This handbook is intended to aid first responders dealing with industrial waste materials and military chemical and biological agents and toxin agents, as well as nontraditional agents and industrial materials which could be used as agents. This second edition adds new classes of agents and expanded information on existing classes, with more information on health effects and on the chemical, physical, and biological properties of these materials. As in the first edition, all materials listed have been used on the battlefield, stockpiled as weapons, received significant interest by research programs, used by terrorists, or have been assessed by law enforcement and response organizations as agents of significant concern. Information is given on toxicology, characteristics, protection, medical management, and disease symptoms, as well as CDC case definitions, and CAS and other reference numbers. Chapters are in sections on nerve agents, vesicant/urticant agents, toxic agents, incapacitation and riot control agents, and biological agents. Ellison is a technological disaster consultant. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)