Emergency Response Handbook for Chemical and Biological Agents and Weapons, 2nd Edition, by John R. Cashman
(CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group, 2008, 493 pp., ISBN 978-1-4200- 5265-7) (Hardcover) The Emergency Response Handbook for Chemical and Biological Agents and Weapons, 2nd Edition, by John R. Cashman is a massive work that begins with an introduction, which includes a fascinating, quite detailed account of the 9/11 attacks, followed by 31 chapters, a 44-page glossary, 21 appendices, bibliography, and index. The first two chapters describe, in detail, the January 6, 2005 chlorine tank car derailment in Graniteville, SC and the April 20, 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO, respectively. Chapter 3 provides an in-depth guide to chemical and biological agent response, while Chapter 4 gives an introduction to biological agents and toxins and later Chapter 18 gives an introduction to chemical agents and weapons. The remaining 26 chapters present succinct guides and data for emergency response (ER) to a wide variety of specific biological agents and weapons including anthrax, botulism, plague, ricin, smallpox, tularemia, and others; and specific chemical agents and weapons such as arsine, cyanogen chloride, phosgene, hydrogen cyanide, sarin, VX, among others. The appendices address additional information on VX, smallpox, anthrax and other agents. In addition, MSDS data for sarin, sulfur mustards, soman, tabun, and DS2 (decontaminating agent) are part of the appendices along with a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) medical-supply list and NATO NBC medical information. The 26 chapters of ER guides are arranged with some similarly for ease of use. A synopsis of the biological or chemical agent/weapon is described, sometimes with a history of its development/ use. As appropriate, separate sub-headings are used to identify important aspects of the agents/weapons, like impact on duration of illness, “detection in the field,” “signs and symptoms,” “persistency,” “personal protection,” “routes of entry to the body,” “vaccines,” “decontamination,” cautionary notes, physical/chemical characteristics, and other features. Even though every ER event is unique, general similarities emerge after carefully evaluating past situations. The real-world experience relayed in portions of Emergency Response Handbook for Chemical and Biological Agents and Weapons aids in this evaluation. Reading firsthand reflections from first responders, victims, and even perpetrators helps to provide critical insights for ER planning and mitigating impacts of incidents. The Emergency Response Handbook for Chemical and Biological Agents and Weapons is a book I recommend for reference and field use by those involved with chemical/biological event planning and mitigation. The book is a terrific addition to the emergency responder’s knowledge toolbox. Course instructors will also find the Emergency Response Handbook for Chemical and Biological Agents and Weapons valuable as a primary or secondary text. I expect that much student discussion and deliberation will be generated from the personal  accounts and critical data found in this book. Anthony J. (Tony) Sadar is a Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) and member of the North Hills (Pittsburgh) Response Team. Tony also teaches statistics and environmental science at Geneva College (Beaver Falls, PA) and earth science courses at Penn State’s Beaver campus (Monaca, PA). Tony can be contacted at ajsadar@geneva.edu.