What to do in case of chemical anxiety

Military operations increase the risk of civilian exposure to toxic chemicals. This is not only the case with chemical weapons, which remain a real threat despite international conventions prohibiting their use. But even an ordinary drone or missile strike on infrastructure can cause a so-called chemical accident - leaks or releases of hazardous substances from damaged pipelines, storage facilities, tanks, etc. at chemical or energy enterprises. In such cases, knowing clear algorithms of action can save lives and health.

Types of toxic substances

Poisonous substances can be in the form of gas, liquid or bulk solids. Accordingly, the ways in which the body is affected vary: through inhalation, contact with mucous membranes, and skin contact. Some chemical compounds can accumulate in the soil, making it dangerous to stay in a certain area.

Functionally, toxic substances are divided into groups whose names speak for themselves:

skin and abscessing (e.g. mustard gas);
nerve agents (e.g., sarin);
suffocating (e.g., chlorine, phosgene);
Generally poisonous (e.g., chlorine);
incapacitants - substances that impair legal capacity, although generally nonlethal (for example, the so-called "bird cherry").

Chemical hazard warning

The sound of a chemical hazard siren is slightly different from a traditional air raid warning. A chemical alarm is announced by alternating long and short siren sounds.

At the same time, the message about the chemical hazard is transmitted by other means: through loudspeakers, radio, television, messengers, SMS. Such messages usually contain the following details

toxic substances that are threatening
the affected area;
Factors and duration of the damage;
recommendations on how to protect yourself from exposure;
recommendations on how to provide first aid in case of exposure;
instructions for evacuation from the affected area;
emergency numbers to call for help.

The presence of toxic substances can also be indicated by a pungent chemical odor, steam or smoke (greenish, yellowish, white), atypical color of water bodies, massive rapid death of small animals.

Actions to take during a chemical alarm

If you are indoors

In most cases, you should go to the highest floors of the building: many toxic substances are heavier than air, so they are concentrated near the ground.

If possible, warn neighbors and lonely people living nearby.
In most cases, you should move to the highest floors of the building:
Close all windows and doors tightly.
Close vents, chimneys, etc. If possible, cover all openings with a thick cloth or wet blanket to be sure.
If possible, seal the gaps in the joints of the frames with a wet cloth, film, tape, plaster, or electrical tape.
Turn off air conditioners, ventilation, hoods, and heating appliances. Turn off the gas supply.
Use respiratory protection equipment (gas masks, masks). If not available, breathe through wet gauze or cloth bandages. If available, moisten them in a two to five percent solution of baking soda (in case of chlorine exposure), acetic or citric acid (in case of ammonia exposure).
Follow the news about the emergency through any information channel. Only leave the shelter when you hear an official announcement that the danger has passed.

Ideally, a so-called "safety room" should be created in advance in the house (apartment, office) in case of a chemical alarm - the room farthest from the street. In this room, keep supplies of drinking water, food, medicines for at least two days (in sealed containers), hygiene products, a change of clothes (hermetically wrapped in plastic), and respiratory protection.

If you are outside

Leave the affected area immediately. Watch the wind direction, move against it or at a 90° angle to it.
Move quickly, but do not run, maintain steady breathing, and avoid taking deep breaths.
If possible, protect your respiratory system, at least with a bandage made of moistened cloth. If available, wear protective goggles.
Cover your body with clothing that leaves as little skin exposed as possible.
Do not touch any objects.
Avoid puddles.
If it is not possible to leave the danger zone, go to the nearest room and follow the rules for waiting for the alarm inside the building. Ideal shelters are regular bomb shelters and subway stations.
Another option is to lock yourself in a car, rolling up the windows, turning off the engine, air conditioning, and ventilation.
In many cases, the poisonous substance is heavier than air, so you can escape by climbing a hill, climbing a tree, a lantern, etc.
Follow the news about the emergency through any information channel. Only leave the shelter when you hear an official announcement that the danger has passed.

If you have come into contact with a toxic substance

Remove your outer layer of clothingas soon as possible. Do not take off your clothes over your head, but rather cut them open.
If possible, put the removed clothes in several airtight bags and seal them with adhesive tape.
If possible, take a shower or at least wash exposed skin with plenty of soap and water.
If your eyes are affected by a toxic substance, flush them for 10-15 minutes. Do not use soap.
Drink plenty of fluids (water, tea, milk, juice).
Avoid physical activity.
Do not touch other people: chemical poisoning is not contagious, but residues of toxic substances on your body and clothing can harm those around you.
Consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Useful contacts

-State Emergency Service (fire, emergency situations) - 101

- Police - 102

- Ambulance - 103

- Unified number of emergency services (from mobile) - 112

Віктор Турецький

What to do in case of chemical anxiety

<span><span><b><span>Types of toxic substances</span></b></span></span>

<span><span><b><span>Chemical hazard warning</span></b></span></span>

<span><span><b><span>Actions to take during a chemical alarm</span></b></span></span>

<span><span><b><span>If you have come into contact with a toxic substance</span></b></span></span>

<span><span><b><span>Useful contacts</span></b></span></span>

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