagic fevers caused by the Bunyaviridae
viral group. It is transmitted to humans by Aedes Aegypti
mosquitoes. It may affect the retina of the eye, leading to
permanent blindness.
Salmonella
A group of nonspore forming bacteria capable of causing
gastroenteritis, enteric fever, bactermia, and localized
infections. After ingestion of contaminated food or water,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever headache, and muscle aches
will occur lasting between 2 to 7 days.
Saxitoxin
The parent compound of a family of chemically related
neurotoxins. In nature they are predominantly produced by marine
dinoflagellates, although they have also been identified in
association with such diverse organisms as blue-green algae,
crabs, and the blue-ringed octopus. The natural route of
exposure to these toxins is oral. In a biological warfare
scenario, the most likely route of delivery would be by
inhalation or toxic projectile. It could also be used in a
confined area to contaminate water supplies.
Scarification
The making of a number of superficial incisions in the skin. It
is the technique used to administer tularemia and smallpox
vaccines.
Secondary Contamination
Contamination that occurs due to contact with a contaminated
person or object rather than to direct contact with agent
aerosols; cross contamination.
Septic Shock
a. Shock associated with sepsis, usually associated with
abdominal and pelvic infection complicating trauma or
operations.
b.
Shock associated with septicemia caused by Gram-negative
bacteria.
Sequellae
A condition following as a consequence of a disease.
Serum
That part of the whole blood that remains after the blood has
clotted; generally yellowish in color.
Shigellosis
Bacillary dysentery caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella,
often occurring in epidemic patterns.
Shock
An upset in the body caused by inadequate amounts of blood
circulating in the bloodstream. It can be caused by marked blood
loss, overwhelming infection, severe injury to tissues,
emotional factors, etc.
Smallpox
An acute, systemic, potentially fatal and highly contagious
viral disease caused by the variola Orthopoxvirus; characterized
by the appearance of skin lesions and pustules on the face and
body, with chills and fever. Under natural conditions, the virus
is transmitted by direct (face-to-face) contact with an infected
case, by fomites, and occasionally by aerosols.
Spores
Resistant, dormant cells of some bacteria; primitive
reproductive bodies of fungi.
Staphylococcal Enterotoxin
An incapacitating toxin produced by the bacterium Staphylococcus
aureus; responsible for the fever, chills, and gastrointestinal
upsets of “food poisoning” from ingestion of improperly prepared
food items. The weaponized form is an aerosol; potent
incapacitator in small doses; could render up to 80 percent of
exposed personnel clinically ill for approximately two weeks.
Sterile Abscess
An abscess whose contents are not caused by pyogenic bacteria.
Sterilization
The complete killing of all organisms, usually by the use of
physical or chemical means such as autoclaving or exposure to
high concentrations of formaldehyde.
Stridor
A high-pitched, noisy respiration, like the blowing of the wind;
a sign of respiratory obstruction, especially in the trachea or
larynx.
Submunition
Individual bomblets that can be filled with biological or
chemical agent and packed into the aeroshell of a missile;
follow independent flight patterns after air burst release from
the “parent” missile.
Superantigen
An antigen that interacts with the T-cell receptor in a domain
outside of the antigen recognition site. This type of
interaction induces the activation of larger numbers of T cells
compared to antigens that are presented in the antigen
recognition site.
Superinfection
A new infection in addition to one already present.
T-Cell
Any of several types of lymphocytes that control cell-mediated
and humoral immunity, or that lyse antigen-bearing cells.
T-2 Mycotoxin
A trichothecene mycotoxin produced by filamentous fungi growing
on moldy cereal grains.
Tachycardia
Rapid beating of the heart, conventionally applied to rates over
100 per minute.
Teratogenicity
The property or capability of producing fetal malformation.
Tetracycline
A drug that can be used in combination with streptomycin in the
therapy of brucellosis. It is also a drug of choice for Q Fever
and may be used as alternative therapy for plague and tularemia.
(See antibiotic.)
Thrombocytopenia
A condition in which there is an abnormally small number of
platelets in the circulating blood.
Toxemia
A condition caused by the circulation of toxins in the blood.
Toxic
Poisonous.
Toxin
Any poisonous substance of microorganism, plant, or animal
origin.
Toxoid
A modified bacterial toxin that has been rendered nontoxic
(commonly with formaldehyde) but retains the ability to
stimulate the formation of antitoxins (antibodies) and, thus,
producing an active immunity. Examples include Botulinum,
Tetanus, and Diphtheria Toxoids.
Tracheitis
Inflammation of the lining membrane of the trachea (a
thin-walled cartilaginous and membranous tube carrying air to
the lungs).
Trichothecene Mycotoxins
A diverse group of more than 40 compounds produced by fungi.
They are potent inhibitors or protein synthesis, impair DNA
synthesis, alter cell membrane structure and function, and
inhibit mitochondrial respiration. Secondary metabolites of
fungi, such as T-2 toxin and others, produce toxic reactions
called mycotoxicoses upon inhalation or consumption of
contaminated food products by humans or animals.
Tularemia
A zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis, a
gram-negative bacillus. Humans acquire the disease under natural
conditions through inoculation of skin or mucous membranes with
blood or tissue fluids of infected animals, or bites of infected
deerflies, mosquitoes, or ticks.
Undulating
Rising and falling; fluctuating.
Urticaria
An eruption of itching wheals, usually of systemic origin; it
may be due to a state of hypersensitivity to foods or drugs,
foci of infection, physical agents (heat, cold, light,
friction), or psychic stimuli.
Vaccine
A suspension of attenuated live or killed microorganisms
(bacteria, viruses, or rickettsiae), or fractions thereof,
administered to induce immunity and thereby prevent infectious
disease.
Vaccinia
An infection, primarily local and limited to the site of
inoculation, induced in man by inoculation with the vaccinia
(cowpox) virus in order to confer resistance to smallpox
(variola). On about the third day after vaccination, papules
form at the site of inoculation which become transformed into
umbilicated vesicles and later pustules; they then dry up, and
the scab falls off on about the 21st day, leaving a
pitted scar; in some cases there are more or less marked
constitutional disturbances.
Varicella
An acute contagious disease, usually occurring in children,
caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the family
Herpesviridae. It is marked by a sparse eruption of papules,
which become vesicles and then pustules, like those of smallpox
although less severe and varying in stages, usually with mild
constitutional symptoms. The incubation period is about 14 to 17
days (synonym: chickenpox).
Variola
Smallpox.
Variolation
The historical practice of inducing immunity against smallpox by
“scratching” the skin with the purulency from smallpox skin
pustules.
Vectors
An animal, insect, or other organism that carries and transmits
a virus or other microorganism.
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis
A member of the Alphavirus family transmitted by mosquitoes that
generally infects horses but can cause epidemics in humans. It
can also cause infections if aerosols containing the virus are
inhaled. Infection is manifested by fever, headache, sore
throat, vomiting, and muscle aches.
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
A diverse group of human viral illnesses characterized by acute
febrile onset accompanied by headache and complicated by
increased vascular permeability, damage, and bleeding; mortality
is high. Examples include Rift Valley Fever, Ebola Hemorrhagic
Fever, and Yellow Fever.
Viremia
The presence of virus in the bloodstream.
Virion
The complete virus particle that is structurally intact and
infectious.
Virus
Any of a large group of submicroscopic agents infecting plants,
animals, and bacteria and unable to reproduce outside the
tissues of the host.
Western Equine Encephalitis Virus
A member of the Alphavirus family transmitted to mosquitoes that
generally affects horses but can cause epidemics in humans.
Yellow Fever Virus
A member of the Flavivirus group endemic to South America and
Africa transmitted to humans by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. It
is also a viral hemorrhagic fever virus. After a 3 to 6 day
incubation period, there is abrupt onset of headache, nausea,
vomiting, muscle aches, chills, and fever.
Yellow Rain
A lethal yellow substance thought to have been dispersed
aerially as a warfare agent in Southeast Asia and Afghanistan;
the lethal component is thought to have been a trichothecene
mycotoxin. Reported to produce severe nausea and vomiting,
disturbances in the central nervous system, fever, chills, and
abnormally low blood pressure. Case mortality approximately 50
percent.
Zoonosis
An infection or infestation shared in nature by humans and other
animals that are the normal or usual host; a disease of humans
acquired from an animal source.
Zootoxin
A toxin or poison of animal, such as the venom of snakes,
spiders, and scorpions.
Undiluted agent that has not been decontaminated or neutralized,
but that could possibly be removed for unauthorized purposes.
Includes agents in munitions, bulk, and in laboratory
containers.
Action Level
A concentration designated in Code of Federal Regulations, Part
1910, Title 29 for a specific substance, calculated as an 8-hour
time-weighted average (TWA) which initiates certain required
activities such as exposure monitoring and medical surveillance.
(Note: For many substances the action level is one-half the
permissible exposure limit.)
Agent
A force or substance that causes a change.
Agent Activity/Operation
Any operation which involved chemical agents, including storage,
shipping, handling, manufacturing, maintenance, test chamber
activities, laboratory activities, surveillance,
demilitarization, decontamination, disposal, and training.
Agent Area
A physical location where entry and exit are restricted and
controlled; where agents are manufactured, processed, packaged,
repackaged, demilitarized, released, handled, stored, used, or
disposed of.
Agent Facility
Any location at which chemical agent operations are carried out
including storage facilities, renovation, maintenance, and
demilitarization facilities, manufacturing plants, disposal
sites, and laboratories. Depending on the activity, the facility
may be a building, enclosure, or possibly an open area.
Agent BZ
The chemical 3-quinuclidinyl ester, CAS Registry No. 6581-06-2.
BZ is a code designation for a potent psychoactive compound that
has a pharmacological action similar to that of other
anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, scopolamine) except that
the effects are more severe and longer lasting. It has an
incapacitating agent classified as a Class B poison for
transportation purposes. It is an odorless, white crystalline
solid that in granular form may be compounded with a
fuel-oxidizer mix for thermal dissemination.
Agent GA
The chemical Ethyl N,N-dimethylphosphoramidocyanidate, CAS
Registry No. 77-81-6, in pure form and in the various impure
forms found in storage as well as in industrial, depot, or
laboratory operations (synonym - Tabun). Agent GA is a nerve
agent.
Agent GB
The chemical Isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate, CAS Registry
No. 107-44-8, in pure form and in the various impure forms found
in storage as well as in industrial, depot, or laboratory
operations (synonym - Sarin). Agent GB is a nerve agent.
