Abstract Book

12th International Symposium on
Protection against
Chemical and
Biological
Warfare Agents
Stockholm, Sweden
8-10 June 2016
ABSTRACTS
Preface
Dear Symposium Delegate,
Welcome to the 12th International Symposium on the Protection against Chemical and
Biological Warfare Agents. Since 1983 we meet every third year to discuss a variety of
aspects on the research and development of protection against chemical and biological agents.
The symposium that initially focused only on chemical warfare agents, has successively
grown, and in 1995 biological issues were included. During these 33 years, extraordinary
changes related to the political situation and in science have occurred in the world.
The character of the CBW defence research has changed considerably from the first
symposium in 1983, when most activities were performed within national defence
programmes. The trend of the last decades has been a successively increased international
cooperation to counteract the threat from biological and chemical warfare agents and CBRN
terrorism, between individual states as well as within organisations such as the European
Union and NATO. Much emphasis has been directed to improve the chemical and biological
safety and security.
The main focus of protection measures has shifted from scenarios with military use of
weapons of mass destruction in state-to-state conflicts to attacks by non-state actors using
chemical, biological or radioactive agents. According to the current scenarios, a wider range
of possible agents is of concern and new concepts of protection and crisis management are
needed. As a result of the world-wide fear of possible terrorist attacks with chemical or
biological agents, the funding for research and development for improved protection against
such agents has been raised worldwide.
In the plenary lectures and parallel sessions of the this symposium various topics will be
discussed, such as Emerging threats and risks, Education and training for CBRN
environments, Medical management, Detection and on site analysis, Identification and
forensic analysis, concepts for Physical protection and Decontamination, CBRN crisis
management, Environmental and health threats of military interest as well as Commercial
developing technologies.
We hope that you during these three days of the 12th International Symposium on Protection
against Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents will find much inspiration for your
important work for counteractions to the threat imposed by biological and chemical agents.
Umeå, May 2016
Martin Nygren
Head of the Steering Committee of the Symposium
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Badges
The participants are requested to wear the badge during the entire symposium.
Business hours
Shops in Stockholm are normally open between 10.00 and 20.00 hrs on weekdays and 10.00 to 18.00
hrs on Saturdays.
Shops in the city center have extended opening hours and some are also open on Sundays between
12.00 and 16.00 hrs.
The main shopping streets are Drottninggatan, Kungsgatan, Hamngatan, Biblioteksgatan, and
Västerlånggatan in the Old Town
Coffee breaks
Coffee and tea will be served during all coffee breaks.
Conference dinner
The symposium dinner will be held at Berns, located in Stockholm City.
A three-course dinner including drinks to a price of SEK 900. Dinner starts at 19.00 hrs. If you want to
participate at the dinner you will need to buy a dinner ticket in advance.
Currency
The official currency in Sweden is Swedish Krona (SEK). A currency converter can be found online
on www.forex.se.
There are two ATMs (cash dispensers) in the entrance hall of the venue. Banks are generally open
between 10.00 and 15.00 hrs on weekdays. A bank is located in Älvsjö town centre, just a five-minute
walk from Stockholmsmässan, where you also can find an ATM.
Electricity
The voltage in Sweden is 230 V and the plugs/outlets are the standard round two-prong Euro-plug.
Emergency number
Dial 112 to reach the police, the ambulance and the firemen.
Exhibition
The opening hours for the Exhibition of Chemical and Biological Protection Equipment are:
Wednesday June 8:
12.00 - 20.00 hrs
Thursday June 9:
08.30 - 17.00 hrs
Friday June 10:
08.30 - 15.00 hrs
Help desk/registration desk
Will be open all through the symposium.
Insurance and liability
The symposium organizers do not accept any liability for personal injuries, or for loss or damage to
property belonging to symposium participants, not during or as a result of the symposium.
Internet
Free access to internet is provided throughout the venue. Name on the network is stockholmsmassan,
and no password needed.
Language
The symposium language is English. No interpretation facilities will be provided.
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Lecture halls
The scientific oral sessions are held in lecture halls T1, T3 and C 7+8, next to the exhibition hall.
Lunches
Light lunches are served in the symposium venue.
Mobile phones
As a courtesy to speakers and other delegates we request that all mobile phones be put in quiet mode
during sessions.
Posters
The posters can be mounted on the morning of June 8, and will be on show duringe the whole
symposium. The poster session is held on Wednesday June 8 at 17.30 - 20.00 hrs, during which time
the authors are asked to be by their poster.
Dismantling will start after the last coffee-break on June 10. Posters remaining after 17.30 hrs on June
10 will be removed.
Smoking policy
Smoking is not allowed in the symposium building, or at the dinner venue. Smoking is moreover
banned in public places is Sweden, such as restaurants, pubs, and public transport.
Time
Sweden is one hour ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
Tipping
Tipping is at your discretion in taxis and at restaurants.
Tourist information
Visit www.stockholmtown.com or Stockholm Tourist Center, Vasagatan 14, just opposite the Central
Station.
Travelling in Stockholm
Information about travelling in Stockholm: http://sl.se/en/Visitor/Plan-your-journey/
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ORAL
PRESENTATIONS
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Contents
Contents Oral Presentations
Page
Opening Session
Investigating Chemical Weapons Use in Syria and its Aftermath: The
View from the United Nations
Angela Kane
13
An Overview on Development, Current Challenges and Future Options for John Walker
the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention
14
INTERPOL’s Model for CBRNE Terrorism Prevention
Alan King
15
Emerging Threat and Risks
Richard Guthrie
16
Education and Training for CBRN Environments - CBRN E&T
Vratislav Osvald
17
Health Effects From a Chlorine Disaster in South Carolina, USA
Erik Svendsen
18
Trends and Future Challenges for the CBRNE Detection
Augustus Way Fountain
III
19
Chemical and Biological Forensic Signatures and How they Support the
Investigative Process
Robert Bull
20
Adoption of Weapon Technology by Terrorists and its Potential Impact of
Future CBW Threats
James Revill
21
Non State CBW Adversaries: Understanding and Addressing the Threat
Gary Ackerman
22
Plenary Lectures
Emerging Threats and Risks
Enhancing Biosecurity and Preventing Misuse of The Life Sciences is Still Roger Roffey
a Challenge for the EU and the BTWC
23
The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria: An Emerging CBW-Threath?
Anne Stenersen
27
Jihadists Online and Social Media Activities and its Implications for
CBW-Threats
Magnus Normark
28
Garment Design and Material Usage in Chemical Biological Protective
Clothing
Stephanie M. Tew
29
SwitchProtect: A Concept of Switching between Permeable and
Impermeable: A Numerical Evaluation of Protection and Thermal Burden
Bogerd CP
30
Effect of Lamination on Thermal Burden and Chemical Protection
Nicholas Dugan
31
Advantages of Super Repellent Coatings to Chemical/biological
Protective Suits and Remaining Challenges
Natalie Pomerantz
32
Development of Requirements for the Special Application CBRN as Part
of the ISO Respiratory Protection Standard
Simon J. Smith
33
Physical Protection
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Contents
Commercial Developing Techniques - Detection
The Swiss Protected CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle
Daniel Wetter
36
Fully Integrated CBRN Reconnaissance Systems
Bernhard Christoph
Halstrup
37
How Chemical Agent Disclosure Spray is Revolutionizing the Traditional
Way of Chemical Agent Decontamination
Markus Erbeldinger
41
A New Capability for Rapid Hazardous Materials Detection within Sealed
Containers
Robert Stokes
42
Field Based Multiplex Detection of Biothreat Agents
Christoffer Pöhlman
43
Spectroscopic Species Identification of Biological Warfare Agents
Andrew Bartko
47
Real Time Bio-Aerosol Detection for Building Protection Applications
Markus Erbeldinger
48
UNSGM: Background and Historical Context
Fiona Simpson
49
Development of UNGSM Training - Post-Syria
Scott Cairns
50
Preparing a Rapid Response Capability for the OPCW
Shawn DeCaluwe
51
Training Medical Staff to Work in Extreme High-Risk Environments Experience from Running Ebola Training Courses at Karolinska Institutet
Johan von Schreeb
52
Training the First Responders and Crisis Managers in Handling CBRNE
Accidents in Sweden
Ola Nerf
53
A European CBRNE Training Curriculum for First Responders
Svenja Stöven
54
Preparing for Multinational CBRN Operations
Hamish de BrettonGordon
55
UK Military Environmental Health Support to Operational Planning and
Reconnaissance
Gareth Moore
56
Health Risk Assessment for Chemical Exposures of Military Interest
Jan Langenberg
57
Improving Military Health Threat Assessments with Environmental Data
and Digital Tools
Birgitta Liljedahl
58
C Agents in Soil and Water – An Overview
Jan Sjöström
59
Comparing Toxicity of Emissions From Conventional and Lead-Free
Pistol Ammunition in Lung Cells
Håkan Wingfors
60
Training Ammunitions: Characterisation of the Emission Products and
Effects on Cultured Lung Cells
Jan Langenberg
61
Wolfgang Widders
62
Education and Training for CBRN Environments
Environmental and Health Threats of Military Interest
Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
Future Decontamination Capabilities – A Conceptual and Technological
Approach
8
Contents
Biological Decontainmant Accelerated Spray (BDAS). An Enhanced
Application System for Decontamination and Mitigation of CBW Agents
and Biological Pathogens
Matthew Bluhm
63
New Sporicidal Foam for Biological Decontamination of Facilities
Sylvain Faure
64
Vacuum Decontamination Chamber - The Next Generation
Markus Hellmuth
68
From Boat Hull Cleaner to CBR Decontaminator
Christer Widgren
69
21st Century CBRN Decon Challenges & Innovative Decon/Detox
Systems
Stefano Miorotti
72
Use of RSDL Kit for Removal of Dermal Exposure to Radioactive
Particles
Laura Cochrane
73
Inhibition in the Brain: GABA(A) Receptor Subtypes and their Positive
Allosteric Modulation
Mikko Uusi-Oukari
74
Potential Adjunct Treatments to Present Countermeasures to Nerve Agent
Poisoning
Avi Ring
75
Small Animal Models of Chemical - Induced Lung Injury – Pathogenesis
and Medical Treatment
Sofia Jonasson
76
Comparison of Skin Decontamination Methods Following Exposure of
Organophosphorus Compounds
Lina Thors
77
International Collaboration in CBRN Research: A Funding Multiplier or a
Strategic Instrument?
Ruud Busker
78
Bridging the Gap between CBRN and Forensics, the Generic Integrated
Forensic Toolbox for CBRN Incident – GIFT
Gwyn Winfield
79
Biosecurity Policy Landscape in Japan
Tomoya Saito
80
Ebola in Scandinavia - Patient Evacuation from West Africa to Norway
ER Nakstad
81
The High-Level Isolation Unit, Oslo University Hospital - Set-Up and
Lessons Learned from Ebola Management
AB Brantsäter
82
The Fear Factor in Ebola. The Consequences of Fear Presiding over Facts
Stefan Liljegren
83
Simple Guidelines for Scandinavian Non-Specialist First Responders
during the Initial Phase of a CBRNE Incident
Helge Opdahl
84
Smart Defence in Practise – NATO Standardisation and Civil-Military
Cooperation
Erik Juel Ellinghaus
86
CBRNE Defense Technology in Emergency Response
Qi Jiayi
87
Understanding Needs and Gaps in CBRNE Preparedness, Response and
Recovery: A European Perspective
Kjersti Brattekås
91
Modelling Effects Following Exposure of Hazardous Substances
Oscar Björnham
92
Medical Management
Science and Security
CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
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Contents
First Responders and Atmospheric Dispersion of Hazardous Chemicals
Magnus Levein/Håkan
Grahn
96
Detection and On-Site Analysis
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Equipped with CBRN DIM Capability to
Enhance the Chemical Awareness
M.J. van der Schans
100
The Foundations for Selective, Sensitive and Rapid Next Generation
Detection of V-Series Chemical Warfare Agents with Trivalent
Lanthanide Based Systems
Genevieve H. Dennison
101
Tailor Made Design and High-Throughput Approach for the Development
of Colorimetric Sensors for Nerve Agent
Sebastien Penlou
105
Towards Understanding Dense Gas Effects on Dispersion of Hazardous
Gases
Oskar Parmhed
106
Designing and performing an Open Air Trial for Validation of Dispersion
Model
Per Wästerby
109
Detector Evaluation for Improved Situational Awareness: Receiver
Operator Characteristic Curve Based
Arjan Wuijckhuijse
110
Ultraviolet Raman Scattering from Low Vapor Pressure Chemical
Warfare Agents
Lars Landström
114
BACRAM: Fast and Robust Identification of Single Bacteria in
Environmental Matrices by Raman Spectroscopy
Pierre Marcoux
115
Rapid BWA Detection using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and
Laser Induced Fluorescence
Anders Larsson
116
MICRODIFF: Optical Elastic Scattering for Early Label-Free
Identification of Pathogens
Pierre Marcoux
117
Standoff Laser Induced Fluorescence of Living and Inactivated Bacteria
Frank Wilsenack
118
Automated Analytical System for Sensitive Detection of Bacterial Spores
Remco den Dulk
122
Real-Time Pathogen Sequencing using Portable Units under Field
Conditions
Andreas Sjödin
123
FM2383 from the Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Plume Seawater of the
Southwest Indian Ocean: A New Thermophilic Dehalogenase for
Hydrolyzing of HD
Zhong Jinyi
124
Nordic Clean
Björn Pedersen
127
Degradation of Chemical Warfare Agent Simulants by Pulsed Streamer
Discharging Plasma along Water Surface
Yang Li
128
Marc André Althoff
130
Decontamination
Identification and Forensic Analysis
Analytical Challenges in the On-Site Detection and Characterization of
Chemicals in Asymmetric Scenarios
10
Contents
CBRN Sampling Equipment: From Research via Development to Practical Nahid Derakshani
Training - Integrative Approach
131
Revisiting Gas Sampling and Analysis with Microtechnology: Feasability
of Low Cost Handheld Gas Chromatographs
Bertrand Bourlon
132
Detection and Identification of Trace-Level Chemical Warfare Agents and
Explosives using On-Line Thermal Desorption (TD) Coupled to GC–TOF
MS
Gareth M. Roberts
133
Structure Elucidation of Unknown CWA-Related Compounds
Hugh Gregg
134
Potential Biomarkers for Chlorine Gas Exposure
Crister Åstot
135
Simplified Sample Preparation for Determination of CWA Biomarkers
Bent Tore Røen
136
Improved Real-Time PCR Detection of Francisella tularensis in
Challenging Waters
Laila Noppa
137
Ricinine Levels in Serum from a Non-Lethal Castor Bean Ingestion
Berit Gilljam
138
Affinity Enrichment and LC-MS as Tools in Forensic Analysis of
Bioterrorism Relevant Toxins
Tomas Bergström
139
Multi-Role Protective Breathing Systems – Benefits and Challenges
Justin Hine
140
Advanced Low Burden Chemical and Biological Protective Garment
Emmanuel Daguerre
141
Commercial Developing Technologies – Physical Protection
Options for Broad Chemical and Biological Protective Personal Protective Michael Merrick
Equipment Offering Improved Heat Stress and Mission Effectiveness
143
Airboss Defense Low Burden CB Glove
144
Sindy Carrier
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Opening Session
INVESTIGATING CHEMICAL WEAPONS USE IN SYRIA AND ITS AFTERMATH:
THE VIEW FROM THE UNITED NATIONS
Ms Angela Kane
Former United Nation High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
The presentation will address three issues: the investigation of alleged chemical weapons use in Syria
in 2013, the OPCW-UN Mission in Syria in 2013-2014, and the Joint Investigative Mechanism
established by the Security Council in 2015.
It will focus on the innovative use of an instrument-the Secretary-General's Mechanism- that had only
been used twice before, two decades previously. The presentation will discuss the challenges of
conducting the investigation and the lessons that were learned. It will then address the establishment of
the OPCW-UN Mission as a ground-breaking effort that dealt with the physical removal - and
subsequent destruction - of chemical material from a country at war. The innovative arrangements and
the support of the international community will be outlined, as will the lessons learned from this
mission.
Finally, the presentation will address the establishment by the Security Council of the Joint Investigative
Mechanism to identify those responsible for the use of chemicals as weapons in Syria.
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Opening Session
AN OVERVIEW ON DEVELOPMENT, CURRENT CHALLENGES AND FUTURE
OPTIONS FOR THE BIOLOGICAL AND TOXIN WEAPONS CONVENTION
Dr John R.Walker
Arms Control and Disarmament Research Unit, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
In 2015 the BTWC celebrated its 40th anniversary; it is a creation of the Cold War conceived and
negotiated in a completely different era with different challenges from those it faces in the early 21st
century. There are continuities too and the failure to include procedures for investigating allegations of
biological weapons use in the final text of the Convention proved to be short sighted. The Convention's
core purpose remains valid however; to prevent the misuse of biology for hostile purposes. From the
outset the Convention has been seen to be lacking in effective compliance provisions. Since its first
Review Conference in 1980 through to its Seventh Review Conference in 2011 many efforts have been
made to rectify this deficiency. Most of these have fallen short-the gap between what needs to be done
and what can be negotiated has remained frustratingly wide in biological disarmament diplomacy.
Science and technology underpins the Convention and reviewing and assessing developments in these
areas has been a recurring and important feature in its life.
The failure of the negotiations to add a verification protocol to the Convention in 2001 was a defining
moment; and that failure has cast a long shadow over efforts since then to strengthen the Convention.
Since 2002 there have been three separate intersessional work programs that were intended to promote
common understandings and effective action on a range of relevant topics, such as biosafety and
biosecurity. These have had some utility, but have fallen well short of what could have been achieved.
Perhaps one of the most notable shortcomings has been a general reluctance by many States Parties to
see the need for effective action.
As we approach the Eighth Review Conference in November 2016, if progress is to be made in
addressing the BTWC's shortcomings, the States Parties must find a way of defining and agreeing a
new intersessional programme that represents a qualitative improvement on previous arrangements.
This is a major political and diplomatic challenge given the polarized views on what the proper course
for the Convention should be. Intersessional meetings between 2012 and 2015 have found it more and
more difficult to agree on anything of substance, a trend that does not auger well for the Eighth Review
Conference. Underpinning all of this are developments in science and technology (S&T) in the life
sciences, not least of these is the convergence between chemistry and biology. The practical
implications of this for the Convention are still unclear. Keeping pace and responding to these
developments will be essential if the Convention is to remain relevant. For this reason finding an
effective review process for S&T will be a major task for the Eighth Review Conference.
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Opening Session
INTERPOL'S MODEL FOR CBRNE TERRORISM PREVENTION
Alan King
INTERPOL
The many attacks over the last year by terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, Boko Haram and Al Shabaab,
to name but a few, in particular the atrocities committed by ISIL in Paris in November and in Brussels
in March are a stark reminder of the reality of the terrorist threat the world faces in the 21st Century.
The fact that perpetrators from these two atrocities had been carrying out hostile reconnaissance on a
Flemish executive in the nuclear industry and his family's movements should ensure that we keep in
focus the threat of nuclear or radioactive terrorism.
CBRN terrorism remains an ever-present threat that must be on the forefront of our minds, not in the
background. There is no room for error. Any gap in our response is a door for criminals and terrorists
to purchase, smuggle or deploy the materials needed for a weapon of mass destruction. This is why our
response must be global; a regional or national approach only creates vulnerabilities we cannot afford.
Targeting criminals and terrorists and curbing their potential to achieve the sensational requires law
enforcement to be proactive as a key part of their mandate. It must, however, be backed by the
requisite expertise, resources, and network for prevention. This is where INTERPOL comes in.
Global, operational, and present on the ground 24/7-365 days a year, INTERPOL has been working
with law enforcement to address transnational security challenges since 1923. INTERPOL now serves
190 member countries relating to criminal and terrorist offences including those that involve CBRN
weapons and material. INTERPOL provides a forum for collecting operational data, sharing
information in real time, developing capacity & capability as well as deploying investigative and
operational support where requested, thereby building confidence between law enforcement
communities.
Within INTERPOL's Counter Terrorism Directorate is its CBRNE Sub-Directorate and its three
modality units, which focus on terrorism prevention within their related fields (Chemical/Explosives;
Biological; Radiological/Nuclear). Each has a specific programme of activities built upon a
methodology for conducting effective intelligence-driven, prevention-oriented investigations into
instances of suspected acts of terrorism involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and
explosives (CBRNE) weapons, materials and technology. In addition the sub-directorate has a
mechanism to share information; develop capability and capacity; to provide operational/investigative
support to member countries.
Each modality unit works closely with its global partner agencies and organizations mutually assisting
each other with these activities to prevent acts of CBRN terrorism, or to ensure that countries have the
capability and capacity to respond to them and to conduct effective investigations, thereby hinging
perpetrators to justice.
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Plenary lecture Emerging Threats and Risks
EMERGING THREATS AND RISKS
Richard Guthrie
CBW Events, www.cbw-events.org.uk
There are a range of challenges to efforts to control the hostile uses of poisons and disease. These efforts
take place in legal, political and scientific/technological contexts. Within each of these contexts, there
are emerging threats and risks.
Within the legal context, the entry of Syria has strengthened the CWC just as moves towards
universality strengthen the BWC. But the accession of Syria came after the largest use of CBW in a
quarter of a century. What are the implications if no one is held to account for the use of Sarin in East
Ghouta? Could the on-going use of chlorine and mustard weaken the underlying taboo against the
hostile uses of poisons that the modem conventions embody? What might be needed in future
investigations of alleged use of biological or chemical weapons?
