Are antidotes available for chemical and biological attacks?
Drugs are available to counter the effects of many agents, but citizens would need to gather the necessary equipment or medications beforehand. Available antidotes include atropine for nerve agent exposure, potassium iodide (KI) where radioactive iodine is present and various antibiotics for anthrax exposure. It is important to understand that these medications can do more harm than good if not taken properly, and self dosing is not recommended. In the event of a biological attack, individuals should have time to seek medical care. Chemical agents often work much faster. If you see signs of a chemical attack, quickly try to define the impacted area or where the chemical is coming from, if possible. If you are outdoors, you need to consider whether you can get out of the area or if it would be better to go inside a building and shelter in place. If you are inside a building in which you suspect a chemical release, you will need to either get out of the building without passing through t
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