Agent GD
The chemical Pinacolyl methyl phosphonofluoridate, methyl-1, 2,
2-trimethylpropyl ester, CAS Registry No. 96-64-0, in pure form
and in the various impure forms found in storage as well as in
industrial, depot, or laboratory operations (synonym - Soman).
Agent GD is a nerve agent.
Agent H
Levinstein mustard, CAS Registry No. 471-03-4. A mixture of 70
percent bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide and 30 percent sulfur
impurities produced by the Levinstein process. Agent H is a
blister.
Agent HD
Distilled mustard or bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, CAS Registry
No. 505-60-2. Distilled mustard (HD) is mustard (H) that has
been purified by washing and vacuum distillation to reduce
sulfur impurities. Agent HD is a blister agent.
Agent HT
A plant-run mixture of 60 percent HD and 40 percent T plus a
variety of sulfur contaminants and impurities. T is
bis[2-(2-chloroethylthio)ethyl]ether, CAS Registry No.
63918-89-8. T is sulfur, oxygen and chlorine compound similar in
structure to HD. Agent HT is a blister agent.
Agent L, or Lewisite
Dichloro 2-chlorovinyldichloroarsine, CAS Registry No. 541-25-3;
its chemical formula is C2H2AsCl3.
Agent L is a blister agent.
Agent Operating Area
That portion of an agent area where workers are actively
conducting agent operations.
Agent VX
The chemical Phosphonothioic acid,
methyl-S-[2-(bis(1-methylethyl)amino)ethyl] 0-ethyl ester, CAS
Registry No. 50782-69-9, in pure form and in the various impure
forms that may be found in storage as well as in industrial,
depot, or laboratory operations. Agent VX is a nerve agent.
AIC
Acceptable Intake for Chronic Exposure.
Aldehydes
Any of various highly reactive compounds typified by
acetaldehyde and characterized by the group CHO.
Alkali
A class of bases that neutralize acids and forms salts.
Amine
Any of a class of organic compounds derived from ammonia by
replacement of hydrogen with one or more alkyl groups.
Analgesic
A substance used in medicine to relieve pain.
Anthropometric
Relates to the study of human body measurements, especially on a
comparative basis.
Aqueous Media
Environmental media that contain a large proportion of water,
such as storm water runoff from agricultural fields, animal and
plant fluids, etc.
Arsenicals
A category of blister agents in which arsenic is the central
atom. Although more volatile than mustard agents, they are much
more dangerous as liquids than as vapors.
Atropine
An alkaloid obtained from the plant Atropa belladonna. It is
used as an antidote for nerve agent poisoning. It inhibits the
actions of acetylcholine at the nerve/muscle junction.
Automatic Chemical Agent Alarm (ACAA)
See M8A1, M-21, M-22, and M-90 descriptions.
Automatic Continuous Air Monitoring System
(ACAMS)
This system can detect G agents, VX, or mustard at very low
levels. It is an automated gas chromatograph that first collects
agent on a solid sorbent and then thermally desorbs the agent
into a separation column for analysis.
Automatic Liquid Agent Detector (ALAD)
A liquid agent devise that can detect droplets of GD, VX, HD,
and Lewisite as well as thickened agents. It transmits its alarm
by field wire to a central alarm unit.
Binary Chemical Munitions
Munitions designed to use two non-lethal chemicals that combine
only during weapon functions to produce a chemical agent.
Binary Precursors
The component chemicals that combine to produce chemical agents.
Examples of two common chemical agent ingredients are as
follows:
a.
The precursors for binary GB (GB2)
are methylphosphonic difluoride (DF) and isopropyl alcohol with
an amine added (OPA).
b.
The precursors for binary VX (VX2
are O,O-ethyl (2-isopropyl aminoethyl)
methylphosphinite (QL) and dimethylpolysulfide (NM).
Blast
The brief and rapid movement of air vapor away from a center of
outward pressure, as in an explosion. This term is commonly used
to mean explosion, but the two terms should be distinguished.
Bliss Slope
The slope of the dose-response curve when the x-axis is
expressed as the log of the administered dose and the y-axis is
expressed as probits (probability units) of response. It is also
called a Probit Slope.
Blister Agent
A chemical (e.g., sulfur mustard) that produces local irritation
and damage to the skin and mucous membranes that progresses in
severity to fluid-filled blisters on skin. This chemical can
cause damage by exposure to liquid or vapor inhalation. It can
also produce damage to the respiratory tract.
Blood Agent
A chemical (e.g., hydrogen cyanide, allyl chloride) that is
absorbed into the general circulation system and carried to all
body tissues. These agents deprive tissue cells of oxygen, even
though the blood is capable of carrying oxygen. The brain, being
highly dependent upon a continual source of oxygenation, is
especially susceptible. Clinical signs include hyperventilation,
which further enhances the dose received, resulting in abrupt
cardiovascular collapse.
Breathing Zone
That zone of the surrounding environment in which a person
performs the normal respiratory function.
Breathing Zone Sample
An air sample collected in the breathing area (around the nose)
of an individual to assess his/her exposure to airborne
contaminants.
Buddy-Aid
The administration of a chemical agent antidote to a soldier
exhibiting symptoms of severe chemical agent poisoning when
unable to administer self-aid.
Buffer Zone
As used by the FEMA and the USEPA, an area adjacent to a
restricted zone which residents may return to, but where
protective measures are recommended to reduce dose or exposure.
CAIRA
Chemical Accident or Incident Response and Assistance.
Chemical Accident/Incident (CAI)
Chemical events involving chemical agent material—
a.
Chemical Accident: a chemical event resulting from
non-deliberate acts where safety is of primary concern.
b.
Chemical Incident: a chemical event resulting from deliberate
acts (e.g., terrorism or criminal acts) where security is of
concern.
Chemical Agent
A chemical substance that is intended for use in military
operations to kill, seriously injure, or incapacitate people
through its physiological properties. For consideration are
blood, nerve, choking, blister, and incapacitating agents.
Excluded are industrial chemicals, riot control agents, chemical
herbicides, and smoke and flame materials.
Chemical Agent Casualty
An individual who has been affected sufficiently by a chemical
agent to prevent or seriously degrade his or her ability to
carry out the mission.
Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM)/Improved Chemical
Agent Monitor (ICAM)
This item is used to detect chemical agent vapors and provide a
readout of the relative concentration of the vapor present. It
is a hand-held, battery-operated device for the monitoring of
decontamination procedures and effectiveness on personnel and
equipment. It can detect, identify and provide relative vapor
concentration readouts for G and V-type nerve agents and H-type
blister agents. The ICAM is a hand-held, soldier-operated,
post-attack device for monitoring chemical agent decontamination
on people and equipment. It detects vapors of chemical agents by
sensing molecular ions of specific mobilities (time of flight)
and uses timing and microprocessor techniques to reject
interference.
Chemical Bombs
Devices in which a chemical reaction takes place within a
confined space. The following are the most common types:
a.
Acid Bomb. Common ingredients are hydrochloric acid and aluminum
foil that chemically reacts to give off heat, ultimately
producing hydrogen gas and sufficient pressure to burst the
container.
b.
Caustic Bomb. Alkali based devices mixed with water and aluminum
foil. The most common ingredient is sodium hydroxide, a
corrosive in both liquid and solid forms that can immediately
cause serious burns to skin on contact.
c.
Dry Ice Bomb. When dry ice evaporates, carbon dioxide gas is
released. It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes for enough pressure
to build to rupture the contained. When detonation occurs before
all the dry ice has evaporated, the remaining dry ice becomes
fragments that can cause frostbite when contacting skin
tissues.
Chemical Cartridge
A type of absorption unit used with a respirator for removal of
solvent vapors and certain gases.
Chemical Contamination
The deposition of chemical agents on personnel, clothing,
equipment, structures, or areas. Chemical contamination mainly
consists of liquid, solid particles, and vapor hazards. Vapor
hazards are probably the most prevalent means of contaminating
the environment, although they are not necessarily a contact
hazard.
Chemical Demilitarization
The mutilation, destruction, or neutralization of chemical agent
materials, rendering it harmless and ineffectual for military
purposes.
Chemical Demilitarization Program
The Department of Defense was directed by Congress through
Public Law 99-145 as the government agency responsible for the
destruction of the chemical weapons stockpile. This program is
also responsible ensuring maximum protection to the environment,
general public, and personnel involved in the destruction
effort. To comply with treaty agreements and Congressional
mandate, destruction of these weapons must be complete by 2007.
The Program Manager for Chemical Demilitarization is responsible
for the Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program that consists of
four separate programs—
a.
The Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program (CDSP): responsible for
the destruction of the U.S. stockpile of unitary chemical
weapons. The current technology uses manual unpacking, automated
disassembly, and incineration of agent, explosives, metal, and
dunnage in four separate incinerators, followed by exhaust gas
processing through separate pollution abatement systems.
b.
The Alternative Technologies and Approaches (ATA): responsible
for conducting pilot testing of alternative destruction
technologies that may be implemented in future chemical weapon
destruction facilities.
c.
The Non-Stockpile Chemical Materiel Program (NSCMP): responsible
for the destruction of non-stockpile chemical warfare material,
including binary chemical weapons, miscellaneous chemical
warfare materiel, recovered chemical weapons, former production
facilities, and buried chemical warfare materiel.
d.
The Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP):
responsible for providing maximum protection of the civilian
population during storage, handling, and destruction of the U.S.
chemical weapons stockpile by improving state and local
governments preparedness for an accidental release of agent.
Chemical Event
Applies to the following:
a.
Chemical agent leaks of munitions in the chemical agent
stockpile.
b.
Requirements for emergency transportation and/or disposal of
known or suspected chemical agents.
c.
Any release of chemical agent to the environment outside of
closed systems, facilities, or devices (for example, lab hood,
glove box, munitions, bulk container which are specifically
designed to contain chemical agents) greater than established
The Surgeon General airborne exposure standards (as per
Department of Defense Directive 6055.9 standards promulgated in
Army Regulation 385-64), or release resulting in personnel
exhibiting clinical signs or symptoms of chemical agent
exposure.
d.
Any exposure or release of agent that does not exceed airborne
exposure standards established by The Surgeon General but,
nonetheless, is receiving media attention.
e.
Any deliberate release of chemical agent resulting from a
terrorist or criminal act (including employment of an improvised
chemical device intended to disperse chemical agent regardless
of whether device has functioned or not).
f.
