What Employers Should Know About Biological and Chemical Terrorism

Public concern about the use of biological and chemical agents by terrorists has greatly increased in Cortland County and around the nation since September 11, 2001. While current events show that the intentional use of biological and chemical weapons is possible, it is not likely in Cortland County. These agents are difficult to make and to disperse effectively.

Public Health, medical and emergency personnel are trained to be alert, prepared and able to respond to the threat of biological and chemical attacks. Public Health emergency preparedness is in place and being strengthened to assure our ability to deal with emerging infectious disease as well as chemical attacks.

What is biological and chemical terrorism?

The intentional use of biological and chemical agents to cause disease or death in man, animals, or plants.

How great is the threat?

• Biological and chemical terrorism is possible however it is considered unlikely in this area.
• These agents are difficult to make and disperse effectively.
• A few agents that are thought possible to be used as weapons are smallpox, anthrax, plague, botulism, nerve or skin blistering agents.
• Community planning and preparedness is ongoing and can greatly reduce the threat of biological and chemical terrorism.

What can I do to protect my employees?

• Develop or update your workplace emergency plan.
• Practice evacuation drills.
• Notify the Cortland County Health Department of any unusual absentee or illness patterns.
• Use reliable sources to confirm information on biological or chemical threats.

What should I tell my employees to do?

• Report any unusual or sudden illness to their physician immediately.
• Remain calm and follow the workplace emergency plan.
• Stay alert and observe their surroundings for unusual events.

How should we handle mail?

• Use common sense and care when inspecting and opening mail and packages.
• Use a letter opener.
• Suspect unusual looking mail, e.g. no return address, no cancelled postage, bulky, strange odor, discolored, or a threatening message on the outside.
• If suspect, do not shake, do not open. Leave it, evacuate the room and notify the police.

See Recommended Mail Handling Protocols for Businesses

Where can I obtain reliable information?

Cortland County Health Department Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Phone 753-5036 New York State Health Department Centers for Disease Control and Prevention U.S. Department of Health and Human Services