Realm Potential vulnerability Potential response Physiologic Increased respiratory exposure (higher minute ventilation, time spent “closer to the ground”) Early warning, sheltering a (gas masks for the general population are not advised at present due to risk of poor fit, suffocation) Protective clothing, earlier decontamination a Developmental Increased dermal exposure (thinner, more permeable skin; larger body surface area/mass ratio) Increased risk of dehydration, shock with toxin-induced vomiting, diarrhea (decreased fluid reserves, larger body surface area/mass ratio) Increased risk of hypothermia during decontamination (larger body surface area/mass ratio) More fulminant disease (possible), immunologic immaturity, more permeable blood–brain barrier Differing disease manifestations Relative antibiotic contraindications Less capacity to understand and follow complex instructions, escape attack site, take appropriate evasive actions Recognition, aggressive fluid therapy Warm water decontamination Pediatric-specific research for early diagnosis and treatment of biologic and chemical weapons victims a Education Research trials in children Increased public education, especially of parents, teachers, and caregivers