Within the political context, the events of 2013 brought a huge amount of political attention to CBW
issues, most of which has now faded away. There are many longer-term issues. Once the declared
chemical stockpiles, particularly those in Russia and the USA, have been destroyed (originally scheduled
to be destroyed by the end of April 2012) the OPCW will enter what is known as the post-destruction
phase. Preventing re-emergence of chemical weapons will become key, but what will be the level of
assurance that will be required? This will be a political decision as much as a technical one. Are there
lessons to be learned from the Syria situation that might be applied to the DPRK or Egypt, for example,
if they were to join the CWC? Last, but not least, sustainable CBW control regimes require predictable
funding and this will require maintaining political attention on the regimes.
In the scientific/technological context, the key issue is the dual-use nature of chemistry and the life
sciences. The rapid advances in these fields bring new positive opportunities for peaceful uses, such as
novel medical treatments and new detection methods, but also lead to new negative opportunities for
hostile uses and so lead to changes in the nature of risks and threats the regimes may need to counter.
Understanding of this changing context is critical. The CWC contains at its heart a deliberate ambiguity
that was a late political compromise needed to achieve agreement on the whole package. Concepts of
using weapons that impact upon the nervous system to reduce the abilities of warriors to fight have
superficial attractions, but they have the potential to lever open that ambiguity in the CWC and
fundamentally undermine the Convention.
For each of these challenges there are potential responses to ensure efforts to control biological and
chemical weapons remain relevant and effective.
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Plenary lecture Education and Training for CBRN Environments
EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR CBRN ENVIRONMENTS CBRN E&T
Col Vratislav OSVALD
CZE Army
Background
As of today, we are facing evolving threats from both state and non-state actors that includes range of
complex challenges, including hybrid warfare, terrorism, cyber-attacks and wide range of events
involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
(CBRN) threats.
The full extent of the potential threat cannot be predicted because CBRN threats can evolve in non-linear
ways, and can be affected by a number of outside factors, including meteorological conditions, economy
(Toxic Industrial Threats), flow of goods and people, etc. Such uncertainty can make it difficult to
determine the nature or origin of such a threat, and complicate responses efforts when detailed
information is not yet available.
Therefore, the provision of a coherent integrated and globally programmed range of education and
training is a critical requirement in order to meet operational requirements and certain level of
interoperability and, based on international standards, to safeguard Quality Assurance. Also, this requires
a significantly increased cooperation and synchronisation between Nations (both civil and military),
International Organizations (IOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other disciplines in the
area of education, training and exercising, available and shared among all stakeholders.
Scope
The presentation provides general overview and thoughts about CBRN E&T and prepares the platform
for the Education and Training for CBRN Environments session. It contains a brief description of the
new CBRN training construct reflecting current CBRN threat assessment, Quality Assurance
requirements and challenges related to the cross functionality of CBRN defence. Two examples in the
end (NATO & EU) provide the background for all presentations and, in addition, inputs to the panel
discussion.
CBRN peculiarities
The CBRN Defence as the cross cutting discipline requires multidimensional coordination and
synchronization at the national level (including Civ-Mil interaction) and multinational level, and must
include GOs and NGOs. This, of course, requires advanced education, specialised training and
internationally standardized CBRN E&T. Fulfilment of such new requirements cannot be reached
without synchronised and accredited training program coordinated among Nations, IOs and NGOs (too
expensive and advanced for relatively small training audience).
Quality Assurance
Alignment to International Educational Standards – end-goal is to ensure maximum level of
interoperability and utilization of accredited training facilities being ensured that all of them meet
respective educational level and align their methods to international education standards.
Challenges related to other disciplines
Cross functionality of CBRN defence has always been a great challenge for the CBRN community.
CBRN E&T cannot be successful without cross coordination with other disciplines and avoidance of
duplicities. Therefore, synchronization of policies, doctrines, standards and trainings with all those
disciplines remains an important task for future.
17
Plenary lecture Medical Management
HEALTH EFFECTS FROM A CHLORINE DISASTER IN SOUTH CAROLINA, USA
Erik R. Svendsen, Lawrence C. Mohr, and the Graniteville Recovery and Chlorine Epidemiology
(GRACE) consortium
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
On January 6, 2005 a train derailment and chlorine gas spill (54,422 kg, 120,000 pounds, 60 tons)
occurred in the cotton mill town of Graniteville, South Carolina. Several hundred people became
immediately sick and thousands more were exposed. Eight persons died before reaching medical care; of
the 71 persons hospitalized for acute health effects resulting from chlorine exposure only 1 died in the
hospital. Many surviving victims developed significant pulmonary signs and severe airway inflammation;
41 (58%) hospitalized persons met PO2/FIO2 criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome or acute
lung injury. During their hospitalization, 40 (57%) developed abnormal x-ray findings, 74% of those
within the first day. Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas analysis provided early indications of outcome
severity and were associated with modelled exposure dose.
We have data from 1979-2006 for over 8,000 cotton millworkers who have at least 3 years of pre-event
spirometry and related health and covariate assessment. We performed a quasi-experimental longitudinal
analysis from millworker health records to contrast lung function trends before/after the chlorine disaster.
Annual spirometry from 1,817 millworkers (7,342 observations) were used to identify annual FEV1, FVC
and FEV1/FVC changes for the four years before and 17 months after. In summary, millworkers had
significant reductions in lung function immediately after the chlorine disaster. Improvement was seen in
the second year; however, millworkers suffering “rapid FEV1 decline” significantly increased in 2005
and 2006. These findings are biased towards the null because many millworkers never returned to work
after exposure.
With public health authorities, we developed an exposure registry and provided health screenings to those
who needed them in 2005-2007. We found that ~67% of the exposed non-millworkers had reduced lung
function after the disaster in 2005 when screened by public health authorities. A dose-response
relationship was found between personal exposure and both FEV1 and FVC, but the most severely
exposed had both FEV1 (-21.1%; 95% CI -36.5, -1.9) and FVC (-29.3%; 95% CI -44.4, -10.0)
significantly lower than all others screened. We, also, found that screened victims significantly underreported symptoms in 2005. Later, in 2007, 56% of those screened had elevated FeNO, suggesting
persistent airway inflammation. Those with elevated FeNO were 19% (1-37% 95%CI) more likely to
have had abnormal spirometry in the health screening the previous year, and those with an abnormal pH
of EBC (<7.4) were significantly more likely to have a restrictive airflow pattern on spirometry
(p=0.005).
From 2012-2016 we provided complete lung function testing for local textile workers who have
spirometry, smoking, and workplace-exposure data from pre-chlorine exposure years that are contrasted
with our current health, covariate, and environmental exposure data. Our preliminary analysis found a
longitudinal exaggerated decrease in % predicted FVC over time (p-value: 0.04) in exposed millworkers
compared to unexposed after controlling for covariates. Exposed millworkers were more likely to have an
increased rate of decline in FEV1/FVC (OR=1.78, CI 95%: 1.08-2.95, p-value: 0.024) after controlling
for covariates. In summary, we found that our previously observed immediate lung function loss between
2004-5 had not fully recovered at 7-8 years post-event for some exposed millworkers. It is our goal to
continue studying the immediate and long-term health effects of exposure to chlorine gas within the
Graniteville population.
18
Plenary lecture Detection and On-Site Analysis
TRENDS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES FOR THE CBRNE DETECTION
Augustus W. Fountain III
Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD 21010 (USA)
In 2015 the world quietly observed the 1OOth Anniversary of the first use of industrialized gases in
warfare. Despite the public signing of treaties banning the use of both chemicals and biological
organisms in warfare, the use of chlorine and mustard in Syria shows that chemical, biological,
radiological, nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) threats are as real on the modem battlefield as they were
in WWI. While these threats remain, technological advances in detection have the potential to give
soldiers and homeland defense forces significant advantages. Over the past few years several themes
have emerged that highlight some of the more interesting technological developments. These include
small portable or wearable platforms, multi-functional materials and nanocomposites and complex,
multi- pulse spectroscopy. Smartphones are proving a popular platform for hand-held spectroscopy.
The use of a smartphone-based platform provides substantial usability benefits and opens the
opportunity for other wearable sensors. New rationally-designed materials to improve chemical
detection have the potential of opening up new applications in sensing and spectroscopy, for example,
as multifunctional transparent electrodes, catalysts, or electrically or optically controllable plasmonic
devices. Similarly, several inherently complex, multi-pulse spectroscopic techniques show enormous
potential for enhanced sensitivity and interference rejection.
19
Plenary lecture Identification and Forensic Analysis
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL FORENSIC SIGNATURES AND HOW THEY
SUPPORT THE INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS
Robert L Bull Ph.D.
FBI Laboratory, 2501 Investigation Pkwy, Quantico Virginia 22134
Chemical and biological forensics are relatively new to the forensic laboratory. The goal of forensics
is to provide scientific data to support the investigative process. As a field, chemical and biological
forensics has matured from the definitive identification of evidence to uncovering other information
about the sample that will support the investigative process; fingerprints, trace evidence, documents,
inks, firearms, and computer exams can provide indispensable investigative value. In the situations
involving a chemical agent the precursors used and production methods employed can uncover minor
chemical signatures which are essential to the investigation. Similarly, whole genome sequencing of
biological agents can reveal degree of relatedness to reference biological materials, which may
associate evidence to a larger stockpile. Effective analysis of massive amounts of whole genome data
oftentimes requires high-capacity computing and bioinformatic agility. As with other forensic
methods, it is imperative that a statistical confidence be applied to these types of examinations so that
valuable observations are appropriately weighted while being separated from insignificant
coincidence. By relying on complementary disciplines such as public health, chemical
manufacturing, epidemiology, chemical and biological forensics have made significant progress in
solidifying technical capabilities while managing statistical reliability.
20
Emerging Threats and Risks
ADOPTION OF WEAPON TECHNOLOGY BY TERRORISTS AND ITS POTENTIAL
IMPACT OF FUTURE CBW THREATS
Dr. James Revill
The Harvard Sussex Program, SPRU, University of Sussex, UK
A number of factors can be identified as influencing the adoption of chemical or biological weapons
related technology by terrorist groups. Such factors in include the complexity, compatibility, utility and
visibility of such weapons in relation to the individual or group in focus. The presentation will begin
with a short outline of validated historical examples of terrorist adoption of CBW technology to
illustrate the significance of such factors but also to highlight the relatively small number of real events
compared with the number of hoaxes and non-events. The presentation will proceed to address how the
evolving scientific and security context can be seen as affecting the potential impact of future CBW
threats from terrorists; drawing attention to factors such as the partial erosion of tacit knowledge, the
rise of digital sources of information and online "propaganda by the deed", and the role of chemical
weapons use in Syria in promoting chemical warfare and potentially corroding the norm against the
adoption and use of toxicity as a weapon.
21
Emerging Threats and Risks
NON-STATE CBW ADVERSARIES: UNDERSTANDING AND ADDRESSING THE
THREAT
Gary A. Ackerman, PhD
National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) University of
Maryland 8400 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 250 College Park, Maryland, 20742 United States of America
Modern technologies- ranging from synthetic biology to so-called '3D printing' - are developing
rapidly, with new technologies and discoveries making it ever easier to manipulate biology and
chemistry for good and for ill. Capabilities to make new weapons may increase as technologies and
information become more accessible for individuals with less training. For example, in recent years,
path-breaking advances in synthetic biology have enabled the diffusion and consumerization of
methods that once required sophisticated technical ability. Similarly, the advent of chemical micro
reactors has vastly simplified the synthesis of a variety of chemicals. This is expected to have a
particularly large impact on the capabilities of violent non-state actors such as terrorists to effectively
utilize chemical or biological weapons (CBW), something that has raised significant concern in some
international security circles.
On closer examination, however, at least two questionable assumptions are implicit in much of the
concern about future chemical and biological terrorism. The first assumption is that, as technological
advances applicable in the domain of chemical and biological agent production and delivery emerge,
terrorists will necessarily become aware of their potential for new means of causing harm with CBW;
second, that terrorists and other non-state actors will necessarily seek to employ these developments
to gain more destructive CBW capabilities. This presentation will question these assumptions and
examine the key element of adversary motivations to pursue CBW. What are the basic incentives and
disincentives involved? Are these changing in light of technological advances or other factors? What
are the roles played by adversary adaptation and innovation? How rapidly might such changes occur?
In addition to discussing these questions, the presentation will also explore existing and novel
methodologies for assessing, detecting and addressing motivational and behavioral changes in CBW
pursuit and use by non-state actors.
22
Emerging Threats and Risks
ENHANCING BIOSECURITY AND PREVENTING MISUSE OF THE LIFE
SCIENCES IS STILL A CHALLENGE FOR THE EU AND THE BTWC
Roger Roffey
Swedish Defence Research Agency,
FOI Stockholm, Sweden
Since the terrorist attacks and the letters with anthrax in the US 2001, governments have seen the need to
strengthen security at laboratories that handle or store dangerous pathogens or toxins. Achieving
effective, comprehensive biosecurity to prevent unauthorized possession, loss, theft, misuse, diversion,
or intentional release of biological agents and toxins is a shared responsibility at the international level
since infectious diseases know no borders. How far has work come in the European Union (EU) to
strengthen biosecurity at facilities that handle and work with dangerous pathogens or toxins? Improving
biosecurity was one of the measures agreed in EU’s Action Plan for CBRN 2009 but so far only a few
EU Member States (MS) have introduced legislation that covers biosecurity.
One aspect that has been highlighted internationally is also how to assess the risks with Dual-Use
Research of Concern (DURC) in the life sciences and how far some EU MS and the US have come on
handling this issue. Another aspect is the risk due to so called Do-it-yourself biology (DiYBio) groups of
amateurs that are spreading world-wide working in unregulated laboratories without any oversight using
molecular biology techniques incl. synthetic biology.
Biosecurity in Europe
Recently terrorist attacks have taken place, within Europe, Copenhagen, Oslo, Paris and Brussels. The
threat of deliberate release of biological agents has recently been highlighted by officials: ‘The European
Union and its Member States must prepare for the possibility of a chemical or biological attack on their
territory by the self-styled 'Islamic State' in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS)’. 1In August 2014, a laptop owned
by a Tunisian fighting with ISIS in Syria was found to contain a document on how to develop bubonic
plague as a weapon”.2 A Moroccan ISIS terrorist cell was uncovered 2016 preparing biological attacks.3
Within the EU there are no directives that specifically address biosecurity, but there are aspects of
biosafety and biosecurity in directives developed to protect workers from being exposed to
microorganisms including the contained use of genetically modified microorganisms.4,5 Export control
of dangerous biological agents, toxins and dual-use products is regulated in the EU.6
1 Immenkamp, Beatrix (2015) ‘ISIL/Da'esh and non-conventional weapons of terror’, Briefing, December, EPRS, European
Parliamentary Research Service, European Parliament, PE 572.806.
2 Doornbos, Harald and Jenan Moussa (2014) ‘Found: The Islamic States terror laptop of doom’, Foreign Policy,
28 August.
3 Asharq Al-Awsat (2016) ‘Moroccan Security Services Uncover a Cell That Was Preparing Biological Attacks,
4 March.
4 Directive (2000/54/EC) ‘on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at
work’, 18 September; and Directive (90/219/EEC) ‘on the contained use of genetically modified
microorganisms’, 23 April.
5 EU (2008) ‘European Union legislation and recommendations related to biosafety and Biosecurity’, Submitted by Germany on
behalf of the European Union, BWC/MSP/2008/MX/WP.13, 12 August 2008.
6 Council of the European Union (2014) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 1382/2014 of 22 October,
‘setting up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items’
23
Emerging Threats and Risks
The EU agreed on an ambitious action plan for protection against CBRN in 2009 comprising a total of
124 measures, including biosecurity, to be implemented by 2015.7,8 A special task force composed of
some five states was established to further develop biosecurity measures and produce a report.9 The task
force has continued its work in the form of the European Biosecurity Regulators Forum (EBRF).10 The
aim is to strengthen European biosecurity and improve the oversight of dual-use technologies. A review
has been carried out of the situation concerning biosecurity legislation in some European states, see
Table 1.
Table 1. Compilation of legislation on biosecurity in some European states
Sweden: Has no specific legislation on biosecurity.
Denmark: Has special biosecurity law, some types of activities require a license and both biological agents and
equipment of dual-use are covered by regulation. Responsible authority is Centre for Biosecurity and Bio
preparedness and the security at facilities are inspected.11
Netherlands: Has no specific legislation covering biosecurity but is considering to ad this. It has set up a special
unit Office for Biosecurity that carries out awareness raising activities. A database has been created with
information on the facilities that have listed microorganisms or toxins. An aid, Biosecurity Toolkit has been
designed to make it easier for facilities to assess their own biosecurity. A Code of Conduct for Biosecurity has
been developed.12,13,14
France: There are laws regulating biosecurity in laboratories and a system for the registration of facilities
handling and storing microorganisms and toxins on a list of dangerous pathogens and toxins. The system is
based on licenses for individuals.15 The responsible authority assesses the applicant skills and knowledge in the
area and the biosecurity measures at the facility. This authority also carries out inspections. It is required to
have a person responsible for biosecurity in laboratories.
UK: There is no specific legislation on biosecurity, but the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001, covers
pathogenic microorganisms and toxins including setting up requirements for laboratories and listing pathogens
and toxins. Working with such agents must be notified to an authority.16 Laboratories have a biosafety officer,
who also knows the relevant part of the anti-terror law. Details of the listed pathogens or toxins and biosecurity
precautions are to be reported to the police, which conducts annual site visits.
Germany: There is no specific legislation on biosecurity but several laws and regulations covers aspects of
biosafety and biosecurity. There is no designated authority or person in laboratories responsible for biosecurity.
The German term ‘Biosicherheit’ includes both ‘biosafety’ and ‘biosecurity’. Access control at facilities that
work with listed microorganisms. There are several examples of codes of ethics.
Switzerland: Has no specific legislation on biosecurity. However, there are other laws and regulations regarding
biosafety which are said to include some biosecurity aspects. Deficiencies in legislation on biosecurity are to be
addressed. There is no national list of agents. There is a "biosecurity platform" for sharing information.
One aspect that has been highlighted internationally is how to assess dual-use research of concern in
the life sciences and a review for some European states is summarized in Table 2.
Biosecurity in the USA
The concept of biosecurity has long been emphasized in the United States (U.S.). The National
Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) has published draft codes of ethics, risks
7 European Commission (2012) Progress Report on the Implementation of the EU CBRN Action Plan, May.
8 European Commission (2014) ‘on a new EU approach to the detection and mitigation of CBRN-E risks’, Brussels, Doc.
COM (2014) 247 final, 5 May.
9 EU DG Home (2014) Guidelines for the Implementation of Action B2, EU CBRN Action Plan
10 Representatives from Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, United Kingdom and Germany.
11 Executive order 981 on biosecurity and CBB (2015) An efficient and practical approach to biosecurity, Center for biosecurity and
biopreparedness, Copenhagen.
12 Sijnessael, Petra C. C. et.al. (2014) ‘Novel Dutch self-assessment Biosecurity Toolkit to identify biorisk gaps
and enhance biorisk awareness’, Frontiers in Public Health, Vol. 2, Article 197. Pp. 1-5.
13 Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Science, A Code of Conduct for Biosecurity, Report.
14 The Netherlands Biosecurity Office (2015) ‘Information leaflet’, January.
15 The public health code (Article L.5139) describes the biosecurity measures that must be implemented in laboratories
possessing and handling Microorganisms and Toxins. A license is required to work with these.
16 Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 covers the security of Pathogens and Toxins.
24
Emerging Threats and Risks
Table 2. Oversight of dual-use research of concern in some European states
Sweden: There is no specific legislation in this area and only advisory bodies and ethics committees for
medically oriented research.
Denmark: Technologies and equipment are covered that can be used to develop or use biological weapons.
Technologies that are subject to control divided into three categories. There is an authority responsible for
monitoring including research projects. Companies and laboratories have to seek a license or guidance for work
on dual-use technologies.12
Netherlands: There is no specific legislation regulating the responsible and ethical research. There are ethical
codes developed to support researchers.13 The Biosecurity Office carries out awareness raising activities.
France: There is no specific legislation covering this area but a council has been set up to issue
recommendations on responsible research and on biosecurity.17
UK: There is no specific legislation covering this area but possibly it will be added to the anti-terror law in 2016.
All research is assessed by ethics committees also regarding dual-use technologies that can be abused.18,19,20
Germany: The Ethics Council has drafted a report on dual-use technologies and advocates the introduction of
legislation and a monitoring authority for DURC research. It proposed that the EU introduce similar
regulations.21,22 There are also codes of conduct.
Switzerland: There is no specific law but ethical codes for researchers has been developed.
with synthetic biology and guidelines for assessing risks with DURC.23,24,25,26 The recommendations
cover 15 biological agents (with high-risk), and toxins in combination with seven different
experiments. DURC is defined as:
Life sciences research that, based on current understanding, can be reasonably anticipated to provide
knowledge, information, products, or technologies that could be directly misapplied to pose a
significant threat with broad potential consequences to public health and safety, agricultural crops and
other plants, animals, the environment, materiel, or national security.27
Many states and biodefence programmes are now investing heavily in the field of synthetic biology,
biological engineering where new substances and organisms can be created that does not occur in
nature. In the U.S. the risk of abuse of synthetic biology pose a serious threat.28,29
Other areas of concern are so called Gain of function research on influenza virus,30 the new geneediting technique, (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats,
17 CNCB (2015) ‘Decree No. 2015-1095 relative to the Consultative National Council for Biosecurity (CNCB)’.
18 The UK has an awareness raising programme for academic.
19 All research must be considered by ethics committees and dual-use implications are considered.
20 The Royal Society (2004) Do No Harm: Reducing the Potential for the Misuse of Life Science Research.
21 The Ethics Council Act (EthRG, 2007) and the German Ethics Council.
22 Recommendations by the Ethic Council on Biosecurity, Freedom and Responsibility of Research are: appoint of a DURC
Commission, consult the DURC Commission prior to commencement of DURC, establish a procedure for evaluating the DURC
consultation procedure, extend the remit of biosafety officers to include the field of DURC, supplement the DURC consultation
procedure with an approval procedure to be conducted by a
Federal authority & elaborate a national biosecurity code of conduct for responsible research.
