Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

Choking agents are primarily characterized by their ability to target and damage the respiratory system, specifically the lung tissue. These substances are designed to cause a range of respiratory distress and damage, which can lead to symptoms such as coughing, choking, and difficulty breathing. They interfere with a person's ability to get oxygen, making them particularly dangerous in situations where exposure occurs. Understanding this characteristic is crucial in emergency response situations, as it helps responders identify the type of chemical exposure and the best course of action for decontamination and treatment. The emphasis on lung tissue highlight the severity of choking agents – as they compromise the respiratory function, the health risks can escalate rapidly in exposure scenarios.