Ready.gov – Glossary Anthrax: A non-contagious potentially fatal disease caused by breathing, eating or absorbing through cuts in the skin bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. Biological Attack: The deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick. Chemical Attack: The deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can poison people and the environment. "Dirty Bomb": The use of common explosives to spread radioactive materials over a targeted area. ...

USFA Hazardous Materials Guide for First Responders Glossary Terms and Abbreviations Acid A chemical which neutralizes alkalis forming salts. Acids have low pH's. Acute Having a rapid onset and progression. Aerosol Particles dispersed in a gas (usually air). Examples are fog (liquid particles) and smoke (solid particles). Alkali A chemical which neutralizes acids forming salts. Alkalis have high pH's. Alkalis are corrosive. Anhydrous Containing no water. asym An abbreviat ...