Loss of chemical surety material (other than deliberate
destruction by approved, authorized laboratory, and
demilitarization process, including training expenditures).
g.
Release of or exposure to chemical agents, whether classified as
chemical agent or experiments.
Chemical Event Emergency Notification System
A joint system of emergency notification of chemical events for
off-post response. If a release of chemical agents happens,
immediate action must be taken to notify and protect personnel
in the predicted hazard area. The criteria to make this
notification will be based on predicted dosage and distances.
Chemical Management Evaluation
An evaluation conducted by The Inspector General or the Major
Army Command Inspector General of chemical operations with
inquiry into the chemical functions and responsibilities of
staff agencies, inspection teams, major and intermediate command
levels, and assistance teams to determine management, systemic,
or functional problem areas in the chemical program attributable
to any echelon.
Chemical Overgarment-84 (OG-84)
This garment is a camouflage colored (woodland or desert),
expendable, two-piece over garment consisting of one coat and
one pair of trousers. It provides protection against chemical
agent vapors, liquid droplets, biological agents, toxins, and
radioactive alpha contamination. Its protective qualities last
for a minimum of 30 days. This over garment provides a minimum
of 24 hours of protection against exposure to liquid or vapor
chemical agent.
Chemical Substance
A substance usually associated with some description of its
toxicity or exposure hazard, including solids, liquids, mists,
vapors, fumes, gases, and particulate aerosols. Exposure, via
inhalation, ingestion, or contact with skin or eyes, may cause
toxic effects, usually in a dose-dependent manner.
Chemical Surety
Those controls, procedures, and actions that contribute to the
safety, security, and reliability of chemical agents and their
associated weapon systems throughout their life cycle without
degrading operational performance.
Chemical Surety Material
All lethal and incapacitating chemical agents and their related
weapon systems, including binary munitions and their critical
components that are either adopted or considered for military
use. Excluded are riot control agents, defoliants,
incendiaries, smoke, and flame.
Chemical Warfare
All aspects of military operations involving the use of lethal
munitions/agents and the warning and protective measures
associated with such offensive operations.
Chemical Weapons
a. Toxic chemicals and their precursors, except where intended
for purposes not prohibited under the Chemical Weapons
Convention.
b.
Munitions and devices, specifically designed to cause death or
other harm through the toxic properties of toxic chemicals which
would be released as a result of the employment of such
munitions and devices.
c.
Any equipment specifically designed for use directly in
connection with the employment of munitions.
Chemical Weapons Convention
This Convention prohibits the development, production,
stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. It was opened for
signature in 1993, and entered into force in 1997. The
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in
the Hague is responsible for implementation. The State Parties
to this Convention work towards achieving effective progress
towards general and complete disarmament under strict and
effective international control, including the prohibition and
elimination of all types of weapons of mass destruction. This
Convention reaffirms the principles and objectives of and
obligations assumed under the Geneva Protocol of 1925, and the
Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production,
and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin
Weapons and on their Destruction signed on in April 1972.
http://www.opcw.nl/
Chemical Weapons System
An integrated relationship of chemical agents, munitions or
spraying devices and their mode of delivery to the target.
Choking Agent
Compounds that injure an unprotected individual chiefly in the
respiratory tract (the nose, throat, and lungs). In extreme
cases membranes swell, lungs become filled with liquid, and
death results from lack of oxygen.
Chlorine (Cl)
A choking agent. A chemical agent that is typically a
non-persistent, heavy greenish-yellow gas. It irritates the
eyes and throat and can lead to pulmonary edema resulting in
death.
Cholinesterase (ChE)
An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetocholine to
choline (a vitamin) and acetic acid.
Clean Areas
Those areas where environments are free of liquid agent
contamination and have been monitored to verify that air
concentrations are below the adverse effect levels.
Complementary Binary Precursors
Both the critical and non-critical precursors of a binary
chemical agent (e.g., DF and OPA, or QL and NM).
Confounder
A condition or variable that may be a factor in producing the
same response as the substance under study. The effects of such
factors may be discerned through careful design and analysis.
Controlled Release
A release of a chemical agent that may not be intended but is
anticipated. It is followed by immediate action that will
suppress the vapor or liquid release by approved decontamination
procedures and/or use of other suppression techniques that have
also been approved beforehand.
Cyanide
A compound that contains nitrogen and a carbon atom bound in a
special way. It is very poisonous and affects the ability of our
tissues to use oxygen. Health effects are similar whether it is
breathed, ingested, or come in contact with skin. Symptoms
include difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, uncontrolled
movement, convulsions, coma, and possibly death.
Decomposition
The breaking down of a substance of compound through a chemical
reaction into its similar components.
Demilitarization
The mutilation, destruction, or neutralization of chemical agent
material, thereby, rendering it harmless and ineffectual for
military purposes.
Desiccant
A substance that has an affinity for water.
Detection Limit
Analytical capability based on the amount of the sample and the
sensitivity of the analytical method.
Diesel Fuel Smoke
A visual obscurant used to conceal personnel and equipment. It
is formed by injecting diesel fuel into the exhaust manifold of
a tactical vehicle where the fuel is vaporized and expelled with
the vehicle’s exhaust. Upon dilution and cooling to the ambient
temperature, the fuel condenses into a dense white smoke.
Dilute Solutions
Those mixtures presenting significantly reduced hazards. A
solution of H, HD, L, or HT is considered dilute if its
concentration is not greater than 10 milligrams per milliliter
(neat agent/solvent) and it contains no more than 100 mg of neat
agent. For agent GB, a maximum concentration of 2 mg/mL of agent
in a solution containing a maximum quantity of 20 mg of neat
agent is considered dilute. For agent VX, a maximum
concentration of 1 mg/mL of agent in a solution containing a
maximum quantity of 10 mg of neat agent is considered dilute.
DS-2
A decontaminating agent against biological and chemical
contamination, an agestropic mixture combining
diethylenetriamine (70 percent), ethylene glycol monomethyl
ether (28 percent), and sodium hydroxide (2 percent).
Enzyme
Organic substance capable of causing chemical changes to take
place quickly at body temperature by catabolic action as in
digestion.
Erythema
A severe redness of the skin, as caused by chemical poisoning or
sunburn.
Exclusion Area
The area immediately surrounding one or more receptacles in
which chemical agents are contained. In the absence of positive
preventive measures, access into area constitutes access to the
chemical agent.
Experimental Chemical Agent
Chemical substances being tested, developed, or altered for
chemical defense purposes that will be used solely by the
military. These substances will have toxicities equal to or
greater than current nerve or mustard agents.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
The detection, identification, field evaluations, rendering
safe, recovery, and final disposal of unexploded explosive
ordnance or munitions chemical agents.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Procedures
Those particular courses or modes of action for access to,
recovery, render safe, and final disposal of explosive ordnance
or any hazardous material associated with an explosive ordnance
disposal incident.
Exposed Worker, Chemical Agent
a. An exposed worker—
(1) Exhibits clinical signs or symptoms or nerve agent
intoxication.
(2) Has cholinesterase depression, consistent with nerve
agent effect.
b.
A potentially exposed worker—
(1) Works in an agent operating area where levels of nerve
agent or mustard exceed the protective capability of the
personal protective equipment.
(2) Works in an agent operating area where levels of nerve
agent or mustard are detectable and there is a breech in
personal protective equipment or engineering controls.
c.
An exposed worker is an individual who exhibits clinical signs
or symptoms of mustard effect.
Feasibility Study
A study undertaken by the lead agency to develop and evaluate
options for remedial action.
Flash Point
The lowest temperature at which a substance gives off enough
combustible vapors to produce momentary ignition when a flame is
applied under controlled conditions.
Fog Oil Smoke
Smoke generated by injecting mineral oil into a heated manifold.
The oil vaporizes upon heating and condenses when exposed to the
atmosphere, producing respirable particles. Graphite can be
added to fog oil to provide screening in the infrared range of
the electromagnetic spectrum. The chemical and physical
properties of fog oil are similar to those of petroleum-based
lubricating and cutting oils.
G-Series Nerve Agents
Include tabun (GA), sarin (GB), soman (GD), and GF that are
members of a class of compounds that are more lethal and quicker
acting than mustard. They act rapidly and may be absorbed
through the skin or the respiratory tract. Exposure to a lethal
dose may cause death in as little as several minutes. These less
persistent agents are used to cause immediate casualties and to
create a short-term respiratory hazard on the battlefield.
Gas
A fluid that has neither independent shape nor volume but tends
to expand indefinitely.
Hexachloroethane Smoke
The toxicity of hexachloroethane (HCE) (referred to as HC smoke)
is attributed to the production of zinc chloride. HC smoke is
produced by burning a mixture containing roughly equal parts of
hexachloroethane and zinc oxide. The U.S. military uses HC smoke
in a wide variety of munitions. It is used in smoke pots and
smoke grenades to generate a screening effect.
Hg
Mercury.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter
A filter that is at least 99.97 percent efficient in removing
particles with a diameter of 0.3 ; used to treat exhaust air
from equipment that may generate aerosols.
Hydrocarbons
An organic compound containing only carbon hydrogen and often
occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens.
Hydrolyzed
Refers to a compound which has undergone chemical reaction with
water; hydrolysis is the reaction of a particular compound
(e.g., a chemical warfare agent) with water to form new chemical
compounds ("reaction products").
ICt50
Inhalation dose of a chemical agent (vapor or aerosol) that
produces a given, defined level of "incapacitation" in 50
percent of the exposed subjects (see ED50,
and consider "incapacitation" as the effect). (NOTE: There is no
general consensus on a military definition of incapacitation. It
can refer to behavioral manifestations, physiologic endpoints,
or individual combat effectiveness, all of which may vary
depending upon the task the individual soldier is expected to
accomplish.)
ID50
Dose of a liquid chemical agent needed to produce
"incapacitation" in 50 percent of the exposed subjects (see note
under ICt50).
Idiosyncratic Reaction
A genetically determined abnormal reactivity to a chemical.
Igloo
A reinforced concrete, earth-covered shelter used for storing
explosives and munitions.
Impervious
Providing protection by precluding penetration of a substance
(as demonstrated by methods in Military Standard 282) for the
useful life of the item concerned.
Improved (Chemical Agent) Point Detection System
(IPDS)
This detection system is a new shipboard point detector and
alarm that replaces the Chemical Agent Point Detection System.
This system can detect nerve and blister agent vapors at low
levels and automatically provides an alarm to the ship.
Incendiary
Primarily an antimaterial compound that generates sufficient
heat to cause destructive thermal degradation or destructive
combustion of material.
Individual Chemical Agent Detector (ICAD)
A miniature lightweight chemical warfare agent detector that can
be worn by the individual. It detects and alarms to nerve,
blood, choking, and blister agents and is intended for a variety
of applications. It may be used as a point detector.
Industrial Chemical
Chemicals developed or manufactured for use in industrial
operations or research, by industry, Government, or the
academia. These chemicals are not primarily manufactured for the
specific purpose of producing human casualties or rendering
equipment, facilities, or areas dangerous for use by man.
Hydrogen cyanide (AC), cyanogen chloride (CK), and phosgene (CG)
and methylphosphonicdifluoride (DF) are considered industrial
chemicals.
Interspecies Dose Conversion
The process of estimating equivalent doses between species
(e.g., frequently a known animal dose is converted to estimate
an equivalent human dose). The USEPA's cancer risk assessment
guidelines generally recommend using the surface area approach
unless there is evidence to the contrary. The dose as mg/kg of
body weight/day divided by a 10-fold UF is generally used to
convert between species for non-cancer effects of chemicals.
Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD)
This detector will employ surface acoustic wave technology to
detect nerve and blister agents. It will also allow detection of
new forms of nerve agents.
Joint Service Lightweight Standoff Chemical Agent
Detector (JSLSCAD)
This detector is a fully coordinated joint service Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation program, chartered to develop
a lightweight standoff chemical detector for the quad-services.
It will be capable of scanning 360 degrees x 60 degrees, and
automatically detecting nerve or blister agents at a distance up
to 5 km. The system will be light, compact, and operate from a
stationary position or on the move. The JSLSCAD Michelson
interferometer employs a passive infrared system that will
detect presence of chemical agents by completing a spectral
analysis of target vapor agent chemical clouds. This detector is
envisioned for employment on various platforms and in various
roles, including fixed site defense, unmanned aerial vehicles,
tank and other vehicles, and on board ships.
Joint Service Warning and Identification LIDAR
Detector (JSWILD)
This detector is a joint effort chartered to develop a chemical
warning and identification system for the quad-services. The
JSWILD will be a lightweight, vehicle-mountable, contamination
monitoring system, which detects and quantifies all types of
chemical agent contamination (including agent rain, vapors, and
aerosols) in a standoff mode from a distance of 20 km. In
addition, it will provide similar but short-range (1-5 km)
capabilities in biological standoff detection as the LR-BSDS. It
will operate from fixed sites and ground vehicles. The system
has distance-ranging and contamination-mapping capabilities and
transmits this information to a battlefield information
network.
K Agents
Incapacitating agents.
Levinstein Mustard (H)
A blister agent. It contains about 30 percent sulfur impurities.
The properties of H are essentially the same as HD except that
sulfur impurities lessen its effectiveness and depress the
freezing point by 2 to 5 degrees.
M8 Chemical Agent Detection Paper
A chemically treated, dye-impregnated paper, issued in a book of
25 sheets. It is designed to detect liquid V, G, and H agents.
M8 paper will change colors to identify non-persistent G-type
nerve (yellow), V-type nerve (black or dark green), or blister
(red) agents. It is included in the M256A I Kit and in the M18A2
Chemical Agent Detection Kit.
M8A1 Automatic Chemical Agent Alarm (ACAA) System
The only remote continuous air-sampling alarm in the U.S. Army.
This alarm will sample the air for the presence of nerve agent
vapors (GA, GB, GD, or VX) only. It is capable of detecting
nerve agent levels in 2 minutes or less. The system is an
electrochemical, point sampling, chemical agent alarm that can
be hand-carried, backpacked, or mounted on a tactical vehicle.
It consists of the M43A1 detector, as many as 5 M42 alarm units,
and various power supplies. The M8A1 will automatically signal
the presence of the nerve agent in the air by providing troops
with both an audible and visible warning. It requires an NRC
license.
M9 Chemical Agent Detection Paper
A self-adhesive paper that can be readily attached to the body
or to vehicles, shelters, and other equipment. It cannot
distinguish the identity of agents. The agent sensitive dye will
turn red upon contact with liquid nerve agents (G and V) and
blister agents (H and L). The paper produced colored spots when
in contact with nerve and blister agents.
M11 Portable Decontaminating Apparatus
A device containing DS-2 used to decontaminate small areas, such
as the steering wheel or other equipment that soldiers must
touch. It is filled with 1 1/3 quarts of DS-2.
M13 Portable Decontaminating Apparatus
The M13 is about the size of a 5-gallon gasoline can and is used
to decontaminate vehicles and crew-served weapons larger than a
.50-caliber piece.
M17 Lightweight Decontamination System (LDS)
The M17 is a portable pump and water-heating unit for producing
hot water and steam. The system incorporates a 1,580-gallon
collapsible water tank, two wand assemblies, connecting hoses,
and a shower rail. It is issued to Army battalion-size units and
to chemical decontamination companies and battalions.
M17 Protective Mask
This chemical and biological mask assembly includes the mask,
the M15A1 carrier, two lens outserts, and the M1 waterproofing
bag. It is made of molded rubber with filter elements in each
cheek, plastic eye lenses, and a voice emitter outlet valve in
the front. The A1 and A2 models include the capability to drink
water while masked. The mask protects the wearer’s face, eyes,
and respiratory tract against field concentrations of chemical
and biological agents.
M18A2 Chemical Agent Detector Kit
A kit used by technical escort teams and used in depots. It
consists of portable tests capable of detecting selected choking
and blood agents as well as nerve agents and blister (e.g.,
mustards, arsenicals, urticants) agents. It is used to detect
and classify dangerous concentrations of toxic chemical agents
in the air and liquid chemical agent contamination on exposed
surfaces.
M-21 Remote Sensing Chemical Agent Automatic
Alarm (RSCAAL)
A two-man portable tripod-mounted, automatic scanning, passive,
infrared sensor which detects nerve and blister agent vapor
clouds based on changes in the infrared energy emitted from
remote objects, or from a cloud formed by the agent. The M-21 is
line-of-sight dependent with a detection range up to 3 miles and
a field of view of 1.5 degrees vertical and 60 degrees
horizontal. It will be used for surveillance and reconnaissance
missions and will search areas between enemy and friendly
forces.
M22 Automatic Chemical Agent Alarm (ACADA)
An advanced, point-sampling, chemical agent alarm system
employing ion-mobility spectrometry. It is man-portable,
operates independently after system start-up, and provides an
audible and visual alarm. The system detects and identifies
nerve and blister agents. It also provides communications
interface for automatic battlefield warning and reporting. The
M22 system replaces the M8A1 Alarm as an automatic point
detector and augments the CAM as a survey instrument.
M34 Soil Sampling Kit
Materials used to sample soil, surface matter, and water.
M40/M42 Chemical/Biological Protective Mask
This is the standard protective mask. The mask consists of a
silicone face piece with in-turned periphery, binocular eye lens
system, and elastic head harness. Other features include front
and side voice emitters, allowing for better communications,
drink tube, clear, and tinted inserts and filter canister with
NATO standard threads. The mask protects against chemical and
biological agents, toxins, radioactive fallout particles, and
battlefield contaminants. The M40/42 Series field protective
masks will replace the M17 (general purpose), M25 (vehicle
crewman), and M9 (heavy-duty) masks.
M-90 Automatic Agent Detector (AMAD)
An automatic nerve and mustard agent detector that detects
agents in vapor form. It transmits an alarm by radio to a
central alarm unit. It is currently used by the Air Force.
M90 DIA Chemical Agent Detector (CAD)
A man-portable instrument designed to determine and indicate the
hazard from nerve or blister (mustard) agent vapors present in
the air. Hazard levels are indicated in high, medium, and low
concentrations. This detector is programmable, with the
capability to add new agents as they are developed. It is
operable over a multitude of operational platforms including day
or night conditions. It can be used to verify clean areas,
perform area surveys, identify contamination, and verify the
effectiveness of decontamination operations. The M90 is
currently fielded within the Air Force.
M-93 and M-93A1 FOX
This reconnaissance system provides NBC protection, warning, and
sampling equipment integrated into a high speed, high mobility
armored carrier with collection protection for its crew. The
system contains a CAM, a chemical agent detector alarm, a
radiation detection device, a navigation system, secure
communications, and an area marking system. The system provides
combat information on the presence of NBC hazards and can
operate in all areas, in adverse weather and under all types of
battlefield conditions.
M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit
A portable and disposable chemical agent detector kit consisting
of 12 individually packaged samplers/detectors and a packet of
M8 detector paper. It is used at squad, crew or section level to
detect and identify field concentrations of nerve, blister or
blood agent vapors. It is usually used to determine when it is
safe to unmask in about 15 to 20 minutes, to locate and identify
chemical hazards, and to monitor decontamination effectiveness.
M258A1 Skin Decontamination Kit
A kit issued to each soldier containing wipes with solutions
that will neutralize most nerve and blister agents.
M272 Water Testing Kit
A lightweight portable kit used to detect and identify dangerous
levels of common chemical warfare agents in raw and treated
water in about seven minutes. It is a test water sampler and is
not a continuous monitor. Each kit conducts 25 tests for each
agent.
M291 Skin Decontamination Kit
This kit is used to decontaminate the soldier’s hands, face,
ears, and neck. Packets in the kit consist of a foil-laminated
fiber material containing a reactive resin. It replaces the
M258A1 Skin Decontamination Kit.
Maximum Credible Event
The worst single event that could occur at any time with maximal
release of chemical agent from a munition, bulk container, or
process as a result of an unintended, unplanned, or accidental
occurrence. The event must be realistic with reasonable
probability of occurrence.
Merck Index
Includes basic information on several thousand compounds that
are important in general chemical and biochemical practice.
Metabolic Products
The breakdown products of the chemical processes in living
organisms that convert food into new tissues and energy; they
are also products or reactions which tend to detoxify nonfood
chemicals.
Mini-Cam
Miniature chemical agent monitor.
Miosis
The excessive smallness or contraction of the pupil of the eye.
The pupil is unable to dilate and remains contracted; thus,
performance of tasks, navigating on foot, identifying or
engaging targets, or driving vehicles is practically impossible.
Miosis is often accompanied by pain, headaches, and pinpointing
of the pupils.
Monitoring
The continued or periodic act of seeking to determine whether a
chemical agent is present.
Most Probable Event
The worst potential mishap most likely to occur during routine
handling, storage, maintenance, or surveillance operations,
which results in the release of agent and exposure to
personnel.
Mustard Agents
A category of blister agents including the sulfur mustards (H,
HD) that are chlorinated thioethers, and the nitrogen mustards
(HN-1, HN-2, HN-3) that are derivatives of ammonia.
Napalm
An incendiary mixture typically made of polystyrene, benzene,
and gasoline and used in flame weapons.
Neat Agent Equivalent
The actual volume of chemical agents that will be formed when
two separate volumes of an agent’s precursors are mixed. The
resulting chemical agent is deemed to be pure for purposes of
accountability and for determining storage limits.
Neat Chemical Agent
A non-diluted, full-strength (as manufactured) chemical agent in
any concentration in excess of those designated exempt. A
chemical agent manufactured by the binary synthesis route will
also be considered a neat agent regardless of purity.
Nerve Agent
Organic esters of phosphoric acid used as a chemical warfare
agent because of their extreme toxicity (tabun (GA), sarin (GB),
soman (GD), GF, and VX). All are potent inhibitors of the
enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for the
degradation of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Symptoms
result from excess accumulation of acetylcholine in neuronal
synapses or myoneural junctions. Nerve agents are readily
absorbed by inhalation and/or through intact skin.
Neutralent
Those materials remaining from the chemical neutralization of
agents.
Neutralization
Altering the chemical, physical, and toxicological properties to
render the chemical agent ineffective for use as intended.
Nitrogen Mustard
A form of blister agent that includes HN-1, HN-2, and HN-3.
Nonlethal Agents
Chemical agents that can incapacitate but which, by themselves,
are not intended to cause death.
Nonpersistent Agent
Chemical agent that when released dissipates and/or loses its
capability to cause casualties after 10 to 15 minutes.
Nonstockpile Chemical Materiel
The Army has five categories of non-stockpile chemical warfare
materiel—
a.
Binary chemical weapons form lethal chemical agents by
mixing two less toxic chemicals. Army policy requires that the
components of binary weapons only be loaded together into a
munition immediately prior to use on the battlefield, thus
forming the lethal chemical agent during flight to the target.
b.
Buried chemical warfare materiel includes any buried
materiel. Land burial was a principal means of disposing of
hazardous materials for many years. In most cases, the materiel
was burned or chemically neutralized prior to burial.
c.
Recovered chemical weapons include items recovered during
range-clearing operations from chemical burial sites, and from
research and development testing. Recovered chemical warfare
materiel is over packed and either stored on site or transported
and stored at a permitted Department of Defense site following
recovery from range-clearing operations and burial.
d.
Former production facilities include government
facilities that produced chemical weapons and agents prior to
the signing of the Chemical Weapons Convention. These facilities
produced chemical agent, precursors, and components for chemical
weapons or were used for loading and filling munitions.
e.
Miscellaneous chemical warfare materiel includes unfilled
munitions, support equipment, and devices designed to be used
with chemical weapons. These include complete assembled rounds
without chemical fill, with or without bursters and fuzes;
simulant-filled munitions; inert munitions; dummy munitions;
bursters and fuzes; empty rock warheads and motors; projectile
cases; and other components of metal and plastic parts.
Occupational Environment Controls
The basic principles for controlling the workplace environment
are substitution, isolation, and ventilation.
On-Scene Commander
A general officer that has operational control of emergency
response forces and supervises all on-site operations at the
scene of a chemical accident. Also referred to as Service
Response Force Commander.
On-Scene Coordinator
The person designated to direct cleanup efforts under the NCP.
Organic Solvent
An organic chemical compound that dissolves another to form a
solution. Examples include alcohols, turpentine, kerosene,
benzene, chloroform, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, and
toluene.
Persistent Agent
Chemical agents that do not hydrolyze or volatilize readily
(e.g., VX and HD.)
Phosgene
Carbonyl chloride; a colorless liquid below 8.2 degrees Celsius,
but an extremely poisonous gas at ordinary temperatures; it is
an insidious gas, since it is not immediately irritating, even
when fatal concentrations are inhaled.
Phytotoxin
A toxin derived from a plant. An example is ricin from the
castor bean.
Potentially Exposed Worker
An individual who works in an agent-operating area where agent
levels—
a.
Exceed the protective capability of the personal protective
equipment.
b.
Are detectable and there is a breach of personal protective
equipment or engineering controls.
Precursor
Any chemical reactant that takes part at any stage in the
production by whatever method of a toxic chemical. This includes
any key component of a binary or multicomponent chemical
system.
Probit Analysis
|Application of the methods of Bliss to determine the slope and
various effective dosage levels (e.g., LCt50,
LD50, LCt16, LD16, LCt84, LD84, LCt05, LD05,
etc.) for quantal dose-response data.
Prostration
A complete physical or mental exhaustion; extreme exhaustion or
powerlessness.
Protection Factor
The ratio of the concentration outside the personal protective
equipment to the concentration inside the personal protective
equipment. Measurement sites are critical for proper
determination (e.g., for a protective mask, the measurements
inside the mask would be made at a subject's breathing zone, and
the measurements outside the mask would be made in a
corresponding zone).
Reagent
A chemical substance used to produce a chemical reaction.
Red Phosphorus/Butyl Rubber Smoke
The military application of phosphorus smokes for environmental
screening can contain either white phosphorus or red phosphorus
in various matrices (e.g., felt, butyl rubber, or polymer epoxy
binders). The compositions of the various phosphorus smokes are
similar, being composed primarily of polyphosphoric acid with
less than 1 percent trace levels of organic compounds. The
purpose of the butyl rubber is to reduce the cloud-pillar effect
found with pure red phosphorus. In Army field use, red
phosphorus smoke is deployed explosively from grenades and
mortar shells. It is used in grenades to provide a partial
self-protection system for armored vehicles. It is also the
major ingredient in mortar rounds used to generate smoke.
Relative Risk (sometimes referred to as Risk
Ratio)
The ratio of incidence or risk among exposed individuals to
incidence or risk among nonexposed individuals.
Release
Controlled or uncontrolled escape of chemical agent(s) into the
environment. Any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting,
emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping,
or disposing into the environment (including the abandonment or
discarding of barrels, containers, and other closed receptacles
containing any hazardous substance or pollutant or
contaminant).
Remedial Actions
Activities taken to restore a contaminated site to its
pre-contaminated condition. In contrast to removal actions,
these are longer-term actions, including cleanup, treatment, and
neutralization of contamination and access control or permanent
relocation of residents, if necessary. Remedial actions are
coordinated by the remedial project manager. U.S. Department of
the Army Pamphlet 50-6, Chemical Accident or Incident
Response and Assistance (CAIRA) Operations, treats remedial
actions as taking place in a "non-emergency atmosphere," and
describes the goal as returning the chemical accident or
incident site to "technically achievable and acceptable
conditions."
Removal Actions
Immediate, short-term response activities for cleanup and
removal of hazardous materials, assessment of the release, and
actions to protect the public such as temporary relocation
(CERCLA, and NCP; Code of Federal Regulations, Part 300, et
seq., Title 40). Removal operations are coordinated by the
on-scene coordinator.
Reproductive Effect
A toxic effect of a substance that is evident in the second or
third generation of exposed grandparents.
Respond
Removal, remedy, or remedial actions.
Reversible versus Irreversible Toxicity
Reversible toxic effects are those that can be repaired, usually
by a specific tissue's ability to regenerate or mend itself
after chemical exposure, while irreversible toxic effects are
those that cannot be repaired.
Rhinitis
The inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose.
Riot Control Agents
Compounds widely used by governments for domestic law
enforcement purposes and which produce transient effects on man
that disappear within minutes after removal from exposure.
Safety Assessment Report (SAR)
A formal summary of the safety data collected during the design
and development of the system. In this summary, the material
developer summarizes the hazard potential of the item, provides
a risk assessment, and recommends procedures or other corrective
actions to reduce these hazards to an acceptable level.
Safety Controls
Mandatory, procedural safeguards approved by the Secretary of
the Army and determined to be necessary per safety studies and
reviews. Safety controls ensure maximum safety of chemical
agents throughout the life of the chemical weapon. Controls will
be consistent with operational requirements.
Safety Objectives
Criteria for comparing and judging measures for adequacy. Safety
objectives incorporate the safest measures consistent with
operational requirements.
Sample Data Collection (SDC)
A method for obtaining information on the performance and
maintainability of an item of equipment. Data are obtained
directly from observations made in the field. An effort is made
to see that the sample from which feedback is obtained
represents the total population.
Sarin (GB)
Isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate; it is a non-persistent
organophosphate nerve agent also known as GB. Its chemical
formula is C4H10FO2P.
It is a colorless liquid or vapor with almost no odor in its
pure state. Symptoms include pupil constriction, blurred or
dimmed vision, pain in eyeballs; chest tightness, difficulty in
breathing; sweating, salivation, increased bronchial secretions,
bradycardia, hypotension, vomiting and diarrhea,
bronchoconstriction, and urinary and fecal incontinence.
Screening and Signaling Smokes
Compounds that produce an obscuring smoke when burned,
hydrolyzed, or atomized; they are used to limit observation and
to reduce the effectiveness of aimed fire. Signaling smokes are
similar to screening smokes, except that signaling smokes
generally are colored and are used for visual communication. The
standard colors are green, red, violet, and yellow.
Self-Aid
Administration of a chemical agent antidote to one-self upon
experiencing early symptoms of chemical agent poisoning.
Service Response Force (SRF)
A Department of the Army-level emergency response organization,
commanded by a general officer, capable of performing and
sustaining the CAIRA mission. This force consists of a staff and
specialized teams from various agencies and organizations
involved in the response to and recovery from a chemical
accident/incident.
Service Response Force Commander (SRFC)
A general officer of the Army with chemical background who has
been dispatched by Headquarters, Army Materiel Command, to the
scene of a chemical accident or incident. Upon arrival, the SRFC
assumes responsibility for all operations at the accident scene
and commands all emergency forces.
Severe Effects
Effects for the nerve agents that include systemic effects such
as vomiting, involuntary urination and/or defecation, tremors,
collapse, or convulsions. Note that dosages producing these
effects may not be significantly different from dosages
producing lethality.
Shipboard Chemical Agent Point Detection System
(CAPDS)
A fixed system capable of detecting nerve agents in vapor form
using a baffle tube ionization spectrometer. This CAPDS obtains
a sample of external air, ionizes airborne vapor molecules, and
collects them on a charged plate after eliminating lighter
molecules via the baffle structure. The system is installed in
an upper superstructure level and provides ships with the
capability to detect nerve agents. It will be activated when
ships enter high threat areas and during operation in littoral
waterways. The system is installed on most surface combatant’s
ships.
Simulant
A chemical that appears and acts like an agent.
Slope
The probit or Bliss Slope of the graph of the probit of the
response vs. the log of the dose.
Slope Factor
A plausible, upper bound estimate of the probability of a
response-per-unit intake of a chemical over a lifetime. The
slope factor is used to estimate an upper bound probability of
an individual developing cancer as a result of a lifetime of
exposure to a particular level of a potential carcinogen.
Smoke
Solid or liquid particles 0.3 to 0.5 in diameter. A suspension
of particles in a gaseous medium. A substance used in warfare
for screening purposes.
Soman
The chemical Pinacolyl methyl phosphonofluoridate, methyl-1, 2,
2-trimethylpropyl ester. It is a nerve agent known as GD; its
chemical formula is (CH3)3CCH(CH3)OPF(O)CH3.
It is a colorless liquid with a fruity or camphor odor. It
undergoes “aging” very quickly, rendering oxime therapy useless
and making poisoning with this agent more difficult to treat.
Symptoms include pupil constriction, blurred and dimmed vision,
pain in eyeballs; chest tightness, difficulty in breathing;
sweating, salivation, increased bronchial secretions,
bradycardia, hypotension, vomiting and diarrhea,
bronchoconstriction, and urinary and fecal incontinence.
Source Emissions
All intentional, uncontrolled releases of nerve agents GA, GB,
GD, and VX to include stack emissions.
Standard Glove
All gloves covered by a military
specification for example, toxicological agent protective and
gloveset glove.
Stockpile
Bulk chemicals and chemical munitions.
Sulfur Mustard
A blister agent also known as H (or HD) for distilled mustard.
Bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide. The chemical formula is C4H8Cl2S.
It presents both a respiratory and percutaneous hazard, forcing
military personnel to don not only gas masks but also protective
overgarments. They are persistent and present long-term hazards,
further hindering victims by forcing them to decontaminate.
Super Tropical Bleach (STB)
A mixture of calcium oxide and bleaching powder used as a
decontaminating agent.
TBis[2-(2-chloroethylthio)ethyl] ether. The chemical
formula is C8H16Cl2OS2.
T is a sulfur, oxygen and chlorine compound similar in structure
to HD. When T is added to HD, the resulting mixture has enhanced
physiological and physical effects, making it a more effective
chemical warfare agent.
Tabun
Ethyl N,N-dimethylphosphoramidocyanidate. This is a
non-persistent organophosphate nerve agent also known as GA. Its
chemical formula is C5H11N2O2P.
Tear Gas
Chemical compound that causes a flow of tears and irritation of
the skin. It is widely used for training, riot control, and
situations where long-term incapacitation is unacceptable.
Technical Escort
Individuals technically qualified and properly equipped to
accompany designated materiel that requires a high degree to
safety and security during shipment.
Temporary Exclusion Area
The area immediately surrounding chemical agent material that
has been removed from its secure container, storage structure,
storage area, or other authorized storage configuration.
Toxic Chemical
Any chemical that through its chemical action on life processes
can cause death, temporary incapacitation or permanent harm to
humans or animals. This includes all such chemicals, regardless
of their origin or of their method of production, and regardless
of whether they are produced in facilities, in munitions, or
elsewhere.
Toxicity Data
a. Quantal Data: Specifies the number of animals affected as a
function of dose rate (e.g., mg/kg/day) for a single type of
effect. The number of animals with tumors or that die from a
chemical exposure is an example. Quantal data are often reported
as an incidence (percent response) and, thus, can be used to
construct a dose-response curve.
b.
Continuous Data: Represents the change in some measured value of
a biological indicator (e.g., organ weights, triglyceride levels
in the liver, and serum enzyme measurements) as a function of
dose rate. Continuous data can be used to construct a
dose-effect curve.
c.
Graded Data: Specifies the form of severity of adverse effects
as a function of dose rate without reference to the number of
animals affected or to a continuous measure of one parameter.
Graded data often are presented as categories (liver necrosis,
lung lesions) or as judgments of severity. Fatty infiltration of
the liver, single-cell liver necrosis, and liver necrosis are
examples of sequence of severity judgments. Graded data can be
used to construct a dose severity curve.
Toxicity Value
A numerical expression of a substance's dose-response
relationship that is used in risk assessments. The most common
toxicity values used in Superfund program risk assessments are
reference doses (for non-carcinogenic effects) and slope factors
(for carcinogenic effects).
Toxicological Effects
a. Additive: Situation in which the combined effect of two
chemicals is equal to the sum of the effect of each agent given
alone (e.g., 2+3=5).
b.
Synergistic: Situation in which the combined effect of two
chemicals is much greater than the sum of the effect of each
agent given alone (e.g., 2+3=20).
c.
Potentiation: Situation in which one substance does not have a
toxic effect, but when it is added to another chemical, it makes
the latter much more toxic (e.g., 0+3=10).
d.
Antagonism: Situation in which two chemicals given together
interfere with each other's actions or one interferes with the
action of the other chemical (e.g., 4+6=8, 4+0=1, 4+4=0).
Training Agent and Compounds
An agent authorized for use in training to enhance proficiency
for operating in a chemical environment.
Unitary Chemical Munitions
Munitions designed to contain a single-component chemical agent
for release on a target.
Urticant
Category of blister agents with a disagreeable, penetrating
odor, causing an immediate severe burning sensation, intense
pain and a feeling of numbness.
U.S. Army Nuclear and Chemical Agency (USANCA)
The mission of USANCA is to provide expert technical support and
assistance to all Army elements worldwide and to other U.S.
Government and NATO agencies engaged in NBC programs.
Vesicant
Causing blisters or vesicles.
Vesicating Agent
Agent that acts on the eyes and lungs and blisters the skin.
Vesication
The process of blistering.
Vomiting Agent
Compound that produces a strong pepperlike irritation in the
upper respiratory tract, with irritation of the eyes and
tearing; causes violent, uncontrollable sneezing, cough, nausea,
vomiting, and general discomfort. Effects last from 30 minutes
to several hours.
XM21 Remote Sensing Chemical Agent Alarm (RSCAAL)
A passive infrared device used to detect and identify chemical
agent clouds. It can perform reconnaissance and point or area
surveillance missions.
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NATIONAL
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM GLOSSARY
DEFINITIONS
Agency:
A division of government with a
specific function offering a particular kind of assistance. In
ICS, agencies are defined either as jurisdictional (having
statutory responsibility for incident management) or as
assisting or cooperating (providing resources or other
assistance).
Agency Representative: A person assigned by
a primary, assisting, or cooperating Federal, State, local, or
tribal government agency or private entity that has been
delegated authority to make decisions affecting that agency's or
organization's participation in incident management activities
following appropriate consultation with the leadership of that
agency.
Area Command (Unified Area Command): An
organization established (1) to oversee the management of
multiple incidents that are each being handled by an ICS
organization or (2) to oversee the management of large or
multiple incidents to which several Incident Management Teams
have been assigned. Area Command has the responsibility to set
overall strategy and priorities, allocate critical resources
according to priorities, ensure that incidents are properly
managed, and ensure that objectives are met and strategies
followed. Area Command becomes Unified Area Command when
incidents are multi-jurisdictional. Area Command may be
established at an emergency operations center facility or at
some location other than an incident command post.
Assessment: The evaluation and
interpretation of measurements and other information to provide
a basis for decision-making.
Assignments: Tasks given to resources to
perform within a given operational period that are based on
operational objectives defined in the IAP.
Assistant: Title for subordinates of
principal Command Staff positions. The title indicates a level
of technical capability, qualifications, and responsibility
subordinate to the primary positions. Assistants may also be
assigned to unit leaders.
Assisting Agency: An agency or organization
providing personnel, services, or other resources to the agency
with direct responsibility for incident management. See also
Supporting Agency.
Available Resources: Resources assigned to
an incident, checked in, and available for a mission assignment,
normally located in a Staging Area.
Branch: The organizational level having
functional or geographical responsibility for major aspects of
incident operations. A branch is organizationally situated
between the section and the division or group in the Operations
Section, and between the section and units in the Logistics
Section. Branches are identified by the use of Roman numerals or
by functional area.
Chain of Command: A series of command,
control, executive, or management positions in hierarchical
order of authority.
Check-In: The process through which
resources first report to an incident. Check-in locations
include the incident command post, Resources Unit, incident
base, camps, staging areas, or directly on the site.
Chief: The ICS title for individuals
responsible for management of functional sections: Operations,
Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration, and Intelligence
(if established as a separate section).
Command: The act of directing, ordering, or
controlling by virtue of explicit statutory, regulatory, or
delegated authority.
Command Staff: In an incident management
organization, the Command Staff consists of the Incident Command
and the special staff positions of Public Information Officer,
Safety Officer, Liaison Officer, and other positions as
required, who report directly to the Incident Commander. They
may have an assistant or assistants, as needed.
Common Operating Picture: A broad view of
the overall situation as reflected by situation reports, aerial
photography, and other information or intelligence.
Communications Unit: An organizational unit
in the Logistics Section responsible for providing communication
services at an incident or an EOC. A Communications Unit may
also be a facility (e.g., a trailer or mobile van) used to
support an Incident Communications Center.
Cooperating Agency: An agency supplying
assistance other than direct operational or support functions or
resources to the incident management effort.
Coordinate: To advance systematically an
analysis and exchange of information among principals who have
or may have a need to know certain information to carry out
specific incident management responsibilities.
Deputy: A fully qualified individual who, in
the absence of a superior, can be delegated the authority to
manage a functional operation or perform a specific task. In
some cases, a deputy can act as relief for a superior and,
therefore, must be fully qualified in the position. Deputies can
be assigned to the Incident Commander, General Staff, and Branch
Directors.
Dispatch: The ordered movement of a resource
or resources to an assigned operational mission or an
administrative move from one location to another.
Division: The partition of an incident into
geographical areas of operation. Divisions are established when
the number of resources exceeds the manageable span of control
of the Operations Chief. A division is located within the ICS
organization between the branch and resources in the Operations
Section.
Emergency: Absent a Presidentially declared
emergency, any incident(s), human-caused or natural, that
requires responsive action to protect life or property. Under
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act, an emergency means any occasion or instance for which, in
the determination of the President, Federal assistance is needed
to supplement State and local efforts and capabilities to save
lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or
to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of
the United States.
Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs):
The physical location at which the coordination of information
and resources to support domestic incident management activities
normally takes place. An EOC may be a temporary facility or may
be located in a more central or permanently established
facility, perhaps at a higher level of organization within a
jurisdiction. EOCs may be organized by major functional
disciplines (e.g., fire, law enforcement, and medical services),
by jurisdiction (e.g., Federal, State, regional, county, city,
tribal), or some combination thereof.
Emergency Operations Plan: The
"steady-state" plan maintained by various jurisdictional levels
for responding to a wide variety of potential hazards.
Emergency Public Information: Information
that is disseminated primarily in anticipation of an emergency
or during an emergency. In addition to providing situational
information to the public, it also frequently provides directive
actions required to be taken by the general public.
Emergency Response Provider: Includes
Federal, State, local, and tribal emergency public safety, law
enforcement, emergency response, emergency medical (including
hospital emergency facilities), and related personnel, agencies,
and authorities. See Section 2 (6), Homeland Security Act of
2002, Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (2002). Also known as
Emergency Responder.
Evacuation: Organized, phased, and
supervised withdrawal, dispersal, or removal of civilians from
dangerous or potentially dangerous areas, and their reception
and care in safe areas.
Event: A planned, non-emergency activity.
ICS can be used as the management system for a wide range of
events, e.g., parades, concerts, or sporting events.
Federal: Of or pertaining to the Federal
Government of the United States of America.
Function: Function refers to the five major
activities in ICS: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and
Finance/Administration. The term function is also used when
describing the activity involved, e.g., the planning function. A
sixth function, Intelligence, may be established, if required,
to meet incident management needs.
General Staff: A group of incident
management personnel organized according to function and
reporting to the Incident Commander. The General Staff normally
consists of the Operations Section Chief, Planning Section
Chief, Logistics Section Chief, and Finance/Administration
Section Chief.
Group: Established to divide the incident
management structure into functional areas of operation. Groups
are composed of resources assembled to perform a special
function not necessarily within a single geographic division.
Groups, when activated, are located between branches and
resources in the Operations Section. (See Division.)
Hazard: Something that is potentially
dangerous or harmful, often the root cause of an unwanted
outcome.
Incident: An occurrence or event, natural or
human-caused, that requires an emergency response to protect
life or property. Incidents can, for example, include major
disasters, emergencies, terrorist attacks, terrorist threats,
wild land and urban fires, floods, hazardous materials spills,
nuclear accidents, aircraft accidents, earthquakes, hurricanes,
tornadoes, tropical storms, war-related disasters, public health
and medical emergencies, and other occurrences requiring an
emergency response.
Incident Action Plan (IAP): An oral or
written plan containing general objectives reflecting the
overall strategy for managing an incident. It may include the
identification of operational resources and assignments. It may
also include attachments that provide direction and important
information for management of the incident during one or more
operational periods.
Incident Command Post (ICP): The
field location at which the primary tactical-level, on-scene
incident command functions are performed. The ICP may be
collocated with the incident base or other incident facilities
and is normally identified by a green rotating or flashing
light.
Incident Command System (ICS): A
standardized on-scene emergency management construct
specifically designed to provide for the adoption of an
integrated organizational structure that reflects the complexity
and demands of single or multiple incidents, without being
hindered by jurisdictional boundaries. ICS is the combination of
facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications
operating within a common organizational structure, designed to
aid in the management of resources during incidents. It is used
for all kinds of emergencies and is applicable to small as well
as large and complex incidents. ICS is used by various
jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private,
to organize field-level incident management operations.
Incident Commander (IC): The individual
responsible for all incident activities, including the
development of strategies and tactics and the ordering and the
release of resources. The IC has overall authority and
responsibility for conducting incident operations and is
responsible for the management of all incident operations at the
incident site.
Incident Management Team (IMT): The IC and
appropriate Command and General Staff personnel assigned to an
incident.
Incident Objectives: Statements of guidance
and direction necessary for selecting appropriate strategy(s)
and the tactical direction of resources. Incident objectives are
based on realistic expectations of what can be accomplished when
all allocated resources have been effectively deployed. Incident
objectives must be achievable and measurable, yet flexible
enough to allow strategic and tactical alternatives.
Initial Action: The actions taken by those
responders first to arrive at an incident site.
Initial Response: Resources initially
committed to an incident.
Intelligence Officer: The intelligence
officer is responsible for managing internal information,
intelligence, and operational security requirements supporting
incident management activities. These may include information
security and operational security activities, as well as the
complex task of ensuring that sensitive information of all types
(e.g., classified information, law enforcement sensitive
information, proprietary information, or export-controlled
information) is handled in a way that not only safeguards the
information, but also ensures that it gets to those who need
access to it to perform their missions effectively and safely.
Joint Information Center (JIC): A
facility established to coordinate all incident-related public
information activities. It is the central point of contact for
all news media at the scene of the incident. Public information
officials from all participating agencies should collocate at
the JIC.
Joint Information System (JIS): Integrates
incident information and public affairs into a cohesive
organization designed to provide consistent, coordinated, timely
information during crisis or incident operations. The mission of
the JIS is to provide a structure and system for developing and
delivering coordinated interagency messages; developing,
recommending, and executing public information plans and
strategies on behalf of the IC; advising the IC concerning
public affairs issues that could affect a response effort; and
controlling rumors and inaccurate information that could
undermine public confidence in the emergency response effort.
Jurisdiction: A range or sphere of
authority. Public agencies have jurisdiction at an incident
related to their legal responsibilities and authority.
Jurisdictional authority at an incident can be political or
geographical (e.g., city, county, tribal, State, or Federal
boundary lines) or functional (e.g., law enforcement, public
health).
Liaison: A form of communication for
establishing and maintaining mutual understanding and
cooperation.
Liaison Officer: A member of the Command
Staff responsible for coordinating with representatives from
cooperating and assisting agencies.
Local Government: A county, municipality,
city, town, township, local public authority, school district,
special district, intrastate district, council of governments
(regardless of whether the council of governments is
incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law),
regional or interstate government entity, or agency or
instrumentality of a local government; an Indian tribe or
authorized tribal organization, or in Alaska a Native village or
Alaska Regional Native Corporation; a rural community,
unincorporated town or village, or other public entity. See
Section 2 (10), Homeland Security Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-296,
116 Stat. 2135 (2002).
Logistics: Providing resources and other
services to support incident management.
Logistics Section: The section responsible
for providing facilities, services, and material support for the
incident.
Major Disaster: As defined under the Robert
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5122), a major disaster is any natural catastrophe
(including any hurricane, tornado, storm, high water,
wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic
eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, or drought), or,
regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion, in any part
of the United States, which in the determination of the
President causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to
warrant disaster assistance under this Act to supplement the
efforts and available resources of States, tribes, local
governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating
the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby.
Management by Objective: A management
approach that involves a four-step process for achieving the
incident goal. The Management by Objectives approach includes
the following: establishing overarching objectives; developing
and issuing assignments, plans, procedures, and protocols;
establishing specific, measurable objectives for various
incident management functional activities and directing efforts
to fulfill them, in support of defined strategic objectives; and
documenting results to measure performance and facilitate
corrective action.
Mitigation: The activities designed to
reduce or eliminate risks to persons or property or to lessen
the actual or potential effects or consequences of an incident.
Mitigation measures may be implemented prior to, during, or
after an incident. Mitigation measures are often informed by
lessons learned from prior incidents. Mitigation involves
ongoing actions to reduce exposure to, probability of, or
potential loss from hazards. Measures may include zoning and
building codes, floodplain buyouts, and analysis of hazard
related data to determine where it is safe to build or locate
temporary facilities. Mitigation can include efforts to educate
governments, businesses, and the public on measures they can
take to reduce loss and injury.
Mobilization: The process and procedures
used by all organizations (Federal, State, local, and tribal)
for activating, assembling, and transporting all resources that
have been requested to respond to or support an incident.
Multi-agency Coordination Entity: A
multi-agency coordination entity functions within a broader
Multi-agency Coordination System. It may establish the
priorities among incidents and associated resource allocations,
deconflict agency policies, and provide strategic guidance and
direction to support incident management activities.
Multi-agency Coordination Systems:
Multi-agency Coordination Systems provide the architecture to
support coordination for incident prioritization, critical
resource allocation, communications systems integration, and
information coordination. The components of Multi-agency
Coordination Systems include facilities, equipment, emergency
operation centers (EOCs), specific multi-agency coordination
entities, personnel, procedures, and communications. These
systems assist agencies and organizations to fully integrate the
subsystems of the NIMS.
Multi-jurisdictional Incident: An incident
requiring action from multiple agencies that each have
jurisdiction to manage certain aspects of an incident. In ICS,
these incidents will be managed under Unified Command.
Mutual-Aid Agreement: Written agreement
between agencies and/or jurisdictions that they will assist one
another on request, by furnishing personnel, equipment, and/or
expertise in a specified manner.
National: Of a nationwide character,
including the Federal, State, local, and tribal aspects of
governance and polity.
National Disaster Medical System: A
cooperative, asset-sharing partnership between the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and
the U.S. Department of Defense. NDMS provides resources for
meeting the continuity of care and mental health services
requirements of the Emergency Support Function 8 in the Federal
Response Plan.
National Incident Management System: A
system mandated by HSPD-5 that provides a consistent nationwide
approach for Federal, State, local, and tribal governments; the
private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work
effectively and efficiently together to prepare for, respond to,
and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size,
or complexity. To provide for interoperability and compatibility
among Federal, State, local, and tribal capabilities, the NIMS
includes a core set of concepts, principles, and terminology.
HSPD-5 identifies these as the ICS; Multi-agency Coordination
Systems; training; identification and management of resources
(including systems for classifying types of resources);
qualification and certification; and the collection, tracking,
and reporting of incident information and incident resources.
National Response Plan: A plan mandated by
HSPD-5 that integrates Federal domestic prevention,
preparedness, response, and recovery plans into one
all-discipline, all-hazards plan.
Nongovernmental Organization: An entity with
an association that is based on interests of its members,
individuals, or institutions and that is not created by a
government, but may work cooperatively with government. Such
organizations serve a public purpose, not a private benefit.
Examples of NGOs include faith-based charity organizations and
the American Red Cross.