23 NSABB (2010) Addressing Biosecurity Concerns Related to Synthetic Biology, Washington D.C: U.S. National Science
Advisory Board for Biosecurity.
24 NSABB (2011) Strategies to Educate Amateur Biologists and Scientists in Non-life Science Disciplines About
Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences, Washington D.C., National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity.
25 DHHS (2013) National Institutes of Health, NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic
Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, November.
26 CRS (2013) Publishing Scientific Papers with Potential Security Risks: Issues for Congress, Congressional
Research Service, Washington DC, 18 March.
27 U.S. Government (2014) Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern, 24
September and effective 25 September 2015.
28 Presidential Commission (2010) New Directions, The Ethics of Synthetic Biology and Emerging Technologies, Presidential
Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues (PCSBI), December, Washington, D.C.
29 DARPA (2013) ‘Living foundries’, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
30 Which goal may be to provide microorganisms new features that increase host specificity, increasing virulence,
transmissibility change and increasing antibiotic resistance of pathogenic microorganisms with pandemic potential of
influenza viruses.
25
Emerging Threats and Risks
Crispr/Cas9) which allows parts of the DNA can be traced and replaced more easily than before and
the potential risks with DIYBio spreading worldwide.31,32,33
The aims of international instruments such as: the World Health Organization (WHO), the Biological
Weapons and Toxins Convention (BTWC) and the United Nations Security Council Resolution
(UNSCR) 1540, highlight that enhanced biosecurity and biosafety are essential pillars of international
health security and elements of biological non-proliferation. To enhance biosecurity through outreach
activities is something that has been promoted in the BTWC framework and the EU is doing this for
example through its program for CBRN Centres of Excellence. The US has enhanced biosecurity at
laboratories among other in former Soviet republics through its former Cooperative Threat Reduction
program.34 Russia, however, accuses in its National Security Concept 2016, USA for supporting a
network of military biological laboratories on the territories of CIS countries that are adjacent to
Russia.35,36,37 This was followed by Russian government controlled media accusing the U.S. for
deliberately spreading diseases.38 It is unfortunate that these kinds of unfounded Cold War accusations
are again being spread lacking any evidence to substantiate the claims. This will not help to promote a
constructive atmosphere for the BTWC and it can be questioned why these accusations appear now.
Was it a response to U.S. State Departments Compliance Report 2015?39 The need for enhance
biosecurity and to prevent misuse of the life sciences are important issues for the upcoming 8th
Review conference for the BTWC in November 2016.
Discussion
It is essential that European states review their legislation to see that biosecurity aspects are covered or
how this can be achieved. It is surprising that many European states still lack legislation on biosecurity
but there are examples that can be models. Following the U.S. debate on DURC the EU and its MS’
need to discuss and develop common recommendations for how oversight can be achieved to prevent
misuse of research and is the U.S. approach adequate? One forum to further promote a discussion and
promote global recommendations on these issues is the 8th Review Conference for the BTWC in
November 2016.
31 U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy (2014) Doing Diligence to Assess the Risks and Benefits of Life
Sciences Gain-of-Function Research, 17 October.
32 NSABB (2015) Framework for Conducting Risk and Benefit Assessments of Gain-of-Function Research,
Recommendations of the, National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, May 2015.
33 Akbari, O.S., Bellen H.J., Bier E., et al. (2015) ‘Biosafety. Safeguarding gene drive experiments in the
laboratory’, Science Aug 28; 349(6251):927-929.
34 U.S. Embassy of the United States to Georgia (2015) ‘U.S. Director of Cooperative Threat Reduction
Directorate commends Georgia’s progress in public health program’, 29 April.
35 Sputnik (2015) ‘US Bio Weapons at Russia's Doorstep?’ 14 August.
36 Security Assistance Monitor (2013) ‘DOD Funded Lab in Georgia Ruffling Feathers in Russia’, 18 October,
https://securityassistancemonitor.wordpress.com/2013/10/18/dod-funded-lab-in-georgia-ruffling-feathers-in- russia/ (Assessed
2016-03-20).
37 Russia’s national security strategy 2016, the President signed an Executive Order to approve the updated
Russian Federation National Security Strategy, December 31, 2015 (in Russian).
http://static.kremlin.ru/media/events/files/ru/l8iXkR8XLAtxeilX7JK3XXy6Y0AsHD5v.pdf (Assessed 2016-0320).
38 Kamens, Henry (2014) ‘Georgia: Vanishing Bio-Weapons Lab in Tbilisi’, 15 February, New Eastern Outlook.
39 U.S. Department of State (2015) ‘2015 Report on Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control,
Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments’, 5 June.
26
Emerging Threats and Risks
THE ISLAMIC STATE IN IRAQ AND SYRIA: AN EMERGING CBW-THREAT?
Anne Stenersen
Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, FFI
The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is today one of the most potent terrorist threats to the West.
ISIS has a proven capability to inspire and organise terrorist attacks against Western countries, thanks in
part to the many European foreign fighters who have joined the group in recent years. So far, ISISinspired terrorism in Europe has been conventional in nature. However, ISIS have experimented with
unconventional weapons locally, and has reportedly had Iraqi chemical weapons experts among their
members. What do we know about the CBW-intentions and capabilities of ISIS today, and what are the
implications of the rise of ISIS for the CBW-threat to Europe?
27
Emerging Threats and Risks
JIHADIST ONLINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITIES AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
FOR CBW-THREATS
Magnus Normark
Senior analyst, Swedish Defence Research Agency – FOI
No single technology development in society has contributed more to jihadist groups’ capacity building
and operations than the Internet as a tool for communication. The increasing volume of online jihadist
material, distributed through multilinguistic media channels to an ever present crowd of sympathizers on
a global scale has significantly changed the calculus behind terrorist groups’ internet activities. Online
jihadist media campaigns has come into the fore front to spread ideological narratives, recruit new
members, fundraising, distribute and collect knowledge of operational relevance, propagate for attacks
and to leverage the impact of its operations.
This presentation will provide a perspective on the current jihadist activities on the internet with
relevance to chemical and biological terrorism and explore the potential development of online jihadism
and its implications for CBW related threats. Based on four years of monitoring jihadist CBRN-related
activities on the internet and social media it is obvious that CBRN-materials still has not become part of
jihadist terrorists’ primary operative toolkit. The scope of CBRN-related discussions and statements are
fairly limited in relation to other topics within the jihadist media campaigns. However the character of
jihadist online activities have changed over the last years both in terms of quality and impact, making
this a potentially increasing challenge from a CBW-perspective in the future.
28
Physical Protection
GARMENT DESIGN AND MATERIAL USAGE IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Stephanie M. Tew
Battelle, 313 Speen St., Natick, MA 01760
The primary research problem for Chemical Biological (CB) protective suits is the high thermal
burden associated with protective materials. Generally speaking, due to the complexities of garment
design and system integration, improvements made on a material level to lessen thermal burden and
increase protection are often not realized on the system level. The difficulty in translating material
gains to system level gains stresses the importance of garment design and material choice and
placement in CB protective clothing.
On a system level, Sweating Thermal Manikin, Aerosol System Test and the Man-In-Simulant Test
results describe how well a garment is performing at the system level but fall short of providing
feedback that can be show how a garment should be designed on a component level and what
materials should be used. By using regional values from the Sweating Thermal Manikin and novel
aerosol component level testing, it has been possible to more thoroughly evaluate specific garment
features and material usage on a local level in order to understand how to optimize between thermal
burden and protection, depending on the targeted mission scenario.
In order to translate increased protection on a swatch level to increased protection on a system level,
novel closures and interfaces were designed and implemented in several garments with materials
specifically chosen to increase the effectiveness of the closure. Similarly, novel garment designs
relying on purposeful material placement have been shown to reduce thermal burden not only on a
swatch level, but on a system level. This work will discuss how the swatch, system and component
level testing has been used to influence garment design and material usage to optimize between
reduced thermal burden and increased protection.
29
Physical Protection
SWITCHPROTECT: A CONCEPT OF SWITCHING BETWEEN PERMEABLE AND
IMPERMEABLE: A NUMERICAL EVALUATION OF PROTECTION AND
THERMAL BURDEN
Bogerd CP, Alkema DPW, Wypkema AW, Strobl F & Böhringer B
TNO CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, The Netherlands and Blücher, Erkrath, Germany
Armed forces equip their soldiers with special personal protective clothing (PPC) in case of a scenario
involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) agents. The protection requirements for
these CBRN PPC’s focus mainly on chemical and biological agents in gas/vapour, aerosol, and liquid
states. The highest level of protection is offered by an impermeable suit fully encapsulating the user.
However, these suits strongly reduce heat and mass transfer and thereby substantially increase thermal
burden on the user. Most permeable CBRN PPC systems offer substantially higher levels of thermal
burden compared to a standard (none-protective) battle dress uniform, although there are exceptions,
e.g., Blücher’s light CBRN suit.
The European Defence Agency (EDA) sponsors the SwitchProtect project aiming at developing a PPC
system that can switch from a permeable (low thermal burden) state to an impermeable (high
protection) state. At this early state of the projects no fully functional physical prototypes exists yet,
therefore, the first phase of this project focused on understanding the protective performance of the
impermeable state as well as the thermal burden of the permeable state. This is pursued through (i) the
development of two numerical models one for the protection and one for the thermal burden, (ii)
defining, and if possible, measuring of the boundary conditions, and (iii) simulations.
The models were successfully created and where possible, the models were validated. The results from
simulations indicate that the SwitchProtect concept uniquely combines optional protection with a
minimum effect on thermal burden. Moreover, the protection time in case of sarin and sulfur mustard
was derived for an asymmetric challenge concentration (NATO AEP-72) using dermal toxic threshold
from the NATO AEP-52. The protection times derived allowed sufficient time for the user to move to a
safe area, even for the highly dermally toxic sulfur mustard. The simulations regarding thermal burden
were carried out for all warm NATO climates (NATO AECTP-200) with soldier virtually carrying out a
strenuous task (500 W, NATO ATP-65). The thermal burden simulations indicates a thermal burden
close to that of a standard battle dress uniform for the SwitchProtect concept in permeable state. In
addition, the thermal burden was considerably lower compared to an impermeable suit. Future work
will focus on creating a physical prototype.
30
Physical Protection
EFFECT OF LAMINATION ON THERMAL BURDEN AND
CHEMICAL PROTECTION
Natalie Pomerantz, Nicholas Dugan, Molly Clay, Stephanie Tew, Claudette Sousa
US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center 15 General Greene Ave
Natick, MA 01760
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency's (DTRA) Integrated Protective Fabric System (IPFS)
program was a multi-year project with objectives to develop, demonstrate, and ultimately transition
material technologies and design concepts that provide improved protection and thermal comfort to
the Warfighter for next generation protective ensembles. Results and lessons learned from IPFS
generated two key questions regarding thermal performance and chemical protection: the effect of
fabric lamination and aerosol liner addition. A part of the continuation of that work, DTRA's
Chemical and Biological Lightweight Improved Thermal Ensemble (CB LITE) program involves
answering these key questions through thermal performance evaluation, and aerosol, liquid, and
vapor protection.
Cover fabric and activated carbon liner samples were purchased from multiple vendors. Fabric
system laminates of a cover fabric and an activated carbon liner were then produced utilizing cover
fabrics both with and without an aerosol liner.
Thermal performance was evaluated using a Guarded Hot Plate (GHP), which measures thermal
resistance of a fabric sample, and a Dynamic Moisture Permeation Cell (DMPC), which measures
water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and air permeation. Current GHP results show general
decreases in thermal resistance with the application of an aerosol laminate, with fabric lamination,
and with both. Lamination and aerosol liner addition eliminate air gaps between layers, and due to
the pressures associated with each process, the materials are pressed, further removing air pockets
and increasing the density of the fabric; both of these serve to increase thermal conduction through
the material composite. DMPC results exhibited little change in water vapor transport rate between
laminated, unlaminated, and aerosol lined samples. As expected, air permeation values dropped
significantly with an aerosol liner, while they also decreased slightly with lamination.
For chemical testing, Aerosol Vapor Liquid Assessment Group (AVLAG) permeation analysis was
carried out on swatch level samples, with varying challenge levels of HD and GD; while Low
Volatility Agent Permeation (LVAP) was carried out with discrete challenge levels of VX. Current
AVLAG results exhibit a slight increase in agent permeation on laminated samples, and a slight
decrease in permeation with aerosol lined samples.
Aerosol protection will be discussed after permeation analysis using an Aerosol Filtration
Efficiency Testing (AFET) apparatus, which challenges swatch samples with a monodisperse size
distribution salt or oil at a 0.05-0.8)lm particle size range.
31
Physical Protection
ADVANTAGES OF SUPER REPELLENT COATINGS TO CHEMICAL/
BIOLOGICAL PROTECTIVE SUITS AND REMAINING CHALLENGES
Natalie Pomerantz, Molly Clay, Nick Dugan, Jason Gaffga, Bruce McVeety, Ed Soja, Gary Stickel
US Army NSRDEC, 10 General Greene Ave, Natick, MA 01760 USA
Super repellent coatings have been shown to provide increased water and oil repellency to numerous
military fabrics with clear benefits of reduced laundering and staining and the ability to stay dry
when exposed to water and or POLs (petroleum, oils, lubricants) in the fields. However, the benefit
to CB protective garments was not as apparent since chemical warfare agent permeation was not
significantly affected by the coating.
However, recent evaluations performed specifically with low volatility agents have shown that super
repellent coatings significantly decrease the permeation through fabric composites. The increase in
protection correlates with the ability of the super repellent fabric to retain a sessile droplet for long
periods of time. Agents such as VX and other advanced threats have extremely low vapor pressures
such that retaining a sessile droplet on the fabric prevents the liquid from seeping through, thus
increasing protection in comparison to the fabric being wet by the agent, and the liquid agent able to
traverse through the composite.
Another advantage seen with super repellent coatings is the mitigation of agent permeation after
exposure to common POLs such as JP-8 (jet propellant). Exposing a fabric to JP-8 results in an
increase both in traditional and persistent agent permeation due to the wet fuel providing a conduit
through the fabric through which the agent will traverse and bypass the sorptive layer without being
absorbed. Super repellent coatings lessen the permeation following the contamination by JP-8 for all
agents, due to the ability to repel JP-8. The advantages of super repellent coatings to chemical
protective garments are demonstrated, and the remaining technical and manufacturing challenges will
be discussed.
32
Physical Protection
DEVELOPMENT OF REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SPECIAL APPLICATION CBRN
AS PART OF THE ISO RESPIRATORY PROTECTION STANDARD
Simon J. Smith
3M Canada Company,
1360 California Avenue, P.O. Box 665, Brockville, Ontario K6V 5V8, Canada.
Introduction
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) exists to facilitate the world-wide
coordination and unification of industrial standards. A Sub-Committee was formed under the
Technical Committee for Personal Protective Equipment to create a standard for respiratory protection
in 2002, and the complete document is expected to be published in 2019.
This respiratory protective device (RPD) standard will comprise four parts to cover supplied
breathable gas and filtering devices, a standardized connector and requirements for respiratory
protective devices for Chemical-Biological-Radiological-Nuclear (CBRN) and radiological- nuclear
(RN) requirements. A dedicated working group was formed in 2012 within the ISO committee
structure to define the specific performance requirements for CBRN and RN- products. The draft
specification in preparation is intended to incorporate the best current knowledge on human factors,
protection requirements, operational needs and compatibility with other operational equipment.
The ISO Organization and Document Development
ISO is an independent, non-governmental organization composed of members from the national
standards bodies from 161 countries. Objectives are determined by an annual General Assembly,
while a central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, coordinates routine operations. Standards
development work is organized through a series of technical committees, comprising representatives
with relevant expertise nominated by national standards bodies. Work is divided into sub-committees,
working groups, project and task groups appropriate to addressing the subject matter. Documents are
formulated by consensus.
ISO generates international standards covering all manner of subjects, and these standards may be
adopted for use as national standards. As an alternative, technical specifications may be prepared
when the subject matter in question is still under development or where there is the future but not
immediate possibility of an agreement to publish an International Standard.
Technical Specifications are subject to review by committee not later than three years after their
publication and may be elevated to become standards.
When complete, the work programme for development of the set of requirements for respiratory
protection will have generated over thirty documents – standards, specifications and technical reports
– covering equipment performance, classification, selection and use, human factors studies and test
methods.
Those sections covering RPD performance comprise purely requirements for which a device can
demonstrate conformity. ISO does not organize certification nor conduct approvals testing itself: the
respective standards and specifications are created for reference and use by product certification and
regulatory bodies in various domains world-wide.
The ISO Approach for Respiratory Protective Device Standards
Rather than follow a conventional method of formulating requirements to match established
equipment designs, the principal approach adopted in organization of this standard is the definition of
requirements to address human performance needs. Extensive study was undertaken during the
preliminary development stages to establish human performance requirements in terms of work rate
and oxygen demand. This resulted in the identification of seven activity levels, which for the purposes
of equipment design, have been grouped into four work rates. RPD are classified primarily according
33
Physical Protection
to the maximum work rate for which they are capable – this determines testing criteria and appropriate
device selection.
The approach for definition of performance requirements is consequently as minimally designprescriptive as possible. Instead of specifying requirements for different equipment types such as
filtering face-pieces or powered air purifying respirators, classification is based on the factors
important for protection of the wearer, including work rate, particulate filtering efficiency, gas/vapour
capacity and a protection level based on inward leakage. For selection purposes, the traditional
concept of an assigned protection factor based on equipment design is replaced by a factor based on
the demonstrated capability of the RPD.
For purposes of definition of requirements, the standard is divided into parts covering devices that
supply a breathable gas and those which filter available air. In each, there are comprehensive basic
requirements and a set of “special applications” for certain specific types of industry or functions,
which have enhanced evaluation methods over the basic requirements to reflect specific working
conditions. CBRN and RN are also special applications, but requirements are so different from the
basic needs that they are covered in a separate part of the document which will initially be issued as a
specification. Scope of CBRN and RN Requirements
The primary target user community for CBRN applications comprises first responders in the police,
fire service, emergency medical, primary health care (first receiver), search and rescue, sampling and
detection teams, and trained workers needed for specific roles during response such as for utility,
transportation and service continuity. Out of scope are military requirements (outside of CBRN first
responder roles), the general civilian population (except for escape RPD) and collective protection
systems.
There are three target communities for RN requirements: the general workplace for personnel
potentially exposed to radiological materials; responders to radiological release incidents and those
needing escape devices due to their work or proximity to potential incident sites. Nuclear radiation
protection as such is not in the scope of the CBRN/RN RPD working group, but there is liaison with
an existing ISO technical committee covering this subject.
Overview of Considerations for the ISO Special Application CBRN
The draft specification is still under development, and has to pass through several stages of review, so
only general directions can be stated at present and current proposals are subject to modification
before final issue of the specification.
Requirements are being developed in consultation with the responder user community as much as
possible. Primary considerations for performance criteria are to support the needs of the first
responders as strongly as possible by setting out device requirements which address:

Work rates and protection levels respecting foreseen hazards and operational needs

Permeation protection against aggressive gaseous and liquid chemical agents (G/H)

As minimal physiological burden as practicable, balancing protection and work rate needs

Straightforward decision making for in-field deployment and use

Device classifications covering First Receiver operations.
For filtering devices, the specification is targeting:

Specification of a wide range of contaminant removal capability

Enabling simple logistical choices for responder units, including the option of standardized
connections between system components and the opportunity for the same type of filters to be
used directly on face-pieces and on powered air devices.
34
Physical Protection
For CBRN responder applications, the current proposal is to provide RPD to for three classes of
usage. The highest level is for on-scene responders in unknown environments, where criteria match
those for hazardous materials firefighting with added permeation requirements for aggressive
chemical agents. A second classification covers systems for use at an incident site but where the
hazard and its level are better characterized – for use by personnel in roles such as decontamination or
transport. There is a further classification for first receivers working remotely from an incident site in
roles such as treatment of decontaminated casualties, where the goal is to provide protection with
minimal physiological burden.
The specification covers CBRN escape devices with a set of requirements which provide appropriate
broad-ranging protection for usage durations specified by the manufacturer, although a minimum
duration to allow for a decontamination cycle is mandated.
Overview of Considerations for the ISO Special Application RN
An expert sub-group has been formed with membership from various roles associated with nuclear
power operations, site decommissioning, research and testing laboratories. Although still open for
comment, an early conclusion is that nuclear applications do not impose any additional requirements
for supplied breathable gas RPD outside those already considered within ISO standards development,
so attention has been focused on filtering devices.
Standards for radiological-nuclear filters exist in a few countries though are not found under broadly
applicable domains such as European Norms or United States industrial requirements. ISO is
developing performance criteria for three applications: routine workplace use, emergency response
and escape purposes. Primary considerations are filtration efficiency for particulate matter and
removal of radioactive gases which may be encountered.
With respect to RPD for nuclear incident response: it is noted that for the Fukushima reactor
emergency, there was reliance on testing by manufacturers or expert laboratories at the time of the
incident to verify adequate capability of respiratory protection devices supplied. There are major
advantages in establishing agreed performance requirements outside of an emergency. With a known
level of RPD operational capability, planning for personnel and equipment deployment and associated
training can be undertaken, and appropriate stocks can be acquired, while manufacturers have the
opportunity to develop products matching internationally recognized performance criteria.
Conclusion
The result of the current working group activity will be the definition of performance criteria for
CBRN- and RN-capable respiratory protective devices and for escape systems for incorporation into
the ISO Respiratory Protective Device Standard as a technical specification. This will be available
world-wide to support the equipping of the responder community and nuclear industry with
respiratory protective devices having internationally recognized capabilities.
35
Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
THE SWISS PROTECTED CBRN RECONNAISSANCE VEHICLE
Daniel Wetter
Thales Suisse SA,Binzstrasse 18, 8045 Zurich, Switzerland
From 2007- 2015 Thales Suisse engineered and built a unique, highly protected all-in-one solution
to the CBRN threat of today’s world. As prime contractor, Thales delivered 12 protected CBRN
reconnaissance vehicles on the GDELS Piranha IIIC 8x8 platform to the Swiss Army. All 12
vehicles are currently in service. The Swiss NBC Recce Vehicle is the first reconnaissance vehicle
with mine and ballistic protection with integrated sensors and analysis equipment. The vehicle is
enabled to reliably discover and identify chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards
using one highly mobile platform. The Swiss CBRN Recce Vehicle redefines state-of-the-art in
CBRN reconnaissance.
The CBRN threats of today’s world are real and unfortunately appear in many parts of the world. Just
think of the chemical warfare used in Syria recently. As we all know, nuclear threats are not limited to
acts of war. What happened in Fukushima is the latest catastrophic example. When it comes to the
biological threat, just a few years ago there was a series of Anthrax contaminated letters sent to
government officials.
So how does the Swiss CBRN Reece Vehicle respond to these threats? The highly protected vehicle is
built to safely enter a possibly contaminated zone and clarify the answers to the following crucial
questions: 1) Is there some kind of contamination? 2) What is the contaminating agent? 3) What is the
level of contamination? Is there any variation to the levels of contamination in the area? In addition to
equipping its crew to answer these questions, the vehicle enables the crew to safely collect samples of
contamination for further study. These operative responses to CBRN threats sound simple enough, but
the technical capabilities, systems and integrated solutions necessary to enable these operations in an
all- in-one solution are highly complex.
Integration all begins with the platform. As a platform we use the Piranha 8 x 8 with enhanced
ballistic and mine protection. A crew of four operates the vehicle. In addition to the standard
overpressure system that protects the crew, the entire interior is uniquely designed to prevent the
impact of mines.
There is a lot of equipment in the Swiss CBRN Reece Vehicle that simply would be expected in any
CBRN Reece Vehicle, including a gas chromatograph and mass-spectroscope for chemical analysis,
chemical air and ground samplers, a double-wheel sampling system, a weather station, marker buoys
and gamma probes. However, additional equipment sets this vehicle apart, including the integrated
Alpha-Beta Particle Monitor, the remote- operated ground probe for alpha-beta- gamma radiation, the
automated biological aerosol detector and the biological aerosol collector and sample storage.
Additionally, an integrated refrigerator allows probe storage at the appropriate temperature.
The unique features of this vehicle do not stop there. A specially designed back-end provides ballistic
protection while sampling. The ground sampling mechanism is both double-handed for easy and safe
operation as well as integrative of special sampling tools. All the sensors are connected into a
centralized data management system, which allows Nato-standard data transmission.
With all these unique aspects of the Swiss CBRN Reece Vehicle, the reader may be wondering
who belonged to the team that created such a vehicle. Since Switzerland is a small country and
seeks exceptional solutions for its customers, it took an expanded carefully monitored teamoriented approach in the creation of the vehicle. Thales, as the prime and system integrator did
not only work with the vehicle manufacturer: General Dynamics - Mowag, but also had direct
access to the army personnel end-users. This enabled continuous optimization of the solutions
chosen. Armasuisse, the experts from Labor Spiez, as well as the experts from the NBC
competence center of the army supervised the entire process.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
FULLY INTEGRATED CBRN RECONNAISSANCE SYSTEMS
Dr. Bernhard Christoph Halstrup
Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH, Kassel, GERMANY
Today both military forces as well as civilian first responders are facing new and increasing
challenges. This is especially true for the asymmetric threat associated with CBRN attacks but also
valid for different ways of release. The use of appropriate mobile reconnaissance systems is still the
most effective way of coping with such threats.
Technological expertise in CBRN detection thus forms a key element in an effective CBRN defence
strategy. Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV), one of the world’s leading
manufacturers of high-mobility armoured CBRN reconnaissance systems, provides CBRN Defence
Forces and civilian first responders with reliable, long-term support in carrying out their highly
sophisticated missions.
The design and development of fully integrated CBRN Recce systems is a field of expertise that
RMMV has continuously expanded over the last decades. RMMV currently supports ten user nations
with several hundreds of fully integrated CBRN Reconnaissance systems or tailored ready-to-mount
CBRN recce kits.
A multi-level concept of military CBRN reconnaissance
Contemporary CBRN detection depends on a multilevel reconnaissance concept:
The first stage involves mere CBRN detection and warning by compact, portable, easy-to- operate
detection devices to be used by all kinds of armed forces. The second stage requires the deployment of
specialized NBC Defence Forces equipped with highly mobile armoured reconnaissance systems such
as the NBC-RS FUCHS that are capable of determining the specific CBRN threat based on specific
results. Sophisticated laboratory analysis capabilities form the next stage of reconnaissance, e.g. the
mobile CBRN field laboratory. The fourth stage involves the combination of the data gathered at the
previous levels and to integrate them into an overall battlefield management system. The integrated data
will be presented in the appropriate way to the various forces in the field such that all the units get the
necessary information when they need it.
High-mobility armoured CBRN reconnaissance systems: NBC-RS Fuchs, BIO-RS Fuchs and
SURVIVOR R CBRN
Numerous armoured CBRN reconnaissance systems from Rheinmetall have been deployed around
the world. Besides the German Bundeswehr, the NBC corps of the United States, the Netherlands,
the United Kingdom, Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and most recently the
State of Kuwait have all placed their trust in the NBC reconnaissance version of the tried-and-tested
Fuchs/Fox armoured carrier vehicle.
37
Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
Every variant of these armoured reconnaissance systems is equally capable of detecting
nuclear, chemical and if required also biological warfare agents and other contaminants
quickly and reliably – whether in the air or on the ground. Thanks to their excellent off-road
mobility, these systems operate even in extremely difficult terrain.
FUCHS 2 NBC-RS
Improved ABC-Spürpanzer FUCHS
Customers requiring other carrier vehicles may consider the new Survivor R CBRN. The
system offers various levels of CBRN Recce capability ranging from very basic detection up
to full analytical performance. Armies equipped with the FUCHS BIO-RS are able to detect
and verify the presence of biological (warfare) agents and contaminants on the battlefield.
Integrated, hermetically sealed analysis chambers inside the vehicle (glove boxes) enable the
crew to carry out genetic and immunological tests on location by analysing samples taken
from air, soil or water.
SURVIVOR R CBRN
FUCHS 2 BIO-RS
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
Light CBRN Recce systems
Lightweight CBRN detection systems from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH al- low fast
and reliable detection of radiological, chemical and (as an option) biological contaminants. The
equipment is installed into a standard off-the-shelf vehicle providing its own power supply. These
systems enable the crew to detect and evaluate the presence of CBRN contaminations, including
coordinates and times. Computer operation via display and control software allows the transmission
of data via e.g. the GSM network.
LIGHT CBRN Recce System (for first responders)
Mobile reconnaissance systems for identification of biological warfare agents (BWA)
Tailored to specific user requirements, the bio reconnaissance systems assure the quick and reliable
identification of all relevant types of biological (warfare) agents from air, ground and water. The
systems consist of a customer-specific platform as well as interchangeable bodies for housing the
fully integrated identification equipment. These systems, whose analytical performance spectrum at
least equates to the FUCHS BIO-RS, thus significantly expand Rheinmetall’s family of mobile bio
reconnaissance systems.
Integrated System for Identification of BWA
39
Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
Mobile CBRN field laboratories
RMMV has designed and produced mobile CBRN field laboratories for a number of European
user nations. Such labs enable comprehensive identification and verification of whichever nuclear,
chemical or biological contamination. The use of standard containers assures swift transportation
by plane, ship, rail or truck to worldwide areas of operation.
A CBRN field laboratory normally encompasses three main units:
A radiation and hazardous materials detection unit, that identifies and quantifies all types of radiation
like e.g. alpha, beta and gamma radiation, neutrons, as well as radioactive isotopes of e.g. uranium
and plutonium.
Identifying weaponized biological agents and similar contaminants is the mission of the mobile
laboratory’s Biology unit. State-of-the-art immunological and genetic technologies (e.g. PCR) are
used to quickly detect the release of infectious materials like bacteria, spores, vi- ruses and toxins.
In addition to identifying chemical warfare agents, the mobile laboratory Chemistry unit is
responsible for all chemical analysis work. It can identify chemical warfare agents, organic
pollutants, heavy metals, toxic industrial chemicals, and the like.
Deployable CBRN laboratory
Active around the globe, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH as a supplier of logistical and
tactical military vehicles covers the full range of protected and non-protected wheeled vehicles,
including integrated system technology for comprehensive CBRN Defence.
For further information, please contact:
 bernhard.halstrup@rheinmetall.com
 thomas.pfister@rheinmetall.com
40
Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
HOW CHEMICAL AGENT DISCLOSURE SPRAY IS REVOLUTIONIZING THE
TRADITIONAL WAY OF CHEMICAL AGENT DECONTAMINATION
Dr. Markus Erbeldinger
FLIR Systems, 2240 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, USA
This talk will show how the revolutionary Fido® C2 chemical agent disclosure spray improves the
responder tool kit by offering greater sensitivity than existing sensors and reducing decontamination
costs up to 5-fold. Fido C2 is the key component of the Contamination Indicator Decontamination
Assurance System (CIDAS) an US acquisition program in excess of 50 Million US$. CIDAS itself
is part of the US Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO CBD)
Decontamination Family of Systems (DFoS) program.
Fido C2 is a sprayable, water-based formulation that uses enzymes to detect the exact location of
specific chemical agents at trace level on surfaces by changing color. It utilizes select enzymes, which
are inhibited by chemical agents to drive the spray chemistry. One of the key aspects of enzyme-based
sensing technologies is the fact that the catalytic enzyme reaction is extremely fast. Thousands of
reactions can occur per second depending on the enzyme/substrate combination and concentration
utilized allowing for a very powerful amplification effect. Only a few target molecules from the
environment are needed to shut down the reactions thereby triggering detection. Because of this
amplification effect, the enzyme-based sensing spray Fido C2 is extremely sensitive. Fido C2 is
available in formulations that specifically detect Nerve Agents (G- & V-series) or sulfur mustard
(HD). This system is the most sensitive point detection technology on the market, and is intended to
provide improved mapping of chemical agent contamination for sensitive site exploitation missions
and personnel I equipment decontamination. Fido C2 reacts directly on surfaces to disclose trace
contact hazards within 5 minutes, and revolutionizes the traditional way of decontamination by
making the invisible threat visible. This provides significant savings in time and money (around three
to five fold) for decontamination by enabling the user to locate contamination and focus
decontaminant application. In addition, Fido C2 can be used to visualize contamination hot spots on
surfaces to provide a map for decontamination or to identify the perimeter of a hot zone.
This talk will also discuss the CIDAS program, a US $50+ Million US program which utilizes
the Fido C2 disclosure spray for decontamination of chemical agents.
Keywords: chemical agent, detection, decontamination, enzyme, CIDAS
41
Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
A NEW CAPABILITY FOR RAPID HAZARDOUS MATERIALS DETECTION
WITHIN SEALED CONTAINERS
Dr Robert Stokes
Cobalt Light Systems Ltd. 174 Brook Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX144SD
robert.stokes@cobaltlight.com
Raman spectroscopy allows the acquisition of
molecularly specific signatures of pure
compounds and mixtures making it a popular
method for material identification applications. In
CBRNE, security and counter terrorism
applications, conventional handheld Raman
systems are typically limited to operation by lineof-sight or through relatively transparent plastic
bags / clear glass vials. If materials are concealed
behind thicker, coloured or opaque barriers it can
be necessary to open and take a sample. In
hazardous material response scenarios, opening or
disturbing containers significantly reduces operational efficiency and can increase risk to the operator
and, in some cases, the public.
Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) is a novel variant of Raman spectroscopy whereby
multiple measurements at differing positions are used to separate the spectrum arising from the sub
layers of a sample from the spectrum at the surface. Crucially this method requires no prior knowledge
of the surface layer. For the first time, a handheld system based on SORS has been developed and
applied to hazardous materials identification. Several technical challenges have been overcome in this
developed, including the ability to operate in unpredictable ambient light conditions. The system Resolve - enables new capabilities in the rapid identification of materials concealed by a wide variety
of non-metallic sealed containers such as; coloured and opaque plastics, paper, card, sacks, fabric and
glass. The range of potential target materials includes toxic industrial chemicals, explosives, narcotics,
chemical warfare agents and biological materials.
Resolve has the potential to improve the safety, efficiency and critical decision making in incident
management, search operations, policing and ports and border operations. The operator is able to
obtain a positive identification of a potentially hazardous material without opening or disturbing the
container - to gain access to take a sample - thus improving safety. The technique is fast and simple
thus suit and breathing gear time is used more efficiently. Furthermore, in some cases, Resolve allows
Raman to be deployed at an earlier stage in an event before more intrusive techniques are used.
Evidential information is preserved and the chain of custody protected. Examples of detection
capability for a number of materials and barrier types will be presented and discussed.
42
Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
FIELD BASED MULTIPLEX DETECTION OF BIOTHREAT AGENTS
Christopher Pöhlmann, Thomas Elßner
Bruker Daltonik GmbH, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
CBRN emergency involving biothreat agents can occur as a result of a natural catastrophe, the
localized or worldwide outbreak of an infectious agent, warfare, or acts of terrorism. Early detection
and rapid identification of terrorist, aggressor and state actor released bioagents are critical to
minimize casualties and effect a timely and efficient response and containment. Here, we present the
electrochemical detection platform pBDi (portable BioDetector integrated) for universal identification
of up to six biothreat agents in parallel including inherent positive and negative controls. Created for
first responders and military personal, the pBDi is easily operated while working in protective
equipment under extreme conditions. The detection platform applies electrochemical biochip
technology in combination with multiplex sandwich immunoassay based detection of biothreat agents
such as proteotoxins, bacterial pathogens as well as viruses within approx. 20 minutes. The whole
identification process and the subsequent data analysis are fully automated and controlled by software.
Limits of detection for proteotoxins and bacterial agents are in the pg/mL to low ng/mL range or down
to 1,000 colony forming units per mL, respectively.
INTRODUCTION
Recent bioterrorist events, such as the anthrax letters in 2001 or the ricin letters in 2003/2004 and
2013, demonstrate the need to immediately detect and identify biothreat agents. Accidental release of
pathogenic agents or natural outbreaks might also occur. Bacteria like Bacillus anthracis, viruses like
Variola major and proteotoxins such as botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) are considered as potential
biological warfare agent (BWAs) [1]. Rapid and reliable detection of biothreat agents is of utmost
importance not only to confirm that a bioterrorism event has occurred, but also to initiate appropriate
organizational as well as medical countermeasures. Beside sensitivity and specificity, the various
natures of possible biothreat agents are a challenge for on-site detection platforms. In general, nucleic
acid based detection platforms offer higher sensitivity than antibody based detection technologies.
However, PCR requires a clean sample and, therefore, elaborate sample preparation steps prior to
analysis. Furthermore, PCR is unable to detect proteinaceous toxins such as ricin or BoNTs. Hence,
immunoassay based detection systems offer a technology for universal detection of bacteria, viruses as
well as toxins. Electrochemical transduction of binding events is an alternative for commonly used
optical detection. Remarkable advantages of electrochemical biosensing are the high sensitivity,
simple operation, and the possibility of being used in portable instruments for on-site testing [2].
THE pBDi SYSTEM
The pBDi (portable BioDetector integrated) is a portable detection platform for rapid and sensitive onsite identification of biothreat agents (Figure 1). Developed for use by non- scientific personnel, the
pBDi is easily operated, even while working in protective equipment under extreme conditions. Fully
portable and operating from internal batteries, pBDi can be used in the hot zone. Equally pBDi can be
integrated with various mobile platform solutions, where it can be powered from an external supply.
The pBDi offers new features such as integration with a mobile suitcase, battery operation, Bluetooth
connection to a ruggedized tablet PC and assays for bacteria, viruses and toxins identification.
The pBDi employs a sensitive electrochemical biochip technology for multiplex ELISA (enzymelinked immunosorbent assay)-based detection of biothreat agents. Capture antibodies immobilized on
gold electrodes facilitate the specific binding of corresponding biothreat agents. Detection of bound
biothreat agents is realized by application of a detector-antibody- enzyme conjugate and measurement
43
Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
of the electrical current of an enzymatic redox reaction. The detection event is strongly amplified in
this system and allows very sensitive biothreat agent in approx. 20 minutes. First, the high turnover of
enzymatic reaction contributes to the signal amplification and second, a redox cycling procedure built
into the experimental procedure, provides a second signal amplification [3].
Figure 1: The pBDi system. (A) pBDi system including reagents and sample holder with ruggedized
tablet PC. (B) Principle of biothreat agent detection using electrochemical ELISA technology.
WORKFLOW
The straightforward analysis starts with the sample preparation of a liquid or solid sample using a
dedicated Sample Preparation Kit. The pBDi can detect biological threat agents in both environmental
samples as well as in complex food matrices. All buffers and consumables necessary for sample
preparation are included in the Sample Preparation Kit. After resuspension of the lyophilized reagents
using assay buffer the pBDi performs automated and specific detection of biological threat agents
within approx. 20 minutes (approx. 3-5 minutes sample preparation and 20 minutes analysis time).
The results of the assay are displayed in the corresponding control software using a traffic light-based
colour code. The user monitors and controls the start-up and shut down of the device as well as the
selection and the progress of methods via pBDi Control software. The results of the assay methods
are displayed in pBDi Control using a traffic light-based colour code. Detailed results as well as a
graph view of measured current-vs-time signals can be displayed in pBDi View offering various data
analysis tools.
ASSAY PANELS
Three different biochip panels detecting each up to six biothreat agents in parallel including inherent
positive and negative control electrodes are available (Table 1). Furthermore, biochips for sitespecific immobilization of customer antibodies are available.
44
Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
Table 1: Available biochip panels for pBDi system.
Biothreat Assay
Bacillus anthracis
Yersinia pestis
Francisella tularensis
Brucella spp.
Burkholderia mallei
Orthopox viruses
Toxin Assay I
Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B
BoNT/A
BoNT/B
BoNT/F
Ricin
Toxin Assay II
Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A
BoNT/C
BoNT/D
BoNT/E
Abrin
-1
-1
Limits of detection for proteotoxins and bacterial agents are in the pg mL to low ng mL range or in
-1
the range of 1,000 to 100,000 colony forming units per mL (CFU mL ), respectively. For orthopox
4
-1
virus detection a LOD of approximately 10 plaque forming units per mL (PFU mL ) using Vaccinia
virus as antigen was observed. Beside sensitivity, specificity is an important parameter for on-site
detection of BWAs. An attractive feature of biochips is the possibility of parallel determination of
several analytes on a single chip. pBDi system can detect up to 6 biothreat agents (duplicate
determination) in parallel including inherent positive and negative control testing. Prerequisite for
such a multiplexing is the lack of cross interference between analytes and non-corresponding
antibodies. Application of different concentrations of BoNT/A, BoNT/B, BoNT/F, SEB and ricin
showed only specific signals for the corresponding toxin (Figure 2 A), whereas negative control
electrodes or electrodes immobilized with non-analyte specific antibodies showed no signal.
Analogously, application of B. anthracis spores, Y. pestis, F. tularensis, B. melitensis, B. mallei or
Vaccinia virus results in specific detection of the respective biothreat agents (Figure 2 B).
DETECTION OF BIOTHREATS AGENTS IN COMPLEX MATRICES
Efficient sample preparation, i.e. isolation of pathogens and toxins from complex samples, is crucial
for the subsequent precise detection of analytes. The extent of sample preparation effort is depending
on the analytical method applied. An advantage of immunoassay based detection methods is that less
sample preparation is often needed prior to analysis compared to other techniques due to the fact that
surface antigens were detected and no sophisticated extraction and purification steps has to be
performed. Biological threat agent detection using the pBDi system has been successfully
demonstrated in air samples, soil, dust, organic fertilizer, kaolin, and bentonite as well as in food
samples such as honey, meat extract, baking powder, jelly powder, cacao powder, milk, apple juice,
®
mineral water or Coke (Figure 3).
Figure 2: Specificity of toxin detection (A) or bacteria and virus detection (B), respectively. (A) 2.5 -100 ng mL1 toxins were applied and detected with the pBDi and the Toxin Assay I. (B) 105 – 107 CFU mL-1 bacteria or
106PFU mL-1 Vaccinia virus were applied and detected using pBDi and Biothreat Assay.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
Figure 3: Fig. 3 (A) Detection of 10 ng mL-1 ricin in different sample matrices. (B) Detection of 5x105 CFU mL1
F. tularensis in various sample matrice
In course of a proficiency test on ricin organized in the framework of the EU-project EQuATox also
the electrical biochip sensor technology was used by two laboratories. Eight of nine unknown
samples (including organic fertilizer, semi-skimmed milk, and extract of minced meat) were
correctly identified by the instrument [4]. Furthermore, in course of the GEFREASE project
(BMBF/ANR funded project) fire brigades and police from Germany and France tested successfully
the pBDi platform wearing personal protective equipment (Figure 4). 20 unknown samples
containing varying amounts of toxin or bacteria in buffer or various sample matrices, respectively,
were correctly identified.
Figure 4: End user test in course of GEFREASE project. pBDi operated with personal protective equipment by French and
German fire fighters.
REFERENCES
[1]
Mirski, T., Bartoszcze, M., Bielawska-Drózd, A., Cieślik, P., Michalski, A.J., Niemcewicz, M., Kocik, J.,
Chomiczewski, K. (2014) Review of methods used for identification of biothreat agents in environmental protection and
human health aspects. Ann Agric Environ Med. Vol. 21(2), pp. 224-234.
[2]
Ahmed, A., Rushworth, J.V., Hirst, N.A., Millner, P.A. (2014) Biosensors for whole-cell bacterial detection. Clin
Microbiol Rev. Vol. 27(3), pp. 631-646.
[3]
Hintsche, R., Elsholz, B., Piechotta, C., Wörl, R., Schabmueller, C.G.J., Albers, J., Dharuman, V., Nebling. E.,
Hanisch, A., Blohm, L., Hofmann, F., Holzapfl, B., Frey, A., Paulus, C., Schienle, M. and Thewes, R. (2005) In Palecek E,
Scheller F, Wang J (Ed.), Electrochemistry of nucleic acids and proteins, pp.247-277.
[4]
Worbs, S., Skiba, M., Bender, J., Zeleny, R., Schimmel, H., Luginbühl, W., Dorner, B.G. ( 2015) An International
Proficiency Test to Detect, Identify and Quantify Ricin in Complex Matrices. Toxins (Basel) Vol. 7(12), pp. 4987-5010.
46
Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
SPECTROSCOPIC SPECIES IDENTIFICATION OF BIOLOGICAL WARFARE
AGENTS
Andrew P. Bartko, Ph.D.
Battelle Memorial Institute
Governments throughout the world have a continuing goal of providing reliable equipment that will
effectively protect the war fighters and first responders against a range of harmful, and evolving,
chemical and biological (CB) threats in various operational environments. War fighters and first
responders need systems in place that reliably and simultaneously collect, detect, and identify
biological agents in a meaningful, actionable time frame; operate effectively in all intended
environments; and are affordable for implementation across a system's entire life cycle. Battelle's
work in the field of biological warfare detection has created the next generation autonomous
biological warfare detection and identification capability. A detailed description of the integrated
point detection capability will be discussed and results of several operational demonstrations will be
described.
The desire to detect and identify biological pathogens, microbes and viral materials can alter
decisions that have life and death consequences. At no time is this more important than when
dealing with biological warfare agents. Rapid yet accurate identification of these materials can
protect personnel from exposure, direct the therapeutics applied to the exposed, determine the
source of the pathogenic materials and augment the situational awareness of the war fighter.
Emerging technologies are poised to overcome the existing limitations of biological pathogen
identification, thus enabling decision makers and ultimately saving lives.
At the forefront of this advancing technology, Battelle has been applying Raman spectroscopic
techniques to rapidly detect and identify biological warfare agents and pathogens. Raman
spectroscopy has been used for a variety of materials identification applications but has not been
widely utilized for biological materials identification because of the intricacies of the measurement
and exquisite nature of the chemistry expressed in the biological material. Battelle has overcome
these limitations through the understanding the biological materials intricacies and complexity with
respect to the spectroscopic measurement method.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Detection
REAL TIME BIO-AEROSOL DETECTION FOR BUILDING PROTECTION
APPLICATIONS
Dr. Markus Erbeldinger
FLIR Systems, 2240 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, USA
This talk will describe a novel "tracer test" biological aerosol simulation developed by FLIR using the
FidoB2 (IBAC) bio-detector to safely test and validate building monitoring systems with releases of
fluorescent particles into operational environments. Bio-sensors integrated with a building's HVAC
system can not only function as a means to monitor routine security operations, but also provide
triggered, low regret HVAC responses to limit or potentially avoid contamination of a building from
either internally or externally released threats, without intervention of a system operator. The response
is similar to a smoke alarm algorithm where depending on the capability of the HVAC system, zones
can be preferentially vented or completely shut down. In side-by-side testing across multiple facilities,
this approach has shown to reduce the spread of biological particles by greater than 90%. Two
building protection case studies will be examined.
Keywords: biological agent detection, critical infrastructure protection, HVAC, Fido B2- IBAC bioaerosol detector
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Education and Training for CBRN Environments
UNSGM: BACKGROUND AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Fiona Simpson
United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
The Secretary-General's Mechanism (SGM) for investigation of alleged use of chemical, biological
and toxin weapons was developed in the late 1980s and established through UN General Assembly
resolution A/RES/42/37(C).
Triggered by a request from any Member State, the Secretary-General is authorized to launch an
investigation including dispatching a fact-finding team to the site(s) of the alleged incident(s) and
to report to all United Nations Member States. Such an investigation is intended to ascertain, in an
objective and scientific manner, the facts of alleged violations of the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which
bans the use of chemical and biological weapons, or other relevant rules of customary international
law. Prior to the 2013 UN Mission to Investigation Allegations of the Use of Chemical Weapons
in the Syrian Arab Republic, the SGM had last been activated in 1992.
The presentation will provide a summary of the development, structure and early use of the SGM, as
well as the work on the Mechanism that preceded the 2013 SGM Mission. In so doing, it will touch
upon the challenges that have been identified and sets the stage for the following presentation (by Scott
Cairns), which elaborates on those challenges and proposes a course for the future.
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Education and Training for CBRN Environments
DEVELOPMENT OF UNSGM TRAINING - POST-SYRIA
Scott Cairns
United Nations - Office for Disarmament Affairs
The use of the UN Secretary General's Mechanism (SGM) in the Syrian Arab Republic in 2013 has
demonstrated both the value of the Mechanism as an effective tool for the investigation of alleged use of
CBT weapons as well as the need to develop and maintain an operational readiness over the long term.
Using an updated and systematic foundation of Learning Management Systems (e-Learning), core skills
training, team building and field problem practice as a cornerstone, UNODA seeks to develop an
efficient, accountable and cost-effective program for maintaining the SGM's operational capacity for the
future.
This talk will examine the challenges of, and invite discussion on, such an undertaking.
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Education and Training for CBRN Environments
PREPARING A RAPID RESPONSE CAPABILITY FOR THE OPCW
Mr Shawn DeCaluwe
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, OPCW
As part of the OPCW’s efforts to fulfil its conventional mandate to provide emergency measures of
assistance to a requesting State Party following the use of chemical weapons, the Secretariat is studying
ways to enhance its capacity and readiness. Building upon the experiences of the Organisation over the
last three years, one mechanism which will be considered is the establishment of a Rapid Response
Assistance Team.
Such a team would be given the mandate to deploy on short notice based on a request from a State Party
affected by an incident of alleged use of toxic chemicals in order to assist the State Party to respond
effectively to the situation. Assistance would be rendered to the extent requested and necessary in order
to confirm the chemicals involved, contain and minimise the impact of the release, and assist with the
immediate treatment of any victims.
General training of the team members would be conducted as part of Inspectorate Division’s annual
training programme in the context of preparation for contingency operations, utilizing expertise from
across the Secretariat and external training as required. In addition, many of the training requirements
would be ensured during the time period for which a given team is designated and on-call at the OPCW
HQ. As each new team begins its period of duty, training and preparations for deployment will be
incorporated into the standby period. This approach would lead to a cyclical training cycle to include
refreshing individual knowledge and skills, equipment familiarisation and verifications as well as
collective exercises, both table top and practical.
Given the short notice standby nature of this type of response team, the Technical Secretariat would look
to use a rotation of personnel to permit this capacity can be maintained on ongoing basis. The use of
Secretariat personnel dedicated to contingency operations for this purpose has the dual benefit of
ensuring the maintenance of readiness for the other CWC-mandated operations, such as investigations of
alleged use and challenge inspections, which require very similar skill sets.
In summary, by implementing this concept, the Technical Secretariat believes it can significantly enhance
its capacity to provide emergency measures of assistance on short notice to a State Party in need. With a
relatively minor commitment of equipment and staff time, the Technical Secretariat would be in the
position to provide States Parties with an excellent resource if the need arises while enhancing its ability
to meet other obligations of the Convention.
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Education and Training for CBRN Environments
TRANING MEDICAL STAFF TO WORK IN EXTREME HIGH RISK
ENVIRONMENTS
-Experience from running Ebola training courses at Karolinska Institutet
Johan von Schreeb MD, PhD
Centre for Research on Health Care in Disasters, Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska
Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
The 2014-15 Ebola epidemic in West Africa was unprecedented in its scale, complexity and risks. The
international community responded late by sending Emergency Medical Teams to set up and manage
Ebola treatment Units where infected patients were isolated. Ebola Viral Disease is contagious through
bodily fluids and has very high mortality. This called for extreme infections prevention and control
(IPC) measures to avoid that health care workers got infected. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and
WHO developed short IPC courses to train health care workers how to protect themselves and manage
Ebola. This presentation will share the experience and challenges from working with Ebola in Sierra
Leone and from setting up and running short Ebola management courses that prepared 150 Swedish
staff deployed to the affected areas.
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Education and Training for CBRN Environments
TRAINING THE FIRST RESPONDERS AND CRISIS MANAGERS IN HANDLING CBRNE
ACCIDENTS IN SWEDEN
Ola Nerf
FoUUi, Department of Research, Education, Development and Innovation. Södersjukhuset 11883
Stockholm
The presentation will provide a general overview of and thoughts about CBRNE training for First
Reponders and Crisis managers. The training has mainly been aimed the Emergency department and
Ambulance staff and at an accident site in cooperation with FD, Police and other organisations.
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Education and Training for CBRN Environments
A EUROPEAN CBRNE TRAINING CURRICULUM FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
Svenja Stöven
European CBRNE Center, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
We have developed an EU-wide curriculum for the professional training of First Responders and Crisis
Managers for the handling of CBRNE incidents. The aim is to provide a draft European training standard
to CEN Technical Committee 391 ”Societal and Citizen Security” for further consolidation, and thus, to
create means for harmonization and quality assurance of First Responder education in EU Member
States.
Based on benchmark documents, mainly the NATO International CBRN Training Curriculum, on
existing European initiatives and courses and on a survey among European providers of CBRNE training,
we have drafted a unified framework covering all phases of the crisis management cycle.
The main design elements are the Concept of Operational Functions, i.e. all activities required before,
during and after the incident, and the focus on inter-sector and cross-border cooperation. The framework
comprises of eight modules, each split in thematic sessions with a specific learning objective. Teaching
points and session contents have been defined.
The target group for the curriculum is primarily professional First Responder personnel in a wider sense,
but (parts of) the framework can also be adopted by private security companies and volunteer aid
organisations.
The current draft is open for feedback from European stakeholders before a consolidated draft will be
submitted to Technical Committee 391 in 2016.
This work has been performed as part of EU FP7 Security project EDEN, End-user Driven Demo for
CBRNe, and thus has received support from the European Commission.
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Education and Training for CBRN Environments
PREPARING FOR MULTI NATIONAL CBRN OPERATIONS
Hamish de Bretton-Gordon
Avon Protection, Hampton Park West, Semington Road, Melksham, SN12 6NB
As Coalition Forces battle ISIL from the air, there is an almost unstoppable realisation that ground
operations are going to be required to re take territory from ISIL in Iraq and Syria. With ISIL developing
a chemical weapons programme to counter such attack, the requirement for appropriately CBRNequipped and trained personnel is almost back to Cold War levels.
Though the threat is slightly different from the Cold War with toxic industrial chemicals and crudely
made chemical warfare agents rather than full CBRN, the psychological impact and the need to operate in
cumbersome personal protective equipment is the same.
However, the modus operandi for most multi-national operations has shifted from ‘Survive and Operate’
to ‘Survive to Operate’ – the realisation that troops must avoid contamination or escape from chemical
attack rather than fight through, and return to the fight elsewhere at another time. This is a significant
change in mind-set.
Training
Multi-National operations are fraught with challenges of language, equipment and operating procedures.
NATO tries to circumvent these by using a common language - English, equipment that works together,
ammunition and gas mask filters 40mm thread, and common operating procedures derived through
extensive training. I had the honour of commanding the NATO CBRN Battalion 2005-6 and ran training
for the 10 countries contributing to this force across Europe. After 6 months training we became an
effective fighting force.
Logistics
Integration of logistic support for Multi-National operations is extremely challenging and NATO is some
way ahead of most. The challenges of the International Coalition against ISIL are legion, including Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC), NATO and even Russia and Iran. No acceptable use of English here, or the
40mm respirator thread, I expect?
Equipment
Many countries have paid lip service to their CBRN equipment since the Cold War, including the UK. I
have seen for myself the devastating paralysis that chemical attack causes in Syria and I gauge this would
have a similar impact on Coalition forces fighting ISIL, who [ISIL] will, I expect, take maximum
advantage of this.
Conclusion
In order to prepare a Multi-National Force today to fight in an environment where there is a threat from
chemical attack demanding training and the integration of comprehensive logistic and equipment plans
will be central to success in producing a coherent and effective fighting force.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
UK MILITARY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT TO
OPERATIONAL PLANNING AND RECONNAISSANCE
Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Moore
UK Army
UK military Environmental Health (EH) personnel are trained over a four year period by Defence
College of Heath Education Training and Leeds University and are awarded a BSc Environmental
Health. Their training qualifies them in all aspects of preventative medicine and industrial hygiene, and
enables them to advise commanders on all potential health risks including, infectious and tropical
diseases, food safety, water quality, sanitation, pollution, bio-security, disaster relief operations refugee
IDP and PW camps and EIH as a sub- section of CBRN.
This wide ranging expertise and utility has been recognized as a key enabler and force multiplier by
UK military and as such EH personnel are routinely used in a recce capacity to identify the multiple
health threats on an operation/deployment and risk assess accordingly along with identifying risk
mitigation options.
This recce report then feeds the operational planning cycle and forms the basis of the operational
medical plan. EH personnel are also taught to assess primary and secondary health care facilities and
whilst not being clinical specialists they are able to comment upon the general functions and
management standards of such facilities.
The first example of EH being used in a recce capacity was into Bagram Airbase in 2001.
Subsequently and more recently EH have conducted recces prior to UK troop deployments to Ukraine,
Somalia, Nigeria, Mali, N Iraq, Sierra Leone (Ebola response) and South Sudan.
EH personnel have been involved in conducting recent operational EIH monitoring in Kabul and Camp
Bastion, Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Pristina, Sierra Leone, Cyprus and Jordan.
Additionally, EH personnel will deploy at unit level on austere operations/exercises and routinely
visit smaller operational contingents conduct health threat assessments.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT FOR CHEMICAL EXPOSURES OF MILITARY
INTEREST
Jan P. Langenberg, Martine Polhuijs and Theo Sijbranda*
TNO Defence, Safety and Security, *Ministry of Defence, The Netherlands
Participation in military operations is accompanied by health hazards resulting from exposure to
chemical substances from natural and anthropogenic sources. Historically, focus on toxicological risks
has been on the health effects of exposure to chemical warfare agents (CW A). In recent years the
awareness of the importance of health hazards resulting from exposure to other chemicals encountered
during military operations has grown steadily. The new era brings new types of operations, mostly outof-area, and new 'threats' including releases of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and materials (TIMs)
as well as health effects of many chemicals of different nature in the operational environment,
including the releases of chemicals with a specific military nature e.g. ammunitions, explosives,
pyrotechnics, (jet) fuels, combustion products and pesticides. Although potential health risks from
(urban) operations and some of the chemicals contributing to urban pollution are being investigated to
some extent, several crucial questions are not yet addressed.
Armed forces need to be able to perform a military-relevant and dedicated risk assessment of toxic
materials (other than CWA) under operational conditions during missions and exercises. An improved
level of safety and health care for military personnel under operational conditions will enhance combat
readiness and effectiveness, and increase the probability of successful mission completion. An
additional, non-operational benefit is that the risk of post-deployment illness and disability, resulting
from exposures during deployment, will be reduced.
The new Technical Group (TG) 262 under the NATO/HFM panel will address the issue of health
hazards resulting from exposure to chemicals in order to enable risk management. Special attention
will be paid to operational risk assessment and short and long term health effects. The main topics of
the TG's activity to be covered in relation to adverse health effects of deployed personnel are:
• Urban and industrial pollutants in areas to which military personnel are deployed, such as
(contaminated) particulate matter, fuels and combustion by-products from traffic, industrial and
residential activities, agriculture-related chemicals and materials, and industrial by- products and waste;
• Pollutants originating from military activities, such as bum pits, pesticides and fuels or combustion
products thereof.
TG-262 kicked-off in February 2016, will be active until October 2018 and is open to NATO and
PfP nations as well as Global Partners of NATO. So far France, The Netherlands, Norway,
Sweden and the USA have joined this activity.
The approach chosen by TG-262 as well as the first results of this activity will be presented.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
IMPROVING MILITARY HEALTH THREAT ASSESSEMENTS WITH
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA AND DIGITAL TOOLS
Birgitta Liljedahl, Annica Waleij, Per Wikström, Louise Simonsson
Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)
Modem deployments present many hazards to the life and health of soldiers. The obvious risks from
the action of belligerents aside, the current pattern of operations poses risks not only of exposure to
toxic industrial chemicals, and biological, and radiological substances but also to aspects as diverse
(and seemingly benign) as climatic and meteorological conditions.
Short and long-term health risks may also result from such hazards as elevated altitudes and
temperature extremes, lax waste or sanitary practices, naturally high levels of particulate matter or
excessive noise. Furthermore, mission compliance in itself, results in potential exposure to jet fuel,
petrol, diesel fumes, pesticides, repellents, explosives and munitions and their emissions. Serious
concerns with the potential negative effects of such cumulative exposure and stress have recently been
raised within the scientific, environmental and medical communities. The need to take a broad
approach when addressing exposure concerns within the operations is evident.
Although environmental data, such as measurements of air, soil and water quality, or images from
satellite remote sensing, are collected by both public and private sources in most countries, overall data
quality often remains poor. For instance, average national statistics often hide the most serious
deprivation in different regions. There are stark regional disparities and temporal variations are rarely
taken into account. In order to be better prepared for assessing health threats and risks to deployed
personnel and furthermore be able to make comparisons of different regions, a better global coverage of
environmental health data is needed.
In addition, the lack of field access to conflict areas for security reasons severely limits the ability to
undertake thorough assessment of environmental hazards necessary to verify potential health risks. But
with the current mass use of a range of communication technologies, including social media, Open
Source Intelligence (OSINT), proxy indicators and combining those with various digital tools such as
satellite imagery, multivariate data analysis and geographic information system (GIS) tools, useful
environmental and health impact mapping can be performed.
The presentation will focus on how to apply the above mentioned tools with industrial hazards and
risk mapping in e.g. Syria and Iraq.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
C AGENTS IN SOIL AND WATER - AN OVERVIEW
Sjöström, J., Liljedahl, B. & Burman, J.
FOI, Swedish Defence Research Agency, 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
In comparison with the state of knowledge on how of C agents disperse and dissolve in the atmosphere,
the corresponding knowledge for soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment and vegetation is still
limited. This is surprising given the evidence that chemical warfare agents and their potent breakdown
products in some cases can be persistent in the environment with a subsequent potential transport into
groundwater or surface water resources. This may pose severe health and environmental risks. In an
attempt to determine basic analytical data and transport information from actual incidents, a survey
(compilation and summary analysis) have been carried out on events where C-substances have
contaminated land or aquatic environments around the world (from a deployment perspective). Such
incidents can be large scale accidents, extensive waste during production and destruction, or testing
operations, disposal in soil or aquatic environments or war-related attacks. From the available literature
and documentation one may conclude that in some cases, field sampling and analysis of C agents have
been performed, though, data is not openly available. In most cases where C agents have contaminated
soil or water, the extent of environmental damage through sampling or analysis has never been
estimated. To bridge this gap in knowledge we propose to study the fate of C agents in terrestrial and
aquatic matrices through establishing an operative linkage between atmospheric computer models with
transport models for contaminants in soil and groundwater.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
COMPARING TOXICITY OF EMISSIONS FROM CONVENTIONAL AND LEADFREE PISTOL AMMUNITION IN LUNG CELLS
Nina Forsgren, Barbro Ekstrand-Hammarström, Lars Hägglund, Christian Lejon, Håkan Wingfors
FOI, Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security
The use of lead-free ammunition is becoming popular in both civilian and military use due to many
studies showing potential adverse health effects associated with inhalation of lead. However there are
also a number of recent reports that show undesirable short-term health effects related to firing leadfree small caliber ammunition, particularly at indoor shooting ranges. In this study, particles from
leaded and lead-free pistol ammunition are collected in liquid collection medium, in a highly
controlled chamber. The particles generated are used to study the relationship between chemical
content of the emitted particles and potential to induce acute toxicological effects in alveolar and
bronchial in vitro cell systems.
Emissions from three lead-free ammunitions and a conventional ammunition type used by the Swedish
Police were analyzed by ICP-MS for metal content, aerosol size characteristics with APS and by using
cellular endpoints: cell viability, induction of production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and
proinflammatory markers.
The results from the analyses performed in the study show that the lead-free ammunition types caused
reduced cell viability. The ammunition type containing about four times higher concentration of
copper compared to the others, reduced the cell viability with 50 % compared to the control. All three
lead-free ammunition types tested induced increased oxidative stress in alveolar lung cells compared
to conventional ammunition. Particles from both lead-containing and lead-free ammunition were able
to stimulate production of the proinflammatory marker interleukin-8 (IL-8). This study demonstrates
the usefulness of combining chemical data with biological in vitro response in assessing acute
toxicological effects from emissions from ammunition.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
TRAINING AMMUNITIONS: CHARACTERIZATION OF THE EMISSION
PRODUCTS AND EFFECTS ON CULTURED LUNG CELLS
Monique van Hulst, Jan Langenberg, Willem Duvalois and Wim de Klerk
TNO Defence, Safety and Security, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
For training and education of law enforcement and military personnel the use of realistic ammunition
and their actual weapons is important. During these training and educational sessions the trainers as
well as the shooters themselves are exposed to the products emitted by firing the ammunition. The
training sessions are often held on indoor-ranges where trainees are lined up, increasing the exposure
potential. The legislation regarding occupational safety and health requires minimization of the
exposure to hazardous components. In addition, there is also European legislation concerning
"Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restrictions of Chemicals" (REACH), addressing the
production and use of chemical substances/products, and their potential impacts on both human health
and the environment. However, the emitted products from ammunition are not included in this
legislation, only the ingredients.
The use of training ammunition with a lower risk of exposure of humans and the environment to
toxic constituents is to be preferred. Experimental studies are being performed to identify the
requirements needed to make adequate decisions regarding the purchase of the right training
ammunition. One of part of this study performed by TNO at an indoor shooting range with small
caliber training ammunition will be presented.
After firing one round of 10 cartridges, the emitted products (gasses, (semi-)volatile components and
particles) were qualitatively and quantitatively characterized on-site. Also, sampling was performed via
Tenax adsorption tubes and filters for off-site analyses. Simultaneous with the on-site analyses, the air
around the weapon was presented to cultured human alveolar cells of the A549 type using an air-liquid
interface system (Vitrocell®). After the controlled exposure the effect on several read-out parameters
that reflect the condition of the cells was measured.
The results of all measurements performed in this study help to obtain more insight into the emissions
resulting from self-declared "green", "non-toxic", "less toxic" and "environmental friendly" (training)
ammunitions and their final exposure to the shooter and other people in close proximity (such as
trainers and other colleagues/trainees/students), which may help to further reduce the risks of adverse
health effects from firing ammunitions.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
FUTURE DECONTAMINATION CAPABILITIES - A CONCEPTUAL AND
TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH
Colonel (R) Wolfgang Widders
Kärcher Futuretech GmbH, Alfred-Schefenacker-Straße 1, 71409 Schwaikheim (Germany) Phone:
+492241337212 Fax: +492241396345 Email: wolfgang.widders@de.kaercher.com
At the beginning the presentation demonstrates some fundamental statements on threats, risks,
concepts, and possible theatres of operation from a German point of view.
CBRN defense as a system of systems will only work if we can fall back on different capabilities. The
presentation will highlight and focus decontamination technology on a qualified capability level.
Thanks to new decontamination systems and the associated new decontamination procedures and
decontaminants, CBRN defense forces have a promising future in the field of decontamination and are
able to cope with scenarios ranging from incidents of limited scale to a major influx of contaminated
assets.
Analysis, exploration and evaluation of decontamination systems led to the development of
containerized systems with special modules incorporating the needed equipment for the different
decontamination functions, namely the devices and appliances, and the resources, such as water,
decontaminants and energy. A scrutiny revealed that a lot of systems are not suited for all missions due
to their weight and size. Hence, the development of light systems which are air-portable and perfectly
well suited for the initial operations conducted by airmobile forces was completed. In this context there
will be introduced decontamination technology and systems which guarantee “state-of- the-art”
technology, worldwide employability, high performance capability whether employed individually or
together, reduced timelines for preparation, decontamination and after-action activities, self-sufficiency
for up to 3 hours, flexibility, modularity and mobility, effective use of water resources thanks to low
consumption, no more ecologically harmful and aggressive decontaminants, and reduced number of
operating personnel and workload.
A look into the future concerning the further development of decontamination technology, systems, and
procedures as well as new decontaminants will conclude the presentation.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
BIOLOGICAL DECONTAINMANT ACCELERATED SPRAY (BDAS) –
AN ENHANCED APPLICATION SYSTEM FOR DECONTAMINATION AND
MITIGATION OF CBW AGENTS AND BIOLOGICAL PATHOGENS
Matthew Bluhm, CEO
Decon7 Systems, LLC, 7575 East Redfield Road, Suite 235
Scottsdale, AZ 85260 USA
Sandia National Laboratories developed, demonstrated and commercialized an aqueous- based multipart decontamination technology (DF-200). The chemistry is effective for neutralizing chemical (CW)
and biological (BW) warfare agents, biological pathogens, and many toxic industrial chemicals. The
DF-200 is environmentally benign (non-toxic/non- corrosive/biodegradable) and applicable on a
number of anticipated material surfaces. DF-200 is considered to be the best available decontamination
technology by the United States Department of Defense.
Decon7 Systems has developed a ruggedized ready-to-use (RTU) hand-held multi-part application
system for this intelligent chemistry. The D7 BDAS (Biological Decontaminant Accelerated Spray), is
rapidly and easily deployable in crisis situations. Rugged in design and materials, tested in extreme
environments, the D7 BDAS is a breakthrough product that will significantly enhance the safety of
military and first responder personnel from a variety of threats. The D7 BDAS will neutralize harmful
VOCs, hazardous industrial chemicals, chemical/biological warfare agents and bodily fluids.
Benefits:
•
Ready-to-use (RTU) simply aim and squeeze the trigger
•
Lightweight rugged design is portable and rapidly deployable
•
Disinfects blood-born bacteria and viruses; including HIV (AIDS), SARS, Avian bird flu
H5N1, H1N1, tuberculosis, MRSA, C. difficile, and others
•
Eliminates molds, spores and odors
•
Neutralizes chemical and iological warfare agents, hazardous industrial chemicals and
VOCs
•
Works on multiple surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, wood, ceramic, carpet, fabrics,
leather, steel, aluminum and others
•
Water-soluble and naturally biodegradable
•
US EPA-registered, environmentally friendly — passed both U.S. and Canadian ecotesting.
Decon7 Systems has solved the complex chemical and engineering issues of housing the multi-part
chemical compound in an individual-use container that – when combined at use – neutralizes the
world’s greatest biological and chemical threats.
63
Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
NEW SPORICIDAL FOAM FOR BIOLOGICAL DECONTAMINATION OF
FACILITIES
Sylvain Faurea, Esther Le Toquinb and Fabienne Gasb
a CEA, DEN, DTCD/SPDE/LPSD, Decontamination and Supercritical Processes Laboratory,
30 207 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, FRANCE, sylvain.faure@cea.fr
b
CEA, DRF, IBiTec-S, SPI, Li2D, Innovative technologies for Detection and Diagnostics
Laboratory, 30 207 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, FRANCE, fabienne.gas@cea.fr
Introduction
In 2001, several letters containing Bacillus anthracis spores were sent through the U.S. Postal Service
to recipients in government and private-sector buildings. Consequently, 23 human inhalational or
i
cutaneous anthrax infections occurred . Five of the 11 inhalational anthrax infections were fatal. This
alerted the European and American public opinion on the reality of the threat of bioterrorism. This also
threatens large civilian infrastructures (subway, airports, offices, exhaust ducts…) and in case of
spreaded biological agents, the priority for the authorities just after limiting the effects on the civilian
population is the rapid decontamination of exposed infrastructure to prevent overspread of agents and
to permit the reuse of the buildings without any risk. There is therefore a need to develop adapted
decontamination processes. Decontamination of large facilities is actually a challenge: fumigation by
filling an enclosed or semi-enclosed part of the building with gas (Chlorine dioxide ClO2) is developed
by EPA and complementary technics for target contaminants in specific hot spots such as liquid
ii
decontaminants sprays on vertical and horizontal surfaces ( ). Among infrastructures, some are
inaccessible, such as, for example, vents or exhaust ducts of wastewater. In addition, the
decontamination process to develop has to be effective on a wide range of biological agents.
Literature described many foaming formulations for neutralization of chemical, biological and
industrial toxic agents and some of them are complex. Among them, DF 100 and 200 formulations and
EasyDECON® 200 developed by Sandia National Laboratories and SDF from Allen Van Guard are
iii
well known . These foams are versatile because there are effective to neutralize chemical warfare
agents such as sarin, mustard gas, the O-ethyl S- [2- (diisopropylamino) ethyl] méthylphosphonothioate
(or VX) and soman, toxic industrial chemicals and biological agents such as B. anthracis and Y. pestis.
Nevertheless the humidity of the foam and its stability are unknown. To treat building materials or civil
infrastructures in the frame of CBR post-event, the Decontamination and Supercritical Processes
(LPSD) and the Innovative technologies for Detection and Diagnostics Laboratory (LI2D) laboratories
from the French Atomic Energy and Alternatives Energies Commission (CEA) have developed
iv,v.
new processes since 2006 using gels and foams
64
Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
These new techniques for RBC decontamination of solids are secure, easily deployable by end users
and strongly reduce the cost, the secondary wastes production and the workers exposure. These are
alternatives to wiping techniques or fumigation. We focused last year on the development of a new
vi
biological decontamination process using aqueous foam . This foam is able to decontaminate huge
3
and complex shape (>100 m ) materials in a static way, such as rooms, offices, ventilation
systems and galleries. The foam could be used by classical spraying devices but also in a static way
which is more original: the facility to decontaminate is filled with foam that wets all the surfaces to
treat during 30 minutes and drains freely for some hours.
Foam formulation
Aqueous foams can be viewed as a dispersion of gas bubbles in a liquid stabilized by surface-active
molecules called surfactants at the gas–liquid interfaces. Gas is usually air.
The foam wets the substrate of the facility to decontaminate with a thin wetting liquid film on the
wall containing the decontaminant agent. The contact time of the foam with the solid substrate to
decontaminate is controlled by the life-time of the foam.
Like in solid porous materials, the water flows through the continuous network of interconnected
channels between air bubbles that constitutes the main part of the “foam porosity”. Foam ages
because of several interrelated physical processes, namely the liquid drainage in films and channels,
the so-called disproportionation process, and the coalescence of bubbles. As a major destabilizing
effect of drainage, the liquid films thin progressively, thus promoting their rupture and the resulting
collapse of the foam sample. As the collapse of the foam can be detrimental to the contact time
between contaminants and foam, a possible strategy to enhance the foam stability is precisely to
vii
reduce the liquid drainage. This is traditionally achieved by means of viscosifiers which act as
stabilizers. This approach using viscosifiers is suitable for generating high volume of stable foams
which are used in the static way by filling the facility. It enhances the contact time between the
contaminants present onto the solid wall and the foam, from 10 mm to 1 hour depending on the
viscosifier concentration. Our major objectives were to study the compatibility and stability of the
i
foaming solution with the well- known disinfectants like hydrogen peroxide or bleach .
First, preliminary foaming experiments on small foam volume (150 ml) were performed to
determine the optimal concentration for surfactant, viscosifier and bleach (or hydrogen peroxide).
Then, liters of foams comprising air bubbles dispersed in a foaming solution containing one
biodegradable polymer as foaming surfactants, a specific viscosifier polymer and one disinfectant
were successfully prepared with a lab-scale generator. This humidity is controlled by the ratio air
flow rate/ liquid flow rate.
Decontamination efficiency and kinetics on Thuringiensis Bacillus spores
Difficult cases to decontaminate such as spore inactivation were studied. First studies were
performed on Bacillus Thuringiensis spores which were chosen to simulate Anthrax spores. Spores
7/
(more than 10 ml) were deposited in water droplets on both horizontal and vertical substrates.
Droplets dried at room temperature. Foams are generated with a specific foam generator to control
foam humidity. These foams are mechanically layed on the contaminated spots are there are used in
the static way by filling small contaminated PVDF boxes.
Two foams formulation A and B were tested: bleach (NaOCl) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The
generated foam is efficient during the life-time, inactivates rapidly the biological contaminants and
does not damage the surface of the materials.
Excellent efficiencies on Bacillus Thuringiensis spores >7 Log reduction deposited were obtained.
viii
on plastics, which are similar to other results with other technics ( fumigation, wipes) . On other
65 Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
substrates (metal, concrete, ceramics…), studies are going on with preliminary results >6 Log
reduction depending on the substrate.
Moreover, we also checked the efficiency after 30 minutes of the two foams A and B on Bacillus
Anthracis spores (figure 1) and the decontamination were measured by log reduction of the number
of contaminants.
Figure 1: Foams A and B efficiencies on Bacillus Anthracis
These two foams are able to decontaminate more than 6 Log reduction of anthrax spores spotted on
plastic surface (PVDF).
Two ways to use the foam: filling or spraying
A 20m3 tank which simulates a large facility was filled with the “bleach foam” A. The foam generator
was specifically designed with nozzles that alloy to obtain high foam flow rate (100 m3/h) at low
pressure. Liquid and air flow rates were controlled to adjust foam humidity. The tank was filled in a
few minutes and its stability was more than one hour.
66 Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
3
Figure 2: Tank filling with a sporicidal stable foam (20 m )
The humidity of the foam was homogeneous up to 4 meters high and foam stability was more than
one hour. Moreover, this foam was sprayed on different walls to verify the adhesion on different
substrates. This foam adheres to vertical wall.
Conclusion
The incorporation of a specific viscosifier in both bleach and hydrogen peroxide foams allows
generating new stable foams that required foam properties for biological decontamination of large and
complex shapes facilities. The structure of the foam and its humidity are stable during the
decontamination time (30 minutes) and it permits the foam to wet all the surfaces to decontaminate
rapidly large facilities such as offices, corridors, rooms… The efficiency of this biological
decontamination foam process has been demonstrated on spores of Bacillus thuringiensis even on
verticals substrates. The foam is able to be used in a simple static way just by filling the facility to
decontaminate and could be an alternative to fumigation. The process is secure, easily deployable by
end users and strongly reduces the cost, the secondary wastes production and the workers exposure.
In order to develop this decontamination process, large-scale filling and pulverization trials could be
planned at CEA with partnerships.
References
i
Ellen A. Spotts Whitney, Mark E. Beatty, Thomas H. Taylor, Jr., Robbin Weyant, Jeremy Sobel, Matthew J. Arduino, and
David A. Ashford, Inactivation of Bacillus anthracis Spore, Emerging Infectious Diseases , Vol. 9, No. 6, June
2003. ii Rapport EPA/600/R-14/239 - September 2014- www.epa.gov/ord
iii M. Tucker, US Patent Application 2007/0249509
iv F. Cuer and S. Faure. Biological decontamination gel, and method for decontaminating surfaces using said gel, World
Patent WO 12/001046, 2012.
v A Ludwig, F. Goettmann, F. Frances, C. Le Goff, V. Tanchou, Alkalin oxydative biological decontamination gel,
and method for decontaminating surfaces using said gel, World Patent WO 14/154818, 2014
vi S. Faure, E. Le Toquin and F. Gas, New Biological Foam and method for decontaminating surfaces using said foam,
CEA French Patent deposited 16 June 2015, N°15 55501.
vii Safouane, M., Saint-Jalmes, A., Bergeron, V., Langevin, D., Viscosity effects in foam drainage: Newtonian and
non- newtonian foaming fluids, Eur. Phys. J. E. 19, 195–202, 2006.
viii Ryan, S. P., et al. "Effect of inoculation method on the determination of decontamination efficacy against Bacillus
spores."
World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology 30(10): 2609-2623, 2014
67 Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
VACCUM DECONTAMINATION CHAMBER - THE NEXT GENERATION
Dr. Markus Hellmuth
Kärcher Futuretech GmbH POB 11 80 71405 Schwaikheim (Germany)
Kärcher Futuretech's well-proven Vacuum Decontamination Chamber is the benchmark for chemical
and biological decontamination of sensitive material. The chemical decontamination process is
completely chemical free and utilizes only the optimal interaction between temperature and vacuum
cycles. The degradation of biological warfare agents is carried out by vaporizing biological
decontaminants in a vacuum atmosphere. To achieve decontamination of the material both
processes last only 30 minutes.
This Vacuum Decontamination Chamber has been upgraded in line with a new project to make the
Vacuum Decontamination Chamber even more efficient. The main improvements are an extension
of the capacities, easy to use handling and the high readiness for action.
It is a project launched by the German BAliN (Bundesamt fUr Ausriistung, Informationstechnik und
Nutzung der Bundeswehr) and the French authority DGA (Delegation Generale pour 1'Armement)
and implemented by Kärcher Futuretech (Germany) and its partner NBC-Sys (France).
Within this project the task of Kärcher Futuretech was to design and construct this entire new
modular generation of vacuum decontamination modules. During this project it has been possible to
configure the systems according to the country-specific decontamination requirements using the
same technologies. As a result the modules can be optimally integrated into the families of CBRN
decontamination systems available in the two countries taking into consideration the national
transport concepts. Whereas the German Federal Armed Forces rely on 10ft containers, the French
Army prefers compatible trailer solutions. The procurement of the systems for the fast, easy,
material compatible vacuum decontamination of sensitive equipment for the French Army and
German Federal Armed Forces represents an essential contribution to bridging the gap caused by the
increased demand for the decontamination of sensitive equipment as a result of the introduction of
modern infantry equipment. For the decontamination of sensitive equipment the systems ensure the
thorough decontamination of sensitive equipment (optical and electronic devices) and parts of
personal equipment (handguns, combat helmets); decontamination can be carried out whichever
carrier vehicle is used.
The vacuum decontamination chamber integrated in the different systems meets the efficiency
criteria of AEP-58.
68 Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
FROM BOAT HULL CLEANER TO CBR DECONTAMINATOR
Christer Widgren, Johan Schmitz, Kenth Malmberg
MSE Engineering AB
Baldersgatan 9, SE-343 31, Älmhult, Sweden
Telephone:+46 (0)476 559 50 Fax:+46 (0)476 559 51Email:mail@mseab.se
Background
Decontamination of CBR Agents is traditionally carried out by washing with water after the
contaminated objects have been sprayed with different types of decontamination chemicals.
Access to water is crucial and can be a limiting factor when using traditional de-contamination
systems. If the polluted waste water is left on the ground, it creates problems for human beings,
animals and causes environmental problems, this particularly when used in urban environments.
In the cases when the polluted water is collected, huge amounts of water have to be treated which
demands substantial logistic resources.
Similar problems occur when cleaning boat hulls painted with antifouling why similar technical
solutions for conservative water handling can be utilized in the CBR Decontamination.
The HULLWASHER
To meet the environmental requirements to catch organic pollutions and metals when cleaning boat
hulls, stated by the “Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management”, MSE Engineering AB has
developed a closed circuit hullwasher system with reuse and purification of the used water - the
Hullwasher. The Project is a Private Financed Initiative and an example of a commercial developed
technology.
The principal function of the Hullwasher is that water is fed from a tank to a high pressure pump and
further to a closed special designed cleaning nozzle from which the waste water is sucked back into
the tank.
The surface is cleaned by rotating high pressure jets. The waste water is then sucked back through
channels with a vacuum pump. The next step in the process includes a series of particle filters down to
5my, through which the water is filtered. After that the water is chemically filtered through Active
Coal and filters with Ion Exchange substance. The water is pumped back to the same tank and is
reused. The Hullwasher is validated against organic compounds as TBT, Irgarol and metals as Copper
and Zink according to levels set by environmental authorities.
Accepted levels in waste water
TBT
200 ng/l
Irgarol
0,8 mg/l
Cupper
0,8 mg/l
Cupper, filtered
0,4 mg/l
Zink
2,0 mg/l
Zink, filtered
1,0 mg/l
69 Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
Example of Cupper build up levels when cleaning without filtration
Cu µg/l
30000
20000
10000
0
Cu µg/l
Fresh Boat Boat Boat Boat Boat Boat Boat
water no. 1 no. 2 no. 3 no. 4 no. 5 no. 6 no. 7
Concentration (mg/l)
Test 2, Cu, mixed antifouling
5
4
3
Copper (Cu)
2
Gränsvärde Cu
1
0
kl 00:00
kl 01:12
kl 02:24
Time (hours)
kl 03:36
Same water when treated with filtration.
The Hullwasher is delivered to boat clubs and communities as a cost effective and practical solution
that fulfills the task as alternative to washing pads.
The CBR Application - The Decontaminator
Access to water and waste water handling are common for traditional decontamination methods and
cleaning of boat hulls with antifouling.
The problems to handle CBR contamination and boat hulls are similar in the area of catching agents
and pollutions. The solution can therefore also be similar.
The MSE Hullwasher minimizes the usage of water and concentrate the contaminations to filters
which are easy to change, transport and deposit.
A CBR Decontaminator built on the same principles as the Hullwasher but with filters designed for
CBR Agents could be achieved using synergies with the Hullwasher to develop the CBR
Decontaminator.
The need for decontamination of more complicated objects, such as vehicles can be foreseen why the
CBR Decontaminator most likely must have a “working nozzle” designed for the purpose. The
“working nozzle” for a CBR Decontaminator could be used in tents with sealed floor where vehicles
and troops can be decontaminated and the waste water sucked out, filtered and reused in a unit based
on the Hullwasher design. Developed filtering using e.g. hydro cyclones might be added to filter
particles (mud, gravel etc.) Hot water boilers are also an option in the flexible concept.
70 Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
The concept was presented for Swedish Army January 2015 and will be further evaluated in August
2016.
Conclusions
A Decontaminator, developed on the same basis as the Hullwasher, can be a very flexible device,
which can be used by the Armed Forces and The Civilian Authorities in situations when warfare
agents or other poisonous agents have been used.
The existing and fielded Hullwasher could therefore easily be developed for usage against CBR agents
and pollutions, using the same basic design and principles.
There is also a possibility that the existing Hullwasher systems at Marinas and at other users can be
adopted for usage in the society when needed, providing the responsible authorities in the society an
extra capacity almost for free.
71 Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
21st CENTURY CBRN DECON CHALLENGES & INNOVATIVE DECON/DETOX
SYSTEMS
Dr Stefano Miorotti
Global Manager Cristanini Decontamination Systems
Cristanini S.p.A. Italy
The current international terrorist and the spread of emerging diseases both joined with the migration
phenomena expose Countries and personnel involved in overseas operation to a new CBRN threats
sometimes hidden and camouflaged.
Emergence and isolated events in Western and other countries caused widespread alarm among
international and non-governmental organizations, governments and populations. Decontamination
is sometimes considered the lesser of the pillars of CBRN protection, but the point will be made that
you need decontamination to prevent an event becoming a crisis in the first instance, not only to
support an emergency that is ongoing. The paper will consider the contribution of Industry to
consequence management of chemical and biological hazards in different context. In fact, the
proposed systems have been used in operational CW demilitarization, in HVEs, during Ebola
outbreak as well as in counter terrorism mission and TICs incidents. Key aspects cover the
requirement for multi- functional and modular equipment solutions, rapidly deployable and with a
low training burden, as well as proven and environmentally friendly universal decontaminant.
Various decontamination scenarios will be considered, ranging from decontamination of personnel,
platforms including aircraft, equipment including sensitive equipment, and the decontamination of
infrastructure (internal and external) and finally, terrain. Preventive decontamination and sanitization
of equipment prior to repatriation will also be considered.
72 Commercial Developing Technologies - Decontamination
USE OF RSDL KIT FOR REMOVAL OF DERMAL EXPOSURE TO RADIOACTIVE
PARTICLES
Cochrane, Laura
Emergent Countermeasures International Ltd. Parkshot House,
5 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2PR, U.K.
The content outlines results from an evaluation of the efficiency of RSDL in the removal of 85Sr and
1251 particles after dermal exposure and contact times of2 minutes and 60 minutes.
Tools exist that are carried by soldiers for the removal and or neutralization of chemical
warfare agents, namely Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion (RSDL). This poster study
presents an evaluation of the product in the application for use against radiological particle
skin exposure for emergency and immediate use situations.
The in vivo study evaluated recoveries of each isotope as assessed as a function of exposure time
and decontamination method following application to guinea pig skin. Selected animals were not
decontaminated and served as negative controls, and 1% soap and water absorbed onto an oral
swab served as a positive control.
Conclusions representing the percent recovery of radioactivity by gamma counting (normalized
values) for the RSDL groups will be presented, including method development review of the
variability of the standard deviations per group (up to 16 percent) and the uncertainty of cause(s) for
the variability in individual animal total recovery of applied radioactivity.
73 Medical Management
INHIBITION IN THE BRAIN: GABA(A) RECEPTOR SUBTYPES AND
THEIR POSITIVE ALLOSTERIC MODULATION
Mikko Uusi-Oukari, PhD
University of Turku, Department of Pharmacal., Drug Dev. and Therapeutics, Finland
The balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain is mediated by the major excitatory and
inhibitory neurotransmitters glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), respectively. The
fast synaptic inhibition is mediated via GABA (A) receptors. They are pentameric transmembrane
protein complexes mostly composed of two alpha (alphal-alpha6), two beta (betal-beta3) and either
one gamma2 or one delta subunit. The expression of GABA(A) receptor subunits is brain region
and cell type specific thus producing specific expression patterns for the various receptor subtypes.
Brain regional expression of the most abundant GABA(A) receptor subtype alphal-beta2-gamma2
is almost ubiquitous, while those of alpha6-beta2/3-gamma2 and alpha6-beta2/3-delta are restricted
to cerebellar granule cells.
The GABA(A) receptor-associated chloride channel is opened by the binding of two GABA
molecules to the specific agonist binding sites on the interfaces between adjacent alpha and beta
subunits. Opening of the chloride channel results in influx of chloride ions inside the neuron thereby
hyperpolarizing the cell membrane and inhibiting firing of the neuron. The receptor function can be
modulated through many allosteric binding sites by various pharmacologically and clinically
important drugs, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, steroids and anesthetics, indicating the
central role of GABA(A) receptors as targets for modulation of CNS excitability. The positive
allosteric modulators increase the frequence of channel openings and/or prolong the mean open time
of the channel. At high concentrations some of the drugs open the channel even in the absence of
GABA.
Benzodiazepines have four main pharmacological properties: anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic,
anticonvulsive and muscle relaxant. They are clinically used as anxiolytics, hypnotics, in anesthesia
and in the treatment of epilepsy. Barbiturates are less safe and nowadays only some of them are in
clinical use, either for treatment of epilepsy or for induction of general anesthesia. Most inhalation
and intravenous anesthetics act via GABA(A) receptors. Using knock-in mutant mouse lines it has
been shown that the sedative-hypnotic effects of benzodiazepines are mediated via alphal-containing
receptors, while anxiolytic effects are mediated via alpha2- and to a lesser extent alpha3-containing
receptors.
In the future the unique localization of GABA(A) receptor subtypes with unique modulatory sites
may enable the development of selective drugs that act on one receptor subtype with restricted
localization in the CNS and modulate specific physiological functions without undesirable side
effects.
74 Medical Management
POTENTIAL ADJUNCT TREATMENTS TO PRESENT COUNTERMEASURES TO
NERVE AGENT POISONING
Avi Ring
Dept. Protection, Norwegian Defence Research Est., box 25, 2027 Kjeller, Norway
Current medical countermeasures to nerve agent (n.a.) poisoning primarily target muscarinic
cholinergic receptors, GABA ion channel receptors and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The periferal
land CNS effects of n.a. poisoning are due to the organophosphate (OP) inactivation of AChE,
resulting in unrestrained acetylcholine (ACh) increase and then excessive glutamate release and
receptor over activation. In the periphery excess ACh leads to lung hypersecretion, bronchospasm,
thoraic diaphragm spasm and muscle convulsions.
Standard treatment is with an AChE reactivator, an antimuscarinic agent and enhancing brain
inhibition with GABA-ergic stimulation. The efficiency of this treatment is limited both in the
clinic and in the field mainly because a) different nerve agents require different reactivator oximes
and b) both antimuscarinics and gabaergics have limited efficacy once brain seizures have
progressed for 20-30 min. The epileptogenic seizures can cause lethal peripheral convulsions but
can also irreversibly disrupt brain function by mediating inflammation and exitotoxic extracellular
glutamate levels in specific brain regions.
Novel valuable adjunct treatments to the standard treatment are emerging. In collaboration with
DSTL, UK, we developed an assay to screen for efficient antinicotinic agents that DSTL have
demonstrated can limit the breathing muscle spasm. Typically, the increased ACh release leads to
diaphragm spasm, halts breathing and is a primary cause of death. An antinicotinic agent may
reverse the breathing arrest by limiting the over stimulation of the diaphragm muscle and this
rescue is independent of the specific n.a. poison.
In addition to the antinicotinic agents, novel glutamate receptor inhibitors are potential adjunctive
treatments as potent anticonvulsive and neuroprotective agents. NMDA receptor (NMDAR)
inhibitors have repeatedly failed in clinical trials in treatment of stroke although they were
successful in animal models. Nevertheless, much research is still in progress with new types of
NMDAR inhibitors in the treatment of epilepsy, stroke, neuropathic pain, depression, Alzheimer's
and Parkinson's diseases and other CNS pathologies.
The problems and conditions for treatment of nerve agent exposure are specific to the symptoms of
OP toxicity and different to those of other diseases. A patient exposed to OP will likely be in coma,
require heavy acute intervention but not chronic treatment and, with breathing rescued, the brain
energy supply is upheld in all brain regions. The OP toxicity is due to inflammatory responses to
seizures and from excess extracellular glutamate. We developed an in vitro assay using chicken
neuronal cells to characterize the molecular targets of potential NMDAR inhibitors. Also, we
propose that targeting only NR2B subtype receptors, abundant in regions where seizures develop, it
may be possible to stop seizures and neurodegeneration with inhibitors that leave significant
NMDAR function intact, minimizing CNS side effects from excessive block of NMDAR's.
75 Medical Management
SMALL ANIMAL MODELS OF CHEMICAL-INDUCED LUNG INJURY PATHOGENESIS AND MEDICAL TREATMENT
Sofia Jonasson
Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
The industrial chemicals chlorine, ammonia and sulfur dioxide are all toxic gases that are highly
irritating and damaging to the lungs. Exposure to these toxic gases can cause both acute and longterm (chronic) lung injury in central and peripheral airways. At high doses, these gases induce severe
lung inflammation and fluid accumulation in the airways which, in the worst cases, can be life
threatening.
In case of a severe chemical event, there is a need to identify exposed individuals and to provide
medical care depending on the specific chemical, degree of exposure and symptoms. Industrial
chemicals are often transported as pressurized liquids which in the worst accidental case may
cause large-scale exposures of toxic concentrations to the residents in the surrounding area.
Furthermore, chlorine has historically been used as a chemical weapon and with increasing threat
of terrorism, the development of medical products for use in the event of a chemical attack with
toxic industrial chemicals has become high priority.
High-levels of industrial toxic gases cause acute effects such as acute respiratory distress syndrome
(ARDS) and these acute effects may eventually also cause reactive airways dysfunction syndrome
(RADS). The acute symptoms after gas exposure is generally reported to be limited to the exposed
lung tissue but recent studies have also demonstrated cardiovascular effects by inhaled gas, e.g.
coagulation abnormalities.
By the use of our small animal models, we are able to investigate the mechanisms and the
pathogenesis after exposure to chlorine, ammonia or sulfur dioxide. An improved knowledge of how
the chemical-induced lung injury occurs increases the possibility of developing and refining new
treatments and knowing when to apply treatment after gas exposure. In our animal studies, all three
industrial gases induce different pathogenesis. In future aspects, access to validated diagnostic
biomarkers for each gas would facilitate in identifying exposed patients in need of medical care and
to follow the response to medical treatment.
76 Medical Management
COMPARISON OF SKIN DECONTAMINATION METHODS FOLLOWING
EXPOSURE OF ORGANOPHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
Lina Thors, Bo Koch, Mona Koch, Lars Hägglund and Anders Bucht
Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
Organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) includes substances that are highly toxic
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors initially used as insecticides and later developed into the chemical
warfare nerve agents. Following exposure of an OPC, the two likely routes of entry into the body
are through the skin or via the respiratory system. Particularly the low volatile agents will enter the
body via the skin and decontamination is therefore crucial to avoid systemically absorption and
prevent intoxication.
In this study, four commercial decontamination products were evaluated for their efficacy to remove
or degrade the nerve agent VX and the non-toxic OPC triethyl phosphonoacetate (TEPA). The four
investigated decontaminants were Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion (RSDL), the Swedish
Decontamination Powder (PS104), alldecont and Fuller's Earth (FE). The decontaminants have
different properties, for example in their physical form (dry powder/aqueous solution) and varies in
their ability to absorb and/or chemically degrade the OPCs. The efficacy of the decontaminants was
also compared to decontamination by washing with water only. The window of opportunity for
decontamination was examined by initiating decontamination at two different time points, an early
initiated decontamination after 5 minutes or delayed decontamination after 30 minutes post OPCexposure. Experiments were performed in vitro using a flow-through diffusion cell and human
dermatomed skin.
The results demonstrated that early initiated decontamination 5 minutes after exposure was more
efficient to reduce the penetration of OPCs than delayed decontamination initiated 30 minutes postexposure. The delayed decontamination only resulted in marginally decreased OPC-penetration
regardless of the decontaminant used. For TEPA, the dry decontamination powder PS104, including
bleach and magnesium oxide, reduced the OPe- penetration to a greater extent compared to RSDL,
alldecont and FE when decontamination was initiated 5 minutes post-exposure. For VX, early
initiated RSDL-decontamination was highly efficient for both diluted (20% agent concentration) and
neat agent, although RSDL- decontamination of diluted VX was significantly more efficient than
decontamination of neat agent. Decontamination by washing with water only post VX-exposure was
equally efficient as RSDL for the 20% agent concentration. For the neat agent, however, washing
with water was without effect. In conclusion, the ability of RSDL to degrade nerve agents is
necessary for skin decontamination of highly concentrated agents.
77 Science and Security
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IN CBRN RESEARCH:
A funding multiplier or a strategic instrument?
Dr Ruud Busker
TNO CBRN Protection PO Box 45 2280 AA Rijswijk NLD
Fortunately, the CBRN threat is only a minor segment of the spectrum of challenges that Defense
and Security organizations have to be prepared for. Although not neglected, CBRN is not high on
political agendas. This means that maintaining adequate CBRN defense, as well as the research
needed to enable it, acquire only relatively moderate financial resources.
Unfortunately, the nature of the CBRN threat is highly dynamic and extremely difficult to predict.
Therefore, existing preventive and protective solutions not necessarily cope with the actual threat.
This, however, puts severe pressure on scarce research funding. The contradistinction between
moderate political attention on the one hand and an urgent need for adaptive solutions on the other,
inspire nations to seek international collaboration as a cost-sharing mechanism. This is neither new
nor specific for CBRN. Many, even ancient, memoranda of understanding have been the formal basis
of excellent scientific collaborative achievements. The presentation will provide some examples of
hi- and trilateral CBRN research projects. The main driving force thus far has been to create a
multiplier for existing research efforts.
Another, more innovative, approach for international research collaboration, would be based on
mutual willingness and preparedness to allow a certain level of interdependence between
participating nations. The foundation would be to come to an agreement on defining, building and
maintaining a shared knowledge base on a domain of common interest. That knowledge base would
consist of competences and resources of research institutes of both nations. Those competences could
have common grounds, but would rather be complementary in order to broaden the overall pool. That
knowledge base should be readily accessible for both defense organizations and should be mutually
guaranteed for an agreed upon term.
In 2015, the Ministers of Defense of the Netherlands and Norway have signed an agreement to come
to a Strategic Mutual Assistance in Research & Technology (SMART). As a first domain to discover
the feasibility of SMART, they have tasked their national defense research establishments, TNO and
FFI, respectively, to build a mutually shared knowledge base on CBRN. For that purpose, TNO and
FFI have compared their CBRN portfolios, made a long term plan to achieve a shared knowledge
base and have started research projects to fill it. The presentation will explain the SMART concept in
more depth and will share the earliest experiences.
78 Science and Security
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CBRN AND FORENSICS, THE GENERIC
INTEGRATED FORENSIC TOOLBOX FOR CBRN INCIDENT – GIFT
Gwyn Winfield
Suite 26, Basepoint, 1 Winnall Valley Road, Winchester, Hants. S0230LD
Project background
The successful interrogation of evidence either at a crime scene contaminated with chemical,
biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) agents, or of the agents themselves back at the lab, is an
absolutely vital part of CBRN Defence. Not only will processing these agents, or being able to handle
traditional evidence in a hazardous environment, be vital to the successful trial and prosecutions of the
individuals that carried out the attack, but it might provide vital information as to what agent was used
and what medicine needs to be given to the survivors.
The Generic Integrated Forensic Toolbox for CBRN Incidents (GIFT CBRN) is designed to close up
the many gaps inherent in this complex area and provide an integrated law enforcement CBRN
capability that is world class. At present forensic investigation is hampered by a lack of protocols and
training in carrying out forensic analysis on CBRN-contaminated materials. The aim of GIFT-CBRN
would be to develop a forensic toolbox for investigating CBRN incidents providing:
(1) Procedures, sampling methods and detection of CBRN agents at the crime scene,
(2) Traditional forensic laboratory methods for contaminated evidence
(3) Laboratory methods for profiling the CBRN agents released at the incident.
The procedures and methods will be set up and validated according to ISO17025 and the system
validation will be performed by a final exercise. Procedures for chain of custody, QC to ensure the
integrity of the evidence and investigations done on the evidence from crime scene to court will be
developed. An education and training curriculum related to the developed procedures, best practices
and methods will be designed and progressed to implementation.
Underpinning the above aims, research will be carried out to develop novel methodologies to enable
traditional forensic science (DNA, fingerprint and electronic devices) to be carried out on CBRN
contaminated exhibits and analytical procedures to be carried out that not only provide information
about the CBRN agent itself but also through CBRN profiling to provide in-depth information which
can give valuable forensic information.
Conclusion
The approach of the GIFT project is highly innovative. By developing technologies, best practices,
and improve efficiency within legal constraints the GIFT project will progress beyond state of the art
of established techniques in this highly specialised domain.
79 Science and Security
BIOSECURITY POLICY LANDSCAPE IN JAPAN
Tomoya Saito, MD, MPH, PhD
Department of Health Crisis Management, National Institute of Public Health, Japan
CBRN terrorism is an issue of growing concern in Japan in preparation for 2020 Tokyo Olympic
and Paralympic Games. Government of Japan (GOJ) started capacity building for biodefense since
the end of 1990's and enhanced it after 9/11 Attack. Reinforcing bioterrorism preparedness in public
health and preventive measures (pathogen control) were followed by enhancement of research
&development for biodefense as a key agenda under "Safe and Secure Society" initiative. However,
policy development for bioterrorism preparedness has been less interested since the middle of
2000's, except for the ad-hoc reinforcement during mass-gathering events such as APEC. Instead,
pandemic influenza and other emerging/re-emerging disease became the political priority. For
example, pandemic preparedness significantly improved after 2009 with the establishment of
Special Measures Act for crisis management. Response to recent major outbreaks gave GOJ the
opportunity to improve the medical and public health capacity for highly-contagious diseases.
Especially, interdepartmental collaboration is reinforced through whole-of- government approach
e.g. police, fire defense and public health, which will be an asset for responding bioterrorism,
however, these achievement has not been well recognized and reviewed in the context of
bioterrorism preparedness.
In terms of prevention of biological threats, the focus moved on to the governance of dual-use
research of concern (DURC) from the pathogen control. DURC in life science has been addressed
through academic initiatives in Japan. Approach to DURC in life science from scientists in Japan
started from the institutional level and reached the higher organizational level. Science Council of
Japan has addressed the dual issue by revising code of conduct for scientists and proposed a guideline
for pathogen research.
Overall, biosecurity (prevention and preparedness for biological threats) has significantly improved
last two decades by these efforts of public health and national security. Next major challenge is a
collaboration of public health sectors with security sectors. Closer collaboration of public health
sectors with intelligence sectors for risk assessment and with police departments for criminal
investigation is expected.
80 CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
EBOLA IN SCANDINAVIA:
Patient evacuation from West Africa to Norway
ER Nakstad (presenting) (1), HJ Heimdal (2), SA Osbakk (2), BE Nilsson (2), F Johansen (2), A
Dybwad (1), R Rolfsen (2), AB Brantsæter (1), T Strand (2), F Heyerdahl (1,3)
(1) Norwegian National Unit for CBRNE Medicine (The Norwegian CBRNE Centre), (2) Division of
Prehospital Medicine, (3) Division of Acute Medicine, - Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956
Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, NORWAY
BACKGROUND: From March 2014 through December 2015, West Africa experienced the largest
outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in history, with more than 28000 reported cases and 11000
deaths. In response to the outbreak, aid organizations established treatment centres and deployed
international health care workers (HCWs) in the most affected countries. No feasible medical
repatriation system existed, at this time, for western
HCWs who acquired EVD or were accidently exposed to contagious biological material.
EVACUATION PROCEDURES: Due to limited repatriation capacity, the Norwegian National Unit
for CBRNE Medicine, The Division for Prehospital Medicine at Oslo University Hospital (OUH) and
the Royal Norwegian Air Force, established an ambulance- based evacuation system for highly
infectious diseases (HID) with the RoNAF 335 squadron's C-1301 Super Hercules as platform. In
September 2014, the Norwegian government also entered into agreement with the US Government and
American airline Phoenix Air on evacuation of Norwegians infected with Ebola in West Africa.
CASE HISTORY: On 4 October 2014, a Norwegian female health care worker at Medecins Sans
Frontieres (MSF) in Sierra Leone developed fever and tested positive for EVD the following day. A
commercial ambulance jet (Medic' Air International) left Paris on 5 October and a medical pick-up
team was assembled in Oslo on short notice to start preparations for ambulance-based transferral to
OUH. A medical doctor from the OUH Air Ambulance Department communicated with the patient
prior to take-off in Freetown and with the flight crew (repeatedly) during the next 24 hours. The patient
was separated from the crew by a specialized patient isolator with a HEPA filter ventilation system.
Due to massive media coverage on arrival 7 October 2014, the jet was parked at Oslo Military Airport
Gardermoen with the isolator sheltered and a police escort arranged.
PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE: A specialized transport medical team for HID received medical
reports and carried out patient off/on-loading, treatment, staff protection, and disinfection throughout
the transfer to OUH. Powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) suits were used by personnel in the
ambulance treatment unit. The jet was parked downwind from the patient ambulance with an identical
back-up ambulance (and staff), one CBRNE ambulance, two medical assistance cars, one vehicle for
disinfection, and one airport fire truck positioned upwind from the jet. As the patient's condition
allowed for continued treatment in the same isolator, the entire off/on-loading and disinfection
procedure took less than 15 minutes. Police escort was then used for the consecutive 50 km drive to
OUH, where the isolator was brought directly into the high-level isolation unit and received by an inhospital medical team. The HID team then underwent strict individual decontamination and doffing in
accordance with procedures. No medical personnel contracted EVD. The evacuation system was
evaluated and further improved in 2014-15.
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
THE HIGH-LEVEL ISOLATION UNIT, OSLO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SET-UP AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM EBOLA MANAGEMENT
AB Brantsæter (pres.), V Ormaasen, M Jørgensen, I Simensen, O Dunlop, D Kvale
Oslo University Hospital, P.O.Box 4956 Nydalen N-0424 Oslo, NORWAY
Background
Military and civilian preparedness against biological threats must include health care capacity to
isolate and treat patients with infectious diseases that are both highly contagious and have a high
case-fatality rate. The recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa demonstrated a high rate of infection
among health care workers (HCWs) in the affected countries, and transmission was also seen in
hospitals in Europe and the US.
Set-up
The high-level isolation unit (HLIU) at Oslo University Hospital is the only HLIU in Norway. It
comprises 10 negative pressure rooms, 4 of which are designed for treatment of patients with
biosafety level (BSL) 4 pathogens such as Ebola virus disease (EVD) and smallpox. The HLIU also
includes a BSL 3+ laboratory. HCWs and the environment are protected from contamination by a
combination of measures, including use of powered air- purifying respirator (PAPR) suits, separate
entry and exit to isolation rooms through gas tight doors, chemical disinfectant showers, highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, autoclaving of wastewater, solid waste and equipment, and
terminal room fumigation by hydrogen peroxide.
Lessons learned from Management of an EVD patient
In October 2014 a Norwegian HCW with confirmed EVD was from Sierra Leone to Oslo. We here
present some lessons learned from management of this patient.
1. Management of EVD is resource-demanding. Even a single patient had impact on other clinical
activities at the hospital. In total, more than 120 persons were directly or indirectly involved in the care
of our patient. We had to improvise 12-hour shifts for nurses.
2. Adequate stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE) are vital. 330 PAPR suits were
consumed over 13 days. The Ebola epidemic resulted in global shortages of PPE. Restocking would
be challenging or impossible during an epidemic.
3. High level of staff confidence, motivation and multi-disciplinary work are essential. In our
experience, this is achievable by adequate training in HLIU work, and information sharing and
counselling during operation.
4. Adequate plans must be in place for monitoring of staff health throughout a potential incubation
period of three weeks after work in the HLIU. We advised staff against international travel in this
period, in which staff had direct lines of communication to dedicated medical doctors.
5. Technical systems are vulnerable, and contingency plans for potential malfunction are required. We
experienced unforeseen technical issues that were successfully managed using alternative solutions.
6. Plans for public communication must be given high priority. Adequate communication is key to
counteract public fear and satisfy the demands of the media, but this must be balanced against patient
confidentiality concerns. To the extent possible, staff directly involved in the management of a HLIU
patient should be protected from journalists while work in the unit is ongoing.
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THE FEAR FACTOR IN EBOLA. THE CONSEQUENCES OF FEAR PRESIDING
OVER FACTS
Stefan Liljegren, coordinator for MSF running the largest ever built Ebola treatment unit
Avantur, Education, leadership, lectures, Sweden
When fear is in control - fear of getting infected, making the wrong decision, being held accountable,
making the crisis worse, not being quick enough, not being good enough – when having the world's
eyes on you – bad decisions could be made.
Monrovia, September 2014 the surrounding was getting out of control, staff were dying and a colleague
got infected. Fear popped up in so many shapes and forms, they were not all bad, you needed to be afraid
but fear couldn't and shouldn't overrule facts. The latter must be what you base decision and
implementation on – not always the case in the Ebola crisis 2014. 83
CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
SIMPLE GUIDELINES FOR SCANDINAVIAN NON-SPECIALIST FIRST
RESPONDERS DURING THE INITIAL PHASE OF A CBRNE INCIDENT
*
#
*
§
Helge Opdahl , Ove Brunnström , Anders Dybwad , Øystein Bjørndal
*
Norwegian National CBRNE Medical and Advisory Centre, Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo
University Hospital Ullevål, POB 4950 Nydalen, 9424 Oslo, Norway.
#The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), 651 81 Karlstad, Sweden. §Norwegian
Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), Rambergveien 9, 3115 Tønsberg, Norway.
Background
Due to geography and population pattern, the first responders to a civilian CBRNE incident with
casualties (ambulance, fire-and-rescue and police) in Norway and Sweden will probably be nonspecialists. Most responders are well trained to deal with common emergencies, but have little or no
experience with incidents where CBRNE agents endanger the health of rescue personnel as well as
victims. The total exposure (time x agent concentration) determines the health impact of most injurious
CBRN agents, rapid evacuation of exposed victims out of the hot zone is therefore a top priority during
the initial phase of such incidents. Simultaneously, the risk of harmful exposure to first responders
entering the hot or warm zones must be considered. Weighing the health benefits of victims against
potential harm to first responders can be difficult, especially during the initial phase of the response.
The type of agent may be unknown; uncertainty about real and perceived dangers, including
contamination/decontamination issues, may delay evacuation and subsequent start of lifesaving
treatment of victims.
As in other emergencies, a common perception of priorities between the first responder groups is
crucial for an optimal joint effort. The algorithms guiding different categories of first responders may,
however, contain diverging priorities, resulting in confusion and delays. In the Scandinavian countries
the organization of first responder categories differs; if personnel from the neighboring country are
called upon to assist during a major incident, confusion may be further amplified. The border between
Norway and Sweden is about 1 630 km long; in many locations close to the border cooperation
between first responders from both countries may be necessary to deal with a CBRNE emergency. To
facilitate intra- and international collaboration between first responders and ensure optimal
management of victims, the directorates responsible for civil defense and preparedness in Norway and
Sweden were commissioned by their respective governments with preparing guidelines common for all
first responder categories in the two countries.
Goals
The primary goals were defined as: i) To create a document independent of the differences in
organization of first responder categories between the two countries, using an all-hazards approach. ii)
The document should be based on common practice and experience among both centrally located and
countryside first responder units. iii) Part of the document should be in the form of a check-list and
simple enough to support decision-making for first responders without experience with CBRNE agents
and easy access to special resources. iv) Recommendations should be based on expert assessment of
risks to the first responders vs the need of rapid evacuation and medical treatment for the victims.
The document should cover the time-frame from the first incoming alarm, en-route to the scene of
incident and the response during the first 30 min after arrival on the scene. It should be revised within
2 years, after obtaining comments from users.
The means of electronic communication may break down during a major incident. The possibility of
rapid communication within and between first responder units, as well as communication between the
incident scene, alarm centrals and centrally located experts, may then be limited or abolished. A
secondary goal was therefore to make a printed, pocket-sized version of the document available to first
responders in both countries, and to create an electronic version suitable for downloading to tablets
and mobile phones.
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Methods
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) organized the work in accordance with the primary
goals, with participation of Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), the Norwegian National
CBRNE Medical and Advisory Centre and representatives of various first responder units and agencies
from both countries. A total of 5 meetings, with extensive electronic communication between meetings,
were conducted during 2012-13. The final generic document (the “master” version) was translated into
English.
Results
The final English version, “First responders handbook: Hazardous materials – CBRNE”, was
approved in February 2014. The contents (93 pocket-sized pages) were organized into a) introduction
and usage directions, b) 10 chapters plus c) a one-page check- list.
Chapters 1 – 5 deal with practical guidelines for the different phases of the response:
1. Mobilising and en-route.
2. On scene – assessment and decisions.
3. On scene – implementing the response.
4. Lifesaving decontamination, symptoms.
5. Risks, protective equipment, initial danger zone, examples of measures.
Chapters 6 – 10 contain information and advice relevant to selection of the strategy for dealing
with the incident at hand:
6. Chemical warfare agents (CWA) and other relevant substances.
7. Improvised explosive devices (IED).
8. Marking and labelling (of dangerous goods).
9. Regional alarm centre/command support staff.
10. Forensics.
Translations into Swedish (Feb. 2014) and Norwegian (Dec. 2014) were based on this version, adapting
the final documents to national organization and practice with some national modifications without
changing the basic structure. The final document is available to first responders as a pocket-sized printed
handbook, a downloadable pdf file and applications adapted to use with mobile phones. A revision
process started in 2015, updated editions of the English-language and Swedish pdf versions can be
accessed free of charge at the homepages of The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB)
www.msb.se before summer of 2016. Similarly, the Norwegian edition can be accessed at the homepage
of The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) www.dsb.no (see also internet address for
direct access below).
Summary
A set of practical guidelines and other relevant information for dealing with CBRNE incidents in
neighbouring countries, generic for all first responder groups and covering the phases from alarm to
actions to be carried out during the first 30 minutes on the scene, were developed as a joint SwedishNorwegian project.
Internet addresses for direct access to “First responders handbook: Hazardous materials –
CBRNE”
English version:
https://www.msb.se/sv/Produkter--tjanster/Publikationer/Publikationer-fran-MSB/Firstresponders-handbook-hazardous-materials-CBRNE/.
Swedish version:
https://www.msb.se/sv/Produkter--tjanster/Publikationer/Publikationer-franMSB/Atgardskalender---forst-pa-plats-vid-handelser-med-farliga-amnen-CBRNE/
Norwegian version:
http://www.dsb.no/Global/Publikasjoner/2016/Andre/haandbok_for_noedetatene.pdf.
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
SMART DEFENCE IN PRACTISE – NATO STANDARDISATION AND
CIVIL-MILITARY COOPERATION
Erik Juel Ellinghaus
Bruhn NewTech; Gladsaxevej 402; DK-2860 Soborg; Denmark
Oral presentation – CBRN crisis management at national and international levels. Keywords: CBRN
Information Management, ATP-45, first response, civil-military cooperation.
This presentation analyses the impact of the planned changes in NATO procedures for CBRN
information management, warning and reporting, with a focus on how this will affect first
response and civil-military cooperation.
The background for this analysis is that the ATP-45, the NATO publication that directs CBRN
information management and the warning and reporting of CBRN hazards, is undergoing a major
change in 2016. The changes will make ATP-45 even more relevant as a common standard that can
provide a basis for information exchange between civil authorities and the military in situations where
the military is called upon to support the response to a CBRN incident.
With the CBRN-Analysis system, Bruhn NewTech provides the preferred solution for CBRN
information management to NATO and most NATO nations. In a practical realisation of the ambition
for smart defence, this widespread use of CBRN-Analysis allow a rare combination of the best CBRN
information management system also having the lowest life cycle cost. With 29 customer nations, the
cost sharing of major updates to the standard can be kept within the annual maintenance budget of the
software.
Bruhn NewTech has provided further emphasis on the usefulness of ATP-45 for first response to
CBRN with the release of the new software package CBRNE-Frontline. CBRNE-Frontline wraps the
advanced processes of ATP-45 in a simple user interface including the entire process from sensor
alarms to producing the NATO approved warning area and even adding more detailed dispersion
estimates based on models. Where CBRN- Analysis is used by operators with knowledge of ATP-45,
this is not a requirement for using CBRNE-Frontline, which makes this system uniquely suited for use
within civil-military cooperation and for non-NATO nations.
Based on the experiences with CBRN-Analysis and CBRNE-Frontline the presentation concludes
that the new ATP-45(F) will enhance the value of NATO standardisation both for military users and
as a common background for civil-military cooperation.
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
CBRNE DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Qi Jiayi, Wu Di, Zhu Xiaoxing, Ma Yan, Zhao Chenguang
Research Institute of Chemical Defense P.O.BOX 1044, Beijing (102205), China
I. Introduction
In recent years, the worldwide safety situation has changed dramatically. The predominance of NBC
warfare threat are gradually turning into the coexistence of multifold, complex and uncertain CBRNE
threats, such as CBRNE industrial accidents and CBRNE terrorism. Last year, the Tianjin port explosion
accidents killed hundreds of people and damaged thousands of containers. Furthermore, the rapid
progress of novel technologies has intensified the complexity of threats. On the other hand, there is more
or less inadequacy or weakness in the current CBRNE defense mechanism. So it is still an urgent need to
seek the better ways to deal with CBRNE threats.
II. What is CBRNE Defense Technology
CBRNE defense technology, which is used to detect, protect, decontaminate, rescue and recover from the
various CBRNE hazards, can avoid or minimize the damage of CBRNE events. It has the functions of
early warning and reconnaissance, CBRNE information fusing and processing, threat forecast and
evaluation, etc.
The CBRNE defense technology system can realize the three "five-in-one". The first five-in-one is
“detection, protection, decontamination, rescue, recovery”, the second five-in-one is “land, sea, aerial,
outer, cyber space”, and the third five-in-one is “chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear, explosion”.
III. Basic Framework
The basic idea of building the CBRNE defense technology system is to form and make use of information
advantage, composing decision advantage, and exert action advantage. The whole system contains four
frameworks: Strategy & Policy, Command & Control, Situation Awareness, and Emergency Response.
1. Strategy & Policy Framework
In order to improve the ability to cope with CBRNE threats, the construction of Strategy & Policy should
be strengthened, including domestic relevant laws and regulations, as well as international, multilateral
and bilateral treaties. The details are shown in Figure 1. Through planning and implementing a series of
strategies, the CBRNE defense system can be established and enhanced effectively.
2. Command & Control Framework
The Command & Control Framework is the key to implement CBRNE defense technology system. To
improve the efficiency and ability, the organization structure must be designed reasonably, which is
shown in Figure 2. The information construction should be reinforced to ensure the command centers and
emergency response powers at all levels communicate in real time. At the same time, we focus on data
fusion technology for a variety of information acquisition, data integration, and optimization, which can
assist decision-making efficiently and accurately.
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
Figure 1. Stategy & Policy Framework
3. Situation Awareness Framework
CBRNE defense technology system, including various situation awareness systems, can monitor the large
cities, airports, ports, border and important infrastructure in real-time. The CBRNE defense monitoring
sensors and payload modules in different ways are the base technologies to detect the information and
aware the situation. The Situation Awareness Framework is shown in Figure 3.
4. Emergency Response Framework
By research various CBRNE accidents detection, protection and decontamination and medical equipment,
we can meet the different needs of emergency response force at all levels. The Emergency Response
Framework is shown in Figure 4.
IV. CBRNE Defense Technology Development Direction
The CBRNE defense technology will explore the forward-looking technology and make use of mature
technology to produce equipment as effective supports for the defense system. To provide means for
CBRNE accidents early prevention, real-time protection and emergency disposal, we can focus on some
directions as follows:
1. National CBRNE accidents multi-source information fusion and processing.
2. Space borne NBC accidents monitoring precaution.
3. The near-space NBC accidents monitoring early warning.
4. CBRNE accidents real-time patrol and alerts based on unmanned platform.
5. Sea surface (under-sea) and deep-sea CBRNE accidents monitoring and precaution system.
6. CBRNE personal protective information and intelligence integration.
7. Research and development of high-performance composite protective and decontamination materials.
8. Recovery of NBC pollution environment based on the biochemical integrated technology.
9. Comprehensive performance evaluation of CBRNE defense equipment.
10. Emergency support integration.
11. Emergency medical rescue.
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
Figure 3. Situation Awareness Framework
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
Figure 4. Emergency Response Framework
V. Conclusion
To cope with increasingly complex CBRNE threats, it’s necessary to build a multi-layered,
interconnected national-wide CBRNE defense technology system, giving prominence to overall monitor,
control and coordination so as to respond rapidly on CBRNE accidents. The CBRNE defense technology
system will greatly promote national security defense capability, technical innovation capacity and
industry core competence.
Reference
[1]
Zhou Jiong, Yu Zhimin, Yang Tao. National Nuclear and Biological Safety. Beijing: the PLA
Press, 2011, 7.
[2]
Zhao Yanliang. The US National Defense in the Information Age. Beijing: National Defense
University Press, 2008, 10.
[3]
Ji Xueren, Zhu Jianxin. Research on NBC Defense Strategy. Beijing: National Defense University
Press, 2006, 2.
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UNDERSTANDING NEEDS AND GAPS IN CBRNE PREPAREDNESS,
RESPONSE AND RECOVERY: A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE
Kjersti Brattekås
Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Kjeller, Norway
In order to manage deliberate and accidental chemical, biological, radiological/nuclear and/ or
explosive (CBRNe) incidents, national and international crisis management bodies require up to date
information regarding their current situation. It is necessary to get an overview of what they need to get
an optimal ability, and what gaps there are in the current preparedness systems. Based on this data,
customised tools and solutions can be developed to meet their requirements. The European Union FP7
project End-user Driven dEmo for cbrNe (EDEN) has performed analyses of needs and gaps in the
current handling of- and preparedness for- CBRNe incidents in Europe.
In order to collect the gaps and needs, we consulted previous CBRNe-related EU-projects and
organised four large workshops with key specialists within the field. First responders, civilian and
military defence specialists, policy and decision makers were present to discuss the gaps in current
preparedness for CBRNe incidents in Europe. The results were systematised in a taxonomy,
prioritised and further validated by CBRNe experts and end- users.
The analyses resulted in the identification of 301 gaps and 342 needs. These were categorised according
to field (C, B, RN, e and/or medical), security cycle phase (prevention, preparedness, response,
recovery), and main tasks/activities based on modified functions in the STACCATO taxonomy. Most
gaps were linked to CBRNe protection for personnel, knowledge, training, response, equipment and
communication in particular.
The results presented summarise the current understanding of gaps and needs in CBRNe crisis
management across several European countries, reflecting the knowledge and input of the end-users
and stakeholders involved in the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery for CBRNe
incidents. In order to ensure relevance, several CBRNe security and defence specialists were selected
to review and validate the lists of gaps and needs. The results from the analyses of the gaps and needs
may form a basis for improving CBRNe planning and response capabilities as well as developing
customised tools.
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MODELLING EFFECTS FOLLOWING EXPOSURE OF HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCES
Oskar Björnham
Swedish Defence Research Agency, Cementvägen 20, Umeå, Sweden
ABSTRACT
A brief overview and insight in the project Effect Models are presented. The project provides useful
models for biological, chemical and radiological hazards, populated with substance specific parameters.
All models are implemented into, the so-called, Effect Module which results in a useful tool that may be
implemented into various external systems.
INTRODUCTION
Threat and risk assessments are vital issues to consider in different parts of the preparedness systems of
today’s societies. This includes urban planning, training and education of professional groups in the field
as well as first responders during an ongoing incident. One particular type of event that may cause
injuries and inflict huge negative impact of the society is a release of hazardous substances which may be
toxic chemicals, virulent agents, or radiological particles. It is therefore of high interest to estimate the
injury outcome of a person or population exposed to such substances. Unfortunately this is also a nontrivial matter which calls for extensive insight and knowledge of the substance in question and the
response of the human body. To address this problem, the Swedish Defence Research Agency runs a
project called Effect models.
THE PROJECT
The purpose of this project is two-folded. First, models are to be defined that target relevant questions
and the data to populate these models with are collected. Second, the models and the appertained data are
made accessible by the means of a comprehensive set of functions and databases. The main features of
the project Effect model are briefly explained here which include exposure issues and effects of
biological, chemical, and radiological substances.
These core parts of the project is complemented by the design and functionalities of the effect module. In
addition to these parts, the project also addresses questions regarding deposition and human behaviour
analysis.
Biological substances
A model that may be applied to possibly infected persons has been developed, see Figure 1. Infected
persons are transferred through this compartment model and end up at agent dependent end states which,
for instance, can be healthy, healthy with chronic issues and dead.
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
Infected persons are all treated individually and will
always be located in one of several discrete states
which are depicted by rectangles in Figure 1. Transition
models, rhombuses, will transfer the person between
different states as time pass by.
The model is flexible and may take different
architectural shapes depending on the characteristics of
the specific agents. There is also the possibility to
include treatment models which may affect the
outcome substantially. In this case, the infected person
may be translocated between states depending on the
treatment method and the success thereof. In addition,
depending on which state an infected person is located,
he/she may act as a source term for contagious
diseases in a scenario simulation.
As of now, three bacteria (Bacillus anthracis,
Francisella tularensis and Coxiella burnetii) and three
viruses (Smallpox virus, Venezuelan equine
encephalitis virus and arenavirus) has been
investigated and subjected to information gathering
for implementation in the model. A substantial
workload and connoisseurship are required to find,
evaluate and conform agent data to complete a model.
Chemical substances
In the field of toxicology the so-called probit model [1-3] is commonly utilized to estimate the injury
outcome to expect if a population is exposed to a toxic substance. In the probit model implemented in this
project, the substances are characterized by five model parameters which together describe the injury
outcome for three different injury levels: light injuries, severe injuries and death. Parameters have been
defined for 13 industrial chemicals and three chemical warfare agents. Moreover, populations are
aggregated from individuals with different sensitivities which may vary heavily in the case of weak
individuals that may be suffering from different diseases. Therefore, parameters have been extracted to
cover also this perspective