A chemical or biological attack on a major population center. Everybody hopes it won't happen. If it does, how will the media respond? Chances are, we will respond as we normally do--assignment editors will rush photographers and reporters to the scene. Because a great many editors, reporters and photographers have no idea as to the properties of chemical and biological agents, the assignment could be a death warrant. In Los Angeles (and perhaps many other major cities), little or no effort has been made to educate local media to the potential dangers, other than a general knowledge that it could be very bad. That's not enough.
Consider the following from "Chemical And Biological Terrorism: The Threat According To The Open Literature" by Ron Pulver:
"The final characteristic of chemical agents that should be noted here is that, in contrast to biological agents, their effects can be virtually instantaneous. In Mullen's words: "Death from organophosphate poisoning may be so rapid that the afflicted individual may be entirely unaware of what is happening" (1978: 71). According to another source, a one-milligram dose of a nerve agent "can usually kill within 15 minutes" (Joyner 1990: 137)."
The implications are obvious. By virtue of the fact that the properties of some biological and chemical agents are extraordiary--because we have no experience to draw upon in sizing up the threat--a great many journalists could be killed if they follow standard operating procedure in responding to a chemical or biological attack.
Information is available. Here is a link to research material
and links to purchase either a Chem-Bio handbook from "Janes" or the "First
Responder" handbook.
LINKS:
Information on Chem/Bio Terrorism
Chem-Bio Handbook from "Jane's"