Overcoming the Fear Factor
Many people worry about biological and chemical agents being used as weapons of mass terror – and fear of the unknown makes the threat even more sinister. The threat alone can poison the mind with anxiety.
That is why the Pittsburgh Poison Center wants people to realize that we know a great deal about the biological and chemical agents that present a potential threat. Our experts also know a lot about how these agents may be dispersed – which is not so easy to do – and, perhaps most importantly, how to respond to possible incidents.
Preparedness is key, and our nation’s HazMat response teams, health care systems, and poison control centers are better prepared than most people would suppose. Additionally, federal agencies are collaborating with local, regional, and state governments to refine preparedness and response plans.
To learn more about biological and chemical poisons, call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.