A-7. Radiological Patients in Stability Operations and Support Operations
In stability operations and support operations, high levels of environmental contamination and the use of RDD can cause radiological injury to personnel at levels below that necessary to produce performance decrement and traditional casualty status. Treatment and evacuation guidelines will be in accordance with command guidance. Individual physical dosimetry is the most expedient measurement technique for this exposure (see [Table A-10]). These radiation injuries and effects may also be seen in war; especially, from hostile forces employment of RDDs.
Table A-10. Stability Operations and Support Operations: Radiation Injuries and Effects of Radiation Exposure of Personnel
| RADIATION EXPOSURE STATUS | TOTAL CUMULATIVE DOSE | STOCHASTIC RISK LONG-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS | MEDICAL NOTE | MEDICAL ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | <0.05 cGy | NORMAL RISK. | US BASELINE 20% LIFETIME RISK OF FATAL CANCER. | RECORD IN EXPOSURE RECORD— IF NORMALLY MONITORED PERSONNEL. |
| 1A | 0.05 TO 0.5 cGy | UP TO 0.04% INCREASED RISK LIFETIME FATAL CANCER. | NONE (0.001 Sv US ANNUAL GENERAL POPULATION EXPOSURE LIMIT.) | RECORD AS HISTORY IN MEDICAL RECORD—TACTICAL OPERATION EXPOSURE. |
| 1B | 0.5 TO 5 cGy | US RADIATION OCCUPATIONAL RISK. 0.04%-0.4% INCREASED RISK LIFETIME CANCER. | REASSURANCE (0.05 Sv US ANNUAL OCCUPATIONAL LIMIT.) | RECORD IN MEDICAL RECORD—TACTICAL OPERATION EXPOSURE. |
| 1C | 5 TO 10 cGy | 0.4%-0.8% INCREASED RISK LIFETIME FATAL CANCER. | COUNSEL REGARDING INCREASED LONG-TERM RISK. NO LIVE VIRUS VACCINES X 3 MONTHS. | RECORD IN MEDICAL RECORD—TACTICAL OPERATION EXPOSURE. |
| 1D | 10 TO 25 cGy | 0.8%-2% INCREASED RISK LIFETIME FATAL CANCER. | POTENTIAL FOR INCREASED MORBIDITY OF OTHER INJURIES OR INCIDENTAL DISEASE. <2% INCREASED LIFETIME RISK OF FATAL CANCER. | RECORD IN MEDICAL RECORD—TACTICAL OPERATION EXPOSURE. CONSIDER ROUTINE EVACUATION FROM THEATER IAW COMMANDER'S OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE. |
| 1E | 25 TO 75 cGy | 2%-5.6% INCREASED RISK LIFETIME FATAL CANCER. | INCREASED MORBIDITY OF OTHER INJURIES OR INCIDENTAL DISEASE. <6% INCREASED LIFETIME RISK OF FATAL CANCER. | RECORD IN MEDICAL RECORD—TACTICAL OPERATIONAL EXPOSURE. CONSIDER EXPEDITED EVACUATION FROM THEATER IAW COMMANDER'S OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE. |
A-8. Effects of Biological Weapons
Biological warfare is the intentional use, by an enemy, of live agents or toxins to cause death and disease among personnel, animals, and plants, or to deteriorate materiel.
a. Live Agents.
(1) Live agents are living organisms like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. They can be delivered directly (artillery or aircraft spray), or through a vector such as a flea or tick. Advances in modern weaponizing of biological agents have become easier.
(2) For some agents, only a few organisms are needed to cause infection. Live agents are small and light; they can be spread great distances by the wind and contaminate unfiltered or nonairtight places.