What is the most likely cause of disorientation, dizziness, and nausea reported by over a hundred attendees at a convention?

Chemical agents are frequently associated with symptoms such as disorientation, dizziness, and nausea, particularly in the context of mass exposure scenarios. These symptoms can occur due to the acute effects of toxic substances that may interfere with the nervous system or affect bodily functions. For instance, certain gases, vapors, or chemical spills can lead to immediate and overwhelming physiological responses in individuals exposed to them.

In a convention setting where a large number of people are gathered in close quarters, the release of a chemical agent could easily lead to widespread symptoms as described. The rapid onset of disorientation and other effects among a substantial group strongly suggests exposure to a toxic chemical rather than a more gradual-acting biological agent or radiation.

Biological agents typically result in delayed symptoms as they require incubation time, making them less likely to cause immediate widespread disorientation and nausea among attendees. Radiation agents often present different symptom profiles, such as acute radiation syndrome, which doesn't align as closely with the symptoms described in the scenario.

Understanding the context of the emergency is crucial for proper identification and intervention, making chemical agents the most plausible cause in this situation.