Operational Period: The time scheduled for
executing a given set of operation actions, as specified in the
Incident Action Plan. Operational periods can be of various
lengths, although usually not over 24 hours.
Operations Section: The section responsible
for all tactical incident operations. In ICS, it normally
includes subordinate branches, divisions, and/or groups.
Personnel Accountability: The ability to
account for the location and welfare of incident personnel. It
is accomplished when supervisors ensure that ICS principles and
processes are functional and that personnel are working within
established incident management guidelines.
Planning Meeting: A meeting held as needed
prior to and throughout the duration of an incident to select
specific strategies and tactics for incident control operations
and for service and support planning. For larger incidents, the
planning meeting is a major element in the development of the
Incident Action Plan (IAP).
Planning Section: Responsible for the
collection, evaluation, and dissemination of operational
information related to the incident, and for the preparation and
documentation of the IAP. This section also maintains
information on the current and forecasted situation and on the
status of resources assigned to the incident.
Preparedness: The range of deliberate,
critical tasks and activities necessary to build, sustain, and
improve the operational capability to prevent, protect against,
respond to, and recover from domestic incidents. Preparedness is
a continuous process. Preparedness involves efforts at all
levels of government and between government and private-sector
and nongovernmental organizations to identify threats, determine
vulnerabilities, and identify required resources. Within the
NIMS, preparedness is operationally focused on establishing
guidelines, protocols, and standards for planning, training and
exercises, personnel qualification and certification, equipment
certification, and publication management.
Preparedness Organizations: The groups and
forces that provide interagency coordination for domestic
incident management activities in a non-emergency context.
Preparedness organizations can include all agencies with a role
in incident management, for prevention, preparedness, response,
or recovery activities. They represent a wide variety of
committees, planning groups, and other organizations that meet
and coordinate to ensure the proper level of planning, training,
equipping, and other preparedness requirements within a
jurisdiction or area.
Prevention: Actions to avoid an incident or
to intervene to stop an incident from occurring. Prevention
involves actions to protect lives and property. It involves
applying intelligence and other information to a range of
activities that may include such countermeasures as deterrence
operations; heightened inspections; improved surveillance and
security operations; investigations to determine the full nature
and source of the threat; public health and agricultural
surveillance and testing processes; immunizations, isolation, or
quarantine; and, as appropriate, specific law enforcement
operations aimed at deterring, preempting, interdicting, or
disrupting illegal activity and apprehending potential
perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
Private Sector: Organizations and entities
that are not part of any governmental structure. It includes
for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, formal and informal
structures, commerce and industry, and private voluntary
organizations (PVO).
Processes: Systems of operations that
incorporate standardized procedures, methodologies, and
functions necessary to provide resources effectively and
efficiently. These include resource typing, resource ordering
and tracking, and coordination.
Public Information Officer: A member of the
Command Staff responsible for interfacing with the public and
media or with other agencies with incident-related information
requirements.
Publications Management: The publications
management subsystem includes materials development, publication
control, publication supply, and distribution. The development
and distribution of NIMS materials is managed through this
subsystem. Consistent documentation is critical to success,
because it ensures that all responders are familiar with the
documentation used in a particular incident regardless of the
location or the responding agencies involved.
Qualification and Certification: This
subsystem provides recommended qualification and certification
standards for emergency responder and incident management
personnel. It also allows the development of minimum standards
for resources expected to have an interstate application.
Standards typically include training, currency, experience, and
physical and medical fitness.
Reception Area: This refers to a location
separate from staging areas, where resources report in for
processing and out-processing. Reception Areas provide
accountability, security, situational awareness briefings,
safety awareness, distribution of IAPs, supplies and equipment,
feeding, and bed down.
Recovery: The development, coordination, and
execution of service- and site-restoration plans; the
reconstitution of government operations and services;
individual, private sector, non-governmental and
public-assistance programs to provide housing and to promote
restoration; long-term care and treatment of affected persons;
additional measures for social, political, environmental, and
economic restoration; evaluation of the incident to identify
lessons learned; post-incident reporting; and development of
initiatives to mitigate the effects of future incidents.
Recovery Plan: A plan developed by a State,
local, or tribal jurisdiction with assistance from responding
Federal agencies to restore the affected area.
Resources: Personnel and major items of
equipment, supplies, and facilities available or potentially
available for assignment to incident operations and for which
status is maintained. Resources are described by kind and type
and may be used in operational support or supervisory capacities
at an incident or at an EOC.
Resource Management: Efficient incident
management requires a system for identifying available resources
at all jurisdictional levels to enable timely and unimpeded
access to resources needed to prepare for, respond to, or
recover from an incident. Resource management under the NIMS
includes mutual-aid agreements; the use of special Federal,
State, local, and tribal teams; and resource mobilization
protocols.
Resources Unit: Functional unit within the
Planning Section responsible for recording the status of
resources committed to the incident. This unit also evaluates
resources currently committed to the incident, the effects
additional responding resources will have on the incident, and
anticipated resource needs.
Response: Activities that address the
short-term, direct effects of an incident. Response includes
immediate actions to save lives, protect property, and meet
basic human needs. Response also includes the execution of
emergency operations plans and of mitigation activities designed
to limit the loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and
other unfavorable outcomes. As indicated by the situation,
response activities include applying intelligence and other
information to lessen the effects or consequences of an
incident; increased security operations; continuing
investigations into nature and source of the threat; ongoing
public health and agricultural surveillance and testing
processes; immunizations, isolation, or quarantine; and specific
law enforcement operations aimed at preempting, interdicting, or
disrupting illegal activity, and apprehending actual
perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
Safety Officer: A member of the Command
Staff responsible for monitoring and assessing safety hazards or
unsafe situations and for developing measures for ensuring
personnel safety.
Section: The organizational level having
responsibility for a major functional area of incident
management, e.g., Operations, Planning, Logistics,
Finance/Administration, and Intelligence (if established). The
section is organizationally situated between the branch and the
Incident Command.
Span of Control: The number of individuals a
supervisor is responsible for, usually expressed as the ratio of
supervisors to individuals. (Under the NIMS, an appropriate span
of control is between 1:3 and 1:7.)
Staging Area: Location established where
resources can be placed while awaiting a tactical assignment.
The Operations Section manages Staging Areas.
State: When capitalized, refers to any State
of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any possession
of the United States. See Section 2 (14), Homeland Security Act
of 2002, Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (2002).
Strategic: Strategic elements of incident
management are characterized by continuous long-term, high-level
planning by organizations headed by elected or other senior
officials. These elements involve the adoption of long-range
goals and objectives, the setting of priorities; the
establishment of budgets and other fiscal decisions, policy
development, and the application of measures of performance or
effectiveness.
Strike Team: A set number of resources of
the same kind and type that have an established minimum number
of personnel.
Strategy: The general direction selected to
accomplish incident objectives set by the IC.
Supporting Technologies: Any technology that
may be used to support the NIMS is included in this subsystem.
These technologies include ortho photo mapping, remote automatic
weather stations, infrared technology, and communications, among
various others.
Task Force: Any combination of resources
assembled to support a specific mission or operational need. All
resource elements within a Task Force must have common
communications and a designated leader.
Technical Assistance: Support provided to
State, local, and tribal jurisdictions when they have the
resources but lack the complete knowledge and skills needed to
perform a required activity (such as mobile-home park design and
hazardous material assessments).
Terrorism: Under the Homeland Security Act
of 2002, terrorism is defined as activity that involves an act
dangerous to human life or potentially destructive of critical
infrastructure or key resources and is a violation of the
criminal laws of the United States or of any State or other
subdivision of the United States in which it occurs and is
intended to intimidate or coerce the civilian population or
influence a government or affect the conduct of a government by
mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. See Section 2
(15), Homeland Security Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat.
213 5 (2002).
Threat: An indication of possible violence,
harm, or danger.
Tools: Those instruments and capabilities
that allow for the professional performance of tasks, such as
information systems, agreements, doctrine, capabilities, and
legislative authorities.
Tribal: Any Indian tribe, band, nation, or
other organized group or community, including any Alaskan Native
Village as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaskan
Native Claims Settlement Act (85 stat. 688) [43 U.S.C.A. and
1601 et seq.], that is recognized as eligible for the special
programs and services provided by the United States to Indians
because of their status as Indians.
Type: A classification of resources in the
ICS that refers to capability. Type 1 is generally considered to
be more capable than Types 2, 3, or 4, respectively, because of
size; power; capacity; or, in the case of incident management
teams, experience and qualifications.
Unified Area Command: A Unified Area
Command is established when incidents under an Area Command are
multi-jurisdictional. (See Area Command.)
Unified Command:
An application of ICS used when there is more than one
agency with incident jurisdiction or when incidents
cross-political jurisdictions. Agencies work together through
the designated members of the UC, often the senior person from
agencies and/or disciplines participating in the UC, to
establish a common set of objectives and strategies and a single
IAP.
Unit: The organizational element having
functional responsibility for a specific incident planning,
logistics, or finance/administration activity.
Unity of Command: The concept by which each
person within an organization reports to one and only one
designated person. The purpose of unity of command is to ensure
unity of effort under one responsible commander for every
objective.
Volunteer: For purposes of the NIMS, a
volunteer is any individual accepted to perform services by the
lead agency, which has authority to accept volunteer services,
when the individual performs services without promise,
expectation, or receipt of compensation for services performed.
See, e.g., 16 U.S.C. 742f(c) and 29 CFR 553.101
ACRONYMS
ALS
Advanced Life Support
DOC Department Operations Center
EMAC Emergency Management Assistance Compact
EOC Emergency Operations Center
EOP Emergency Operations Plan
FOG Field Operations Guide
GIS Geographic Information System
HAZMAT Hazardous Material
HSPD-5 Homeland Security Presidential
Directive-5
IAP Incident Action Plan
IC Incident Commander
ICP Incident Command Post
ICS Incident Command System
IC or UC Incident Command or Unified
Command
IMT Incident Management Team
JIS Joint Information System
JIC Joint Information Center
LNO Liaison Officer
NDMS National Disaster Medical System
NGO Nongovernmental Organization
NIMS National Incident Management System
NRP National Response Plan
POLREP Pollution Report
PIO Public Information Officer
PVO Private Voluntary Organizations
R&D Research and Development
RESTAT Resources Status
ROSS Resource Ordering and Status System
SDO Standards Development Organizations
SITREP Situation Report
SO Safety Officer
SOP Standard Operating Procedure
UC Unified Command
US&R Urban Search and Rescue
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