issue. Class I Supplies and water sources suspected of NBC contamination will demand special
attention.
There will be an increase in requirements for replacement of supplies of any class that have been
contaminated beyond the limits of reclamation. There will also be an increase in replacement
requirements because of the delay caused by decon. There will be an increased need for decon
equipment and supplies, individual protective clothing, and other individual and unit protective
equipment.
8.
Effects of Contamination.
a. Effects of Nuclear Weapons.
The effects of any nuclear weapon may be divided into two major categories: Initial and residual.
Initial effects are those which occur within 1 minute after detonation. The principal initial effects of
nuclear weapons are thermal radiation or heat, nuclear radiation, and blast. Other initial effects are
electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and transient radiation effects on electronics (TREE) which can damage a
variety of electronic equipment such as radios and computer systems.
Residual effects occur or continue after the first minute following detonation. Residual effects are
fallout and induced radiation. They can last for a long time and cause death. Under certain
circumstances, residual effects can have serious impact on success or failure in the immediate battle
area.
b. Effects of Chemical Agent Contamination.
Chemical agent contamination can produce a variety of effects from slight incapacitation to death.
These agents can be classified as persistent or non-persistent, according to their duration of effectiveness
after release. They can also be type classified as either nerve, blister, choking, or blood agents,
according to their physiological action on the body. Some nerve agents are persistent while others are
non-persistent. Blister agents are usually persistent. The choking and blood agents are non-persistent.
These characteristics determine the level of decontamination that will be required.
c. Effects of Biological Agent Contamination.
Biological weapons are used in military operations to cause disease among personnel, animals, and
plants. Although these agents act on different targets and produce varying effects, the ultimate aim of
biological agents is to reduce fighting ability.
1-9
CM 2506
Previous Page
