Common chemical agent threats.

Abstract

The events of September 11, 2001, highlight the fact that we live in precarious times. National and global awareness of the resolve and capabilities of terrorists has increased. The possibility that the civilian neurosurgeon may confront a scenario involving the use of chemical warfare agents has heightened. The information reported in this paper serves as a primer on the recognition, decontamination, and treatment of trauma patients exposed to chemical warfare agents.