NCJ Number
194379
Journal
The Beacon Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: October 2000 Pages: 1-5
Date Published
October 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This newsletter describes requirements for accidental release prevention and risk management from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a course on terrorism awareness for emergency first responders, and the Food and Drug Administration’s approval for the use of cipro (ciprofloxacin) in treating inhalational anthrax.
Abstract
The EPA published a rule that provides for access to information concerning the potential off-site consequences of hypothetical accidental chemical releases from industrial facilities. Facilities handling large quantities of extremely hazardous chemicals are required to include that information in a risk management plan submitted to the EPA. This rule provides members of the public and government officials with access to that information in ways designed to minimize the likelihood of accidental releases, the risk to national security associated with posting the information on the Internet, and the likelihood of harm to public health and welfare. Terrorism Awareness for Emergency First Responders, an Internet-based course, is designed to familiarize participants with terrorism and essential knowledge that responders need when challenged with a potential terrorism incident involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The course contains modules on terrorism, WMD, and Incident Command and Control. Cipro was approved to reduce the incidence or progression of inhalational anthrax following exposure to aerosolized Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax. The FDA approved this new use under its accelerated approval regulations. This was the first antimicrobial drug application submitted to the FDA for an indication that would result from the intentional use of a biological agent. Cipro was not approved for any indication in the pediatric population. The most common adverse drug reactions observed with the use of Cipro include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, headache, and restlessness.