The chemical agents that can be measured using the Rapid Toxic Screen include nerve agents; blistering agents; cyanide-based compounds; pesticides; metals; incapacitating agents; and other chemicals that cause significant disease or death. Results of these tests will tell us which chemical agents were used, who was and was not exposed to the chemicals, and how much of a particular chemical their bodies absorbed.
This information is indispensable to medical and public health personnel managing the care of people in the terrorists' path as well as those who may believe they were exposed to a deadly chemical agent. This information also may help security and law enforcement agencies track the production or use of chemical-terrorism agents.
