title: Technology challenges in responding to biological or chemical attacks in the civilian sector.
abstract: Increasingly sophisticated technologies are needed for counterterrorism responses to biological and chemical warfare agents. Recently developed detection and identification systems are characterized by increased sensitivity, greater automation, and fewer false alarms. Attempts are also under way to reduce the cost and complexity of field-deployable systems. A broad range of decontamination reagents for equipment and personnel is emerging, but decontamination of large buildings, inaccessible spaces, and sensitive equipment remains problematic.
authors: Nonproliferation, Arms Control, and International Security Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551, USA. fitch2@llnl.gov
authors: J Patrick
authors: JP
authors: Fitch
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Raber
authors: Dennis R
authors: DR
authors: Imbro
mesh_terms: D001331:Automation; D023482:Bioterrorism; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000032:analysis; D003666:Decontamination / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004630:Emergencies; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D013672:Technology
chemical_list: D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents