6-19. NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, OR CHEMICAL AGENTS
a. Nuclear Agents. Radiological contamination in water is caused by fallout
from a nuclear weapon. The water itself does not become radioactive, however, the
minerals in water form radioactive isotopes when exposed to direct neutron activity from
a nuclear weapon. Since this radiation decays to about 1 percent of its original value in
about 14 days and because sea water or water with an extremely high mineral content
(brackish water) is not normally used as a source of drinking water, direct radiation is
and from the blow-in or wash-in of radioactive dust and surrounding soiI. If the fallout or
radioactive particles do not physically enter the water, the water does not become
contaminated. Therefore, water in canteens, water cans, trailers, or other sealed
containers wiII not be contaminated by fallout and wilI be safe for drinking. Likewise,
water from springs or deep wells would very Iikely be safe for drinking with normal
treatment processes.
b. Biological Agents. Biological agents include any of the microorganisms that
are pathogenic to man. Those that would be of major concern in the water supply
would be those that are frequently the cause of waterborne diseases, such as typhoid,
cholera, hepatitis, baciIlary dysentery and amebic dysentery. In many ways, biological
treatment processes. However, contamination from the tactical employment of
biological warfare agents could result in the presence of unusual microorganisms not
normally found in field water, and they could be present in abnormally high numbers.
c. Chemical Agents. Chemical agents include the nerve agent (G-series and
V-series), blister agents, vomiting agents, and choking agents. The nerve agents,
blister agents, and agents containing cyanide are dangerous because they are Iikely to
become poisonous. They are either slow to decompose in solution or remain poisonous
after decomposition. Some are soluble in water. Water supplies are Iikely to become
contaminated as an incidental result of widespread chemical attack rather than as a
result of direct attack on the water supply.
6-20. DETECTION OF NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, OR CHEMICAL AGENTS.
If a NBC agent, or any combination thereof is used, the water supply wiII
invariably be involved. It is impossible to foresee what type of agent wiII be used, but
effective security measures can decrease and counteract the hazards of all three types
of agents. Effective security involves prompt and accurate detection. If overt, NBC
warfare is initiated, the hazard of contamination wiII be obvious. In more subtle or
surprise employment of NBC agents, detection is more dependent upon the alertness of
all concerned.
a. Nuclerar Agents. In the event of the employment or accident of nuclear
weapons, water supplies must be continuously monitored for radioactivity. Qualitative
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