Shopping For Protection

Given the array of biological and chemical weapons terrorists might conceivably wield against us, it's no surprise that Americans have been stocking up on emergency equipment and medicine they would never have thought about a month ago. Although federal officials do not advise civilians to make such purchases, Army-Navy stores are selling out their stock of gas masks; doctors are besieged with requests for antibiotics; and people are scouring the Web for places to buy water filters and protective garb. What follows is an abbreviated guide to what's available, how well it works and what some of the drawbacks might be.

GAS MASKS

PURPOSE: Protect against inhalation of biological agents and some chemicals, including sarin, mustard gas and lewisite.

DO THEY WORK? A good model like the Advantage 1000 CBA-RCA does, but you have to be wearing it when the gas hits. To do that, you have to know when to put it on, and unfortunately some biological and chemical weapons have no odor (see air sniffer). Surplus Israeli army models can't be trusted to be in good condition. Fiber masks designed for medical workers keep out some germs but not chemical or biological weapons.

AVAILABILITY: Online and in Army-surplus stores, if you can find them. The Advantage runs about $160. Israeli masks can go for as little as $19.99. Face masks cost about $1 at medical-supply houses, but even at that bargain price, there's no point in buying them.

ANTIBIOTICS

PURPOSE: To kill bacteria that may be used in bioterrorism, such as anthrax and plague.

DO THEY WORK? Cipro is the only drug approved for biological attacks--specifically for inhaled anthrax--although it's never been directly tested in humans. Doxycycline and penicillin may help as well, if given over a long term. Streptomycin or gentamicin are preferred for plague, but tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones also do the trick. For tularemia, doxycycline and ciprofloxacin are the antibiotics of choice. Prompt treatment is essential.

AVAILABILITY: By prescription, although doctors should not prescribe until they know you've been infected. Cost for all is reasonably low.

ANTIDOTES

PURPOSE: To counter poisons like botulism toxin and nerve gases like sarin, tabun and VX.

DO THEY WORK? Atropine effects of nerve gases. Full recovery is possible if treatment is immediate. But atropine can cause serious side effects if you have not been exposed to a nerve agent. Botulism antitoxin halts, but does not reverse, the paralytic effects.

AVAILABILITY: Hospitals and ambulances have atropine; the Centers for Disease Control stocks botulism antitoxin. Ordinary folks can't buy either.

WATER FILTERS

PURPOSE: Attach to the tap to remove toxins from drinking water.

DO THEY WORK? PUR filters trap small amounts of asbestos, atrazine, benzene, MTBE, lead and other chemicals. Not good against bacteria or viruses.

AVAILABILITY: Easy to find for about $50.

HAZ-MAT SUITS

PURPOSE: To protect the entire body against biological or chemical agents.

DO THEY WORK? Level B suits keep out low concentrations of germs and gases. Level A suits work under much more toxic conditions.