Chemical Element in CBRN in the Scenario of a Terrorist Attack and Prevention Strategies

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Introduction
Terrorists exploit various tools of warfare to cause havoc in populations. The use of such weapons dates back to several centuries, with lethality increasing as civilizations become more advanced, including bio-toxins, lethal weapons, explosives, pollution, and life-threatening poisons. During periods of antiquity, medieval era, and exploration era, chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) weapons were adopted and utilized (Calamai et al., 2019). People used them for different purposes, such as bioterrorism, warfare, ethnic strife, and political assassination. Furthermore, CBRN events have integrated inadvertent attacks during peaceful activities. As a result, governments understand the value of investing in sophisticated concepts to respond to CBRN incidents to temper the adverse consequences (Hummel, 2014). The chemical element in the CBRN category is a significant issue of concern in the contemporary era, including in a lethal gas such as Sarin. According to the CDC (2021), a chemical agent is a material designed for application in biological, terrorist, and military operations to kill, critically wound, or injure individuals due to fatal physical effects. They encompass pulmonary agents, nerve agents, blister agents, caustics, incapacitating, and blood agents. Thus, this paper explores the Chemical element in CBRN in the scenario of a terrorist attack and the prevention strategies adopted during such situations.CBRN Agent Background: SarinThe nerve agent described is the most fatality-causing of the existing chemical forms. As a result, experts rank it among the top of the dangerous chemical threats. Sarin compromises the neurological system by preventing muscle tissue relaxation by disrupting neurotransmitters’ division, indicating muscular contraction (Fyanka, 2020). Moreover, it disrupts the central nervous system of the human body, interrupting seamless signaling throughout the body. Within a short duration of exposure, its symptoms are apparent in a victim. However, if administered through liquid form, it commences its lethal action within 18 hours of exposure. Sarin is the chemical agent chosen for the terrorist attack situation. Abou-Donia et al. (2016) state that it traces its roots to Germany, where corporations applied it as a pesticide in 1939. This lethal nerve toxin has a colorless appearance, is odorless, and described as a tasteless liquid. It evaporates and transforms into vapor, which may quickly spread through the air, hence being an airborne agent. This material is artificial, meaning that experts artificially designed it to induce lethal effects. As a result, ill-minded individuals can weaponize it and cause widespread damages.Researchers and historians believe that the first use of Sarin in battles occurred in the early 1940s. For instance, its first well-reported and analyzed application occurred in 1988. The Iraqi air force struck Halabja, Iraq, triggering the demise of 4,000 residents and leaving the survivors grappling with cases of blindness, cancerous conditions, and respiratory ailments due to exposure to chemicals such as Sarin and VX (Chai et al., 2018). Moreover, ...