Griffin Davis

Chemical Detection Equipment

for Emergency Response
Chemical detection equipment
(CDE) is an essential component of
hazardous material (HAZMAT)
emergency response. This equip-
ment should detect the harmful
agent, correctly identify it, and de-
fine the area of exposure. Rapid
detection is essential so that res-
ponders and military targets can
recognise a threat and don protec-
tive gear (ideally in <9 s). It is also
important to know the extent of
contamination. During several doc-
umented chemical attacks, first
responder casualties have been
vast enough to delay the rescue.
For instance, during the Tokyo sub-
way Sarin attack in 1995, 9% of
emergency medical services (EMS)
providers suffered the effects of
acute exposure. Effective CDE may
help prevent these occurrences.

Several different technologies are used

today to detect chemical agents (CAs). CAs are
defined as chemicals intended to kill or serious-
ly injure human beings. CDE usually detects the
most common CAs: nerve agents, blister
agents, and arsenical vesicants. A large variety
of equipment is available that is capable of The Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) M256A1 standard, which is sensitive to lower
identifying liquid droplets of CAs on surfaces in use by a first response team. concentrations of nerve agents. It was used
and in vapours. Laboratory-based equipment (Photo: BAE Systems) extensively during the Gulf War but also is
can detect agents in water, food, and human available commercially as another common
samples. The main challenges with these tech- component of CDE provided to civilian res-
nologies are ensuring an appropriate sample readings. False readings are especially undesir- ponse teams. This portable kit detects nerve
for analysis and filtering out non-hazardous able in civilian situations because they may gas. mustard gas, and cyanide and usually is
environmental chemicals that may be present. lead to mass panic. Therefore, chemical detec- used to define areas of contamination. The
This article focuses on the technologies and tion paper should always be used together with M256A1 contains a package of M8 paper, de-
devices that may be used by first responder another modality for accuracy of detection. tailed instructions, and a vapour sampler
teams in the field. Laboratory detection tech- M8 and M9 CA detection papers, commonly (twelve enzymatic tickets that contain labora-
niques are beyond the scope of this discussion. used by the US military, are available commer- tory filter paper for detecting CA vapours). The
cially to HAZMAT response teams. M8 paper is vapour sampler employs wet chemistry tech-
packaged in 25 perforated sheets, 2.5" x 4", nology, in which ampoules containing different
Chemical Paper and is blotted on liquids that arouse suspicion. substrates are crushed so that the liquids
Chemical detection paper is a very sensitive It identifies CAs by changing colours within 30 interact with sthps of filter paper, chromato-
technique for detecting CAs. It is one of the seconds of exposure; dark green for persistent graphic media, and glass fibre filter. These
least sophisticated and thus least expensive nerve agents, yellow for non-persistent nerve substrates are then exposed to the vapour
methods of detection. It is used to detect liq- agents, and red for blister agents. M9 paper under suspicion. The reaction causes a colour
uids and aerosols and is a common means for has adhesive backing that allows it to be change, alerting the user to the presence of a
defining a contaminated area. attached to clothing and equipment. It detects CA. Ttie reactions typically taks 15 minutes to
the same agents as M8 paper but does not occur.
Chemical detection paper is composed of
two dyes soluble in CAs and a pH indicator change colour to enable identification. M9 The M256A1 can detect nerve gas concen-
integrated into cellulose fibres. When exposed paper tends to react faster than M8 paper and trations of 0.005 mg/m\ hydrogen cyanide
to CAs, it can change colour according to the can be attached to vehicles that are entering concentrations of 11mg/m^ and mustard gas
type of agent. If an aerosolised droplet encoun- areas filled with vapour to determine contami- concentrations of 0.02 mg/m\ This is one of the
ters the paper, the diameter and density of the nation. Vehicles thus equipped are limited to a military's most sensitive devices for detecting
spot can be used to determine the droplet size speed of 30 kmAi, CAs and detects all agents at levels below
of the agent and the degree of contamination. those that can kill or injure people. It is prone to
Chemical detection paper lacks specificity false-positive results, similar to other enzymat-
and is prone to en-or because it reacts with M256A1 CE Detection Kit ic detection techniques, but has not been dem-
contaminants such as brake fluid, antifreeze, The M256 CA detector kit originally was re- onstrated to produce false-negative results in
and insect repellent, resulting in false-positive leased in 1978 and was modified in 1987 to the real situations.

54 Mililarv Technology • MILTECH • 1V2006

Colorimetric This lightweight chemical agent detector is in
Gases In developnnent with support of the US Navy's
Tubes SMO & SANX/ Visual Office of Naval Research. The device is
Colorimetric tubes such Supporting designed with an array of multiple miniature
Array Display Circuity sensors, and offers sensitivity in the parts per
as those available from
Draeger and RAE Systems billions for chemical warfare threats including
use enzymatic techniques nerve agents such as VX, Soman and Sarin
to identify CAs. A hand as well as blister agents such as mustard
pump is used to draw a Piezoelectric gas. Sensor Research and Development
sample into a specific Corporation created the detector using
Alarm a hybrid of sensor technologies. The
tube, and the concentra-
tion of the substance is combination of new approaches to both
read from the tube. Ttiis is
Vibrating semi-conducting metat oxide (SMO) and
another simple and inex- Alarm polymer-coated surface acoustic wave
pensive way of detecting devices (PSAWs) is what allows the detector
and identifying a CA. It is Battery Pack to have the capability of differentiating the
used extensively in civilian warfare agent threat from the background
response units for this rea- environment, reducing false alarms.
son, but it has some dis- Merging the SMO and PSAW technologies
advantages. Available are
RS-232 resulted in a chemical sensor that is reusable,
Micro-Fan Connector
160 substance-specific with high sensitivity, fast reaction time and a
reagent tubes identifying low false alarm rate.
different agents. For each Gases Out (Photo: Office of Naval Research)
agent, a ditferent tube
must be used. Efficient
use of this system demands knowledge of
which CA is likely to be present in a given envi- each capable of detecting an agent. As long as surfaces, and people for contamination. This
ronment. If a tube for vesicants is used to sam- the proper chip is inserted, ten agents can be technology involves drawing a gaseous sample
ple the air and the CA is a nerve agent, the tube detected and measured accurately within 20 into a reaction chamber using an air pump. The
reports a false-negative result. A tube for each seconds using this device. The company offers air molecules then are ionized, most common-
possible CA must be used for thorough detec- this device as part of an emergency response ly using radioactive beta emitters such as nick-
tion. kit available to the public.
Dr Griffin Davis. MD, MPH, Consulting Staff. Depart-
Draeger has made this process simpler by
offering a chip measurement system analyser
Ion Mobility Spectroscopy ment of Emergency Medicine. Washington Hospital
Centre is a member of the American College of Emer-
(CMS). The analyser integrates an optical Ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS) is used in gency Physicians and the Soaety for Academic Emer-
system for analysing the colour reaction, a flovi/ many handheld and stand-alone detection gency Medicine. Used with permission from
controller, a pump system, and ten capillaries. devices that can be used to scan equipment. eMedicine.com. Inc.. 2006.

Chemical Agent Physical Properties Physiological Effects Retatrve Rate of Action

Agent Name Type

Chlorine Choking Pungent odor. greenish-yeHov;/ Corrosive to eyes, skin and respiratory Immediate irritation in
heavier than air gas. tract. Buming sensation followed high concentrations.
by coughing, headache, Symptoms of lung edema
labored breathing and nausea. may take several hours
Pulmonary edema. to appear.

Hydrogen Cyanide Blood Almond odor, highly volatile gas. If high concentration - violent Very rapid; incaipacitation
convulsions after 20-30 seconds. within minutes and death
breathing stops in one minute; cardiac within 15 minutes.
failure occurs within a few minutes.

Lewisite Blister Colorless, oily liquid vi/ith little Stinging pain followed by blistering. Initial pain in 10-20 seconds;
odor in its pure states. Amber to It is also a systemic poison causing blistering within 12 hours
geranium-like odor with amber to pulmonary edema, diarrhea,
dark-brown color in less pure form. hypotension and rest lessness.

Mustard Blister Possible garlic odor, medium volatility, Blisters or irritation to skin, Delayed onset (4-6 hours)
oily liquid. eyes and lungs.

Phosgene Choking Fresh cut hay odor, heavy gas. Coughing and choking followed Immediate irrrtation in
by chest tightness, nausea, tearing, high concentrations, and
vomiting and headaches. delayed reaction (several
Death due to fluid accumulation hours) in low concentration
in the lungs.

Sarin Nerve Colorless/odorless, volatile liquid. Difficulty breathing, miosts. blun-ed Rapid (within minutes).
vision, headache and nausea leading
to respiratory distress, convulsions
and eventually death.

Tabun Nerve Clear, odorless, tasteless liquid with Difficulty breathing, miosis, blurred Rapid (within minutes).
a slight fruity odor vision, headache and nausea leading
to respiratory distress, convulsions
and eventually death-

VX Nerve Colorless/odorless, low volatility, Difficulty breathing, miosis, blurred Relatively rapid
oily liquid. vision, headache and nausea leading (within 30 minutes).
to respiratory distress, convulsions
and eventually death.

nology • MILTECH • 11/2006 55

 The M9 and M8 chefnical
detection papers.
(Source: internet)

even attached to certain vehicles. It is a hand-

HKMM Ai.m: iTf roR held device that continuously displays the con-
It tlll.s P \ r i : K l i R N S f O i o i t ^ ( H M \ \ lit l ^ ^ ^ ^ r , ^ u • centration of nerve agents or mustard agents.
ftatr Dnrctu b Ibr «ru ) • • VMl la oMaMar Ur ckraMI 10*1 •traiah aid ebwr>* t»r anr ( b i a p I" otvr. The ICAM is prone to erroneous detection in
lfIWl«i>rt»rmt(.Ur.»tf.iriNH (U 1' It! Tini'-II IIHOW \ . M HI n ! l ttVl I . ibcn na> IM enclosed spaces and areas of strong vapour
nANflFXOrsclHMH Al GA-SFSIatkt i ( » . itxHaftofraiM lilncn. rcMl bMli far nort drlillii
ir rtfwtf«l .«*•» •n-.lw.TifJ. f.VAfl ^TF. THF. AHFA t^^Mf:nl^^F•l.Vl concentration (e.g, heavy smoke). It also can
•U4U, Inc. GenzalM, TX " (S30) »72-nM - become saturated, requiring recalibration. Ver-
sions of the ICAM are available for commercial
purchase and are used by many medical res-
ponse teams.
WARNING! The APD 2000, manufactured by Smiths De-
IF THIS »rrBCTOB tection, is another common device that uses
IMS and is sold commercially to HAZMAT res-
TUBIVS COiOB YOU MAY
ponse teams for domestic preparedness. This
BE IN BANCSKl handheld device can be powered by batteries
-GRGEN- Beware of false triggers. and can detect mace and pepper spray as well
Nerve V See back for detaUs. as nerve agents, blister agents, and hsizardous
compounds. The Sabre 4000 by the same
n«ce Detector In area to b« monitored for chemk*! company also uses IMS technology. It is in use
agents and obcvrve detector for any color change such by first responders because it can use vapour
a> i\'..\-, OR GREEN. If dots aptMdr on (he
detector OANCeROUS CHEMICAL AGENTS nuy be thcr* or trace particle samples to detect explosives.
COEHICAI, DETECTOR (SMbckroOoTot. rV^CjUAT^THl AKEAlM^fO^TlLVI drugs such as cocaine and heroin, as well as
H-8 ft AGEIVT IDE!VTIFIRR
AND... CALL YOUR LOCAL FntSTMSKMIOntSI
KI4U, Inc. GoniBlea, TX ~ (130) &T1-S734 - iivww,Kt«U.com
chemical agents.
Many stand-alone detectors also use IMS
technology. The US military employs the M8A1
system which continuously monitors the envi-
el-63 or americium-241. The ionized particies from 0,03mg/m^ for nerve gases such as Sarin ronment for hazardous vapours and aerosols,
then are passed through a weak eiectricai field to 0,1mg/m^ for mustard gas. and up to five alarms that can be dispersed
toward an ion detector. Contaminants are iden- IMS has certain advantages. It is less sensi- throughout an area. The M8A1 detects nerve
tified according to the time it takes to traverse tive to contaminants, because it reiies on a agents and blister agents when the concentra-
the distance to the detector, this time being clean air sample for calibration. Thus, if an area tion Is 0.1 mg/m^ or greater and alarms within 1 -
proportionai to the mass of the molecuie. The has a certain baseline non-hazardous environ- 2 minutes, M8A1 is an ideal device for protec-
pattern is compared to a sampie of ciean air; if mental vapour present, it is not detected. tion from off-target attacks, in which a vapour
the pattern is markedly different and unique to IMS is the comerstone of many devices used is released upwind from the targets. However,
certain types of agents, an alarm sounds. today. For instance, the Finnish M86 and M90 it is less effective for on-target attacks, in which
These systems are capable of detecting and are handheld devices that use IMS, as is the the CA is released in large amounts within sec-
distinguishing between nerve gas, mustard Improved Chemical Agent Monitor (ICAM), The onds. In this situation, the alarm sounds after
gas, and vesicants, with a sensitivity ranging ICAM was used extensively in the Gulf War, the personnel have been exposed. This system

AusUaliaii

CUSTOMS
protecting our borders

Allen-Vanguard completes Australian Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) training

Allen-Vanguard has recently completed 240 awareness sessions for was achieved through close co-ordination of key Customs staff and
Australian Customs Service (ACS) officers on the subject of Chemical the Allen-Vanguard team,"
Warfare Agents (CWA). The awareness sessions, designed by Allen- Managing Director of Allen-Vanguard, Roy Peers-Smith said:
Vanguard, were developed specifically for the Australian Customs "Allen-Vanguard has an unrivalled reputation for practical first res-
Service in order to inform every operational officer on what CWAs ponder training. This is the first time we have been contracted to de-
are, what indicators to look for and how best to react if discovered sign and deliver information sessions on this scale. To meet this par-
during customs border protection duties, whereupon emergency ticular challenge, we assembled a large instructor team to conduct
response authorities were called- Over a six-week period, a total of the awareness sessions throughout the country. This team - led by
3,000 operational staff attended 240 awareness sessions in 28 loca- our own CBRN expert Wanwick Penrose - was made up of some of
tions throughout Australia. Australia's most knowledgeable First Responders who had already
completed Allen-Vanguard's Live Agent Training (LAT) courses. The
Australian Customs National Manager for Research and Devel- outcome of this is that the majority of Australian Customs staff is now
opment, Tonie Smith, said: "This awareness training was an initia- aware of the threat of chemical warfare agents and how to deal with
tive by Australian Customs to help strengthen Australia's border pro- them. Customs staffs who were unable to attend the training in per-
tection. The training had to be completed within a very short space son will receive the information via an audio-visual package on CD
of time with minimal disruption to the officers' nomial duties. This which formed part of the contract."

56 Military Technology • MILTECH • 11/2006

 Members of a FEMA (Federal Emergency
Management Agency) Emergency Medical
Technical Team undergo training for
certification as rescue (grey suits) and
decontamination (green suits) first
responders to hazardous materials and
toxic contamination situations.
(Photo: Win Henderson / FEMA)

molecules, and each agent has a unique infra-

red pattem referred to as a fingerprint. Several
different detection techniques use IR. including
photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy, filter-
based infrared spectroscopy, forward-looking
infrared spectroscopy (FLIR), and Fourier trans-
form spectroscopy,

Photoacoustic IR Spectroscopy
This highly selective technique is used to
identify CA vapours, and it usually adopted for
point detector devices. Modulated IR is passed
through the sample; since the CA absorbs the
radiation, the temperature increases, and per
was used during the Gulf War and has been mation can be transmitted via radio, satellite, or Boyle law, the gas expands. The pattern of ex-
upgraded to the Automatic Chemical Agent hardwiring. This system can be useful if placed pansion or contraction depends on the mod-
Alarm (ACAA) system. The ACAA Is slightly in hospital wards or at victim collection sites to ulation of the IR, which in photoacoustic spec-
iarger and has a communications interface that detect contamination. troscopy is an audible signal. A microphone de-
is useful in combat. tects the modulation and alarms when it is sim-
Smiths Detection provides a commercial ver- ilar to a recognisable agent.
sion of an IMS stand-alone detector called the
Infrared Radiation Detection This technique's selectivity is based on the
CENTURION. This system detects and Identi- Infrared radiation (IR) is employed in several number of wavelengths transmitted through the
fies nerve and blister agents and offers superi- CA detectors, inciuding long-range detectors sample. As more wavelengths are passed, the
or reliability from interference. The alarm infor- and point detectors. IR can be used to excite chance of contaminants causing false alarms

OUUR
Supplier of Double Wheel
Sampler for NBC-Fuchs

> Protection

> Detection

> Decontamination

OWR AG

Oberschefflenzer Str. 9
74834 Elztal-Rittersbach
Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 6293 73-1
Fax: +49 (0) 6293 73-219

E-mail: welcome@owr.de
www.owr.de

Military Technology MILTECH • 11/2006 57

decreases. These devices are This graphic shows a dimethyl
sensitive to environmental var- methylphosphonate (DMMP) molecule
iables such as extemal vibra- connected to a carbon nanotube.
tion. Like IMS, if these devices The molecule simulates the toxic nerve
are calibrated in the operating agent Sarin. When the toxin and nanotube
environment, detection shouid are connected, the nanotube's electrical
be accurate. conductivity is reduced.
(Photo: Naval Research Laboratory)
Filter-based IR
Spectroscopy
This technology also is
based on comparing the
amount of energy absorbed by
the sample, using several dif- The HAZMAT (hazardous materials)
ferent wavelengths of infrared response equipment of a Fire Brigade
light. A series of filters is used unit.
to direct the beam through a (Photo; Boone County Emergency
predetermined path. Concen- Management)
trations of each vapour com-
ponent are used to compile trends and identify
the vapour.

Differential Absorption Light Detection

and Ranging
This infrared technology is used mainly to
track CA clouds that already have been Identi-
fied. Two pulses of laser are transmitted into
the distance, and the reflected IR is detected.
One pulse is at a frequency that is known to be
absorbed by the CA. while the other is known
not to be absorbed. The difference in the inten-

Members of the French Police and

Fire Brigade during an exercise for
a simulated NBCR terrorist attack
in the Paris underground.
(Photo: AFP)

During the Tokyo subway Sarin attack in

1995, emergency medical services (EMS)
providers were not equipped with either
chemical detection or protection
equipment. As a result, some of them
suffered the affects of acute exposure.
(Photo: Monch archive)

58 Military Technofogy • MILTECH • 11/2006

sity of the retum signal is Members of the US Navy Naval Mobile
used to determine the Construction Battalion One's (NMCB-1)
concentration of the Survey Team check their M-256 Chemical
cloud, while the time of Detector Kit during a rapid runway repair
return is used to deter- simulated CBR exercise.
mine the distance from (Photo: US Navy)
the observers. This tech-
nique also is subject to The Joint Service Lightv/elght Standoff
environmental noise but Chemical Agent Detector (JSLSCAD) is
has been used effectively a ruggedised detection system designed
to track CAs. to provide state-of-the-art capability in
detecting CW vapour clouds. JSLSCAD
Passive IR Detection incorporates a passive IR spectrometer
FLIR and Fourier working in the 7 to 14 micron spectral
transform infrared (FTIR) region, and is the first chemical detection
are techniques by which system to provide 360" coverage from
IR emitted from CA ground, air, and sea-based platforms
vapour is detected sim- at distances of up to 5km.
ply. These technologies (Photo: OPTRA)
commonly are used in
stand-alone detection devices that simply Photo lonization Detection
alarm when a CA cloud is detected. Both of Gas vapours can be ionized using ultraviolet
these methodologies depend on the collection light. Photo ionization detection depends on
of infrared information; however, the process- exposing the suspect vapour to ultraviolet
ing is different. energy powerful enough to ionize agent mole-
The US military uses the M21 Remote Sen- cules. Specific ranges of ultraviolet light ionize
sing Chemical Agent Alarm (RSCAAL) based on molecules in certain CAs; an ion detector then
passive infrared detection. It is the first fielded registers the amount of ionized molecules.
standoff chemical detection device. This sys- Thus, these detectors can determine the con-
tem can detect a vapour cloud from 5km with centration and identity of the agent. Handheld
an 87% detection rate. The M21 RSCAAL con- detectors produced by RAE Systems and Pho-
tinuously monitors a background and notes the tovac are examples of detectors that use this
change in spectra! information if a vapour cioud technology.
obstructs the background. It automatically
scans along a 60" angle, allowing the operator
to monitor horizontal movement. The M21 can Flame Photometry
be set up in ten minutes and is unaffected by
Another technology employed Is flame pho-
low light conditions. However, the M21 is limit-
tometry. In this technique, a flame of hydrogen
ed in that it must be stationary and can be
is used to bum a sample of air. The colour of
obstructed by snow and rain.
the flame is analysed by a photometer for con-
centrations of sulphur and phosphorous (key
components in nerve gas and mustard). Flame
photometry is highly sensitive yet is prone to
false-positive results by detecting other gases
The Bruker Daltonics M22 detector. that contain significant concentrations of sul-
(Photo: Bruker Daltonics) phur or phosphorus but are non-hazardous.
Certain analysis algorithms can be employed to
make these detectors less prone to error.
It gas chromatography is integrated with
flame photometry, the detectors are more
accurate. Gas chromatography is a technique
used in labs to separate mixtures of com-
pounds. It involves using a carrier gas to separ-
ate a volatilised iiquid or vapour based on its
passage through a column. As each solute
exits the column according to its properties and
the temperature of the column, a detector re-
cords an electrical signal plotted over time.
The miniature automatic continuous agent
monitoring system (MINICAMS) is a system ba-
sed on combining gas chromatography with
flame photometry. A sample vapour is drawn
into the machine and exposed to a heated pre-
concentrator loop. As each component exudes
from the column, it is exposed to flame pho-
tometry. This system enables more specific de- A Canadian Police technician collects
tection. A typical cycle lasts 3-5 minutes, ena- evidence during a CBRN training
bling continuous monitoring of the environ- scenario involving a bus.
ment. (Photo: Royal Canadian Mounted Police)

Surface Acoustic Wave

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) chemical de-
tectors rely on chemically-selective coated pie-

Mifilatv Technotogy • MILTECH • 11 /2006

zoeiectric crystals that absorb target gases. technology The Environics M90 Jon
The absorption oauses a change in the reso- and is pro- mobility spectroscopy
nant frequency of the crystal that is measured duced by BAE chemicai agents detector.
by a microcomputer. These detectors are able Systems. It {Photo: Environics)
to identify and measure many CAs simultane- weighs approx-
ously. These devices are produced inexpen- imately 2lb (1kg)
sively, making them a popular choice among and is designed Carbon Nanotube Gas
civilian response units. The MINICAD Mk II is a to be used by lonization Sensors
portable SAW an-ay detector that is lightweight, every department ot An emerging technology that may soon
battery operated, and available commercially. It the military and is avail- be used for chemical detection is based on
is used remotely to define areas of decontami- able commercially. It can be miniaturised carbon nanotube sensors. The
nation but also can be used for active detec- used as a personal protection tips of nanotubes generate high electric
tion. The Joint Chemical Agent Detector detector to be carried by troops as well fields that when exposed to different gases
(JCAD), a.k.a, CHEMSENTRY also uses SAW as to monitor ships, cargo holds, and will exhibit different electrical conductances.
wheeled vehicles. It uses a pre-concentrator to This difference in conductances can be used to
detect low levels of a specific chemical agent identify gases and mixtures of gases in a simi-
requiring 20 minutes for sample collection but lar fashion to the IMS method of detection.
A Northrop Grunnman ANDROS MkV-A1
simultaneously monitors ambient air for larger
robot equipped with chemical Previous generations of nanotube sensors
concentrations of most chemical warfare
sensor mount and APD 2000 detector. have been limited by sensitivity to changes in
agents.
{Photo: Northrop Grummar>) environmental conditions, the inability to identi-
fy gases with low energies, and poor charge
transfer. One group at RPI has developed a gas
ionization sensor that generates high electric
fields at low voltages. Their sensors have good
sensitivity and can be compact and battery
powered. They have been shown to detect 1 %
mixtures of ammonia and argon at room tem-
perature In less than 20 microseconds. This
technology offers many advantages over flame
photometry, photoionization, and other tech-
niques. These sensors will soon be integrated
into detection devices and used to make more
compact, portable, and reliable devices,

CDE in Civilian Response

to Terrorism
CDE technology has advanced primarily as a
result of military necessity. More recently, the
need for civilian preparedness for terrorist
attacks with CA has been recognised. Civilian
response is different from military response in
many ways, and the choice of CDE must take
this into account.
Key differences include the following:
- Civilian responders tend to be less experi-
enced in chemical attacks.
- Civilian responders have less information
conceming the origin and type of attack and
may not recognise that it is a CA attack
initially.
- Civilian responders have more stringent bud-
get restraints and thus must use cost-effec-
tive equipment.
- Civilian responders have less latitude in in-
correctly identifying a CA,
- Civilian responders are deployed primarily to
provide medical care, leaving detection as a
secondary goal.
In the civitian setting, EMS teams or other med-
ical providers are the first to arrive. Most EMS
providers do not carry CDE to detect CAs and
thus initially must recognise the potential threat
in order to notify specialised HAZMAT res-
ponse teams. These teams exist in many cities
and are at a minimum equipped with pH paper
and combustible gas indicators. This equip-

Hospital personnel being instructed

in the use of CBR protection suits
under the Metropolitan Medical
Response System {MMRS) programme.
(Photo: internet)

Military Technology MILTECH • 11 /2006 63

The CAM/ICAM Chemical Agent Monitor works on The Smiths Detection APD 2000 offers full detection and
the Ion Mobility Spec^oscopy to continuously display monitoring capabilities for both battlefield and civilian emergency
the concentration of nerve or mustard agents. response.
(Photo: USMC) (Photo: Smiths Detection)

ment is inadequate in identifying most CAs. highly specialised, fully equipped, deployable as M9 paper and the M256 kit. Some teams
Other teams now are equipped with colorimet- teams to combat civilian threats from weapons also use IMS devices such as the APD2000 and
ric tubes, which are much iess expensive than of mass destruction. They are primarily medical a modified ICAM for domestic preparedness.
more technical devices, such as the ICAM, and providers who provide EMS services, decon-
can be distributed generally. tamination, detection, and treatment. The first
Major cities in the US have a Metropolitan such team was organised in 1995 in Washing- Factors in Selecting Chemical
Medical Strike Response System (MMRS) or- ton, DC, and a second was organised for the Detection Equipment
ganized by the Public Health Service. These are 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. They are now pre- A market survey of commercially available
sent in 27 major cities. detection equipment identified some 150 detec-
MMRS teams are often better equipped to tion devices available to the military and first
The Draeger Diffusion Tubes are direct respond to CA attacks than HA2MAT response responders. With so many different detectors
reading, scaled tubes that can be used teams. Even so, wide variability exists in the and technologies available, the US National
for determining time weighted average type of detection devices used. A recent study Institute of Justice recommends examining 16
concentrations. The tubes work by passive by the US National Guard recognised that no factors when choosing a detection device. The
gaseous diffusion and can be used over standards regulate the detection devices table below lists these factors. The most sensi-
a period of eight hours or longer in some among different civilian emergency response tive detectors tend to also be most susceptible
cases. Designed as a personal monitor, units. MMRS teams can employ any of the to false-positive alarms. Thus, for most practical
the diffusion tubes also can be used for devices and technoiogies described above. applications, multiple detectors are needed to
area monitoring. They commonly use inexpensive CDE such as verify the findings of the initial detector.
(Photo: AFC Intemational) SAW detectors and enzymatic techniques such

Factors to be Examined When Choosing a Detection Device

Sensitivity Lowest concentration of CA that result in positive response;

Ideally, lower than levels necessary for injury to personnel
Resistance to interference Factors such as smoke, moisture, or other chemicals that
prevent the device from accurately providing a response
Response time Time to collect, analyse and provide feedback
Start-up time Time to assemble and deploy the device
Detection status Vapor, liquid, and/or aerosols
Alarm capability Audible, visual, or both
Portability Ease of transport, which encompasses weight and dimensions
Power capabilities Battery versus alternating current
Battery needs Quantity and type of batteries
Operational environment Extremes of conditions under which the device operates
Durability Amount of abuse the device withstands
Procurement costs Cost per device needed
Operator skill level Skill invoived in using the device
Training requirments Number of hours and type of educational background required
for operation

Miittwy Tochnoloev • MILTtCH • 11/2006 66