Module 12: Chemical Defense Demonstration Project Discussion
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) & Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs)
In recent years, there has been growing concern that many of the most likely threats of chemical terrorism involve so-called “agents of opportunity.” Both common and unusual industrial agents may pose a considerable threat as potential terrorist weapons. While an understanding of the traditional military chemical weapons (e.g. nerve agents) remains essential, an appreciation of the myriad of other potential toxic chemicals readily available in our society is crucial if we are to optimally prepare, identify and defend against chemical threats. Many toxic industrial chemicals are easily obtainable from multiple sources in our communities and pose a serious threat to health if accidentally released or intentionally disseminated.
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism Complete Course Description
Course Target Audience
The information presented will be of interest to state and local first responders, EMTs, paramedics, emergency physicians, emergency response coordinators, public health officials, industrial hygienists and others involved with chemical terrorism preparedness and response.
Module 12: Chemical Defense Demonstration Project Discussion
During this webinar, Lawrence Livermore National Labs (LLNL) will discuss the proposed National Level Chemical Response Risk Assessment Framework and solicit feedback and insights on changes and improvements. In addition, the American College of Medical Toxicology will review selected objectives of the Chemical Agents of Opportunity series, integrating relevant examples into a discussion about how this knowledge can be applied in the field.
Presenters / Facilitators
Charles A. McKay, MD, FACMTAfter graduating from both Dartmouth College and Medical School, Dr. McKay completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Rhode Island Hospital. He completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Denver General Hospital, and completed practice pathway preceptorships in Medical Toxicology at the Rocky Mountain and New York Poison Control Centers.
Dr. McKay is a medical toxicologist at Hartford Hospital and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, where he is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine. He is a diplomat of the ABMT and the ABMS Toxicology Subboard. He is the Associate Medical Director of the Connecticut Poison Control Center and the Director of the Toxicology Fellowship at UConn. Dr. McKay also directs a toxicology consult service at Hartford Hospital and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC). As Medical Director of Occupational Health Services for Hartford Hospital and CCMC, he also evaluates questions of workplace safety and toxic exposure for 9,000 employees.
He has served on the ACMT Board of Directors since 2007 and is the Past Chair of the ACMT Practice Committee. Dr. McKay is active in biopreparedness efforts at the local and state level and has helped lead ACMT’s participation in the Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Terrorism Risk Assessment (CTRA) process. Dr. McKay is also the National Coordinator of the ACMT-ATSDR Regional Consultation Network.
Dr. McKay seeks “to develop sustainable practice opportunities for medical toxicologists.” His interests lie in clinical patient care, occupational and environmental toxicology, biopreparedness, and training of residents and fellows. He also enjoys scuba diving and distance running.
Lewis Nelson, MD, FACMTNew York, NY
Dr. Lewis Nelson is currently a Professor of Emergency Medicine at New York University School of Medicine, and is an attending physician at both NYU Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital. He is the Director of the Fellowship in Medical Toxicology at New York University School of Medicine and the New York City Poison Control Center. He is a former President of the American College of Medical Toxicology and has served in various consultative roles with FDA, CDC, and DHS. He is an editor of Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies, now in its 10th Edition, a major textbook in the field of medical toxicology. He has published over 130 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and presents frequently at national and international meetings. The focus of his publications and presentations are medication-related adverse effects, chemical terrorism, and toxicity of abused drugs.
Mark Kirk, MD, FACMTDepartment of Homeland Security, Office of Health Affairs
Wilthea J. Hibbard, MS, PhDLivermore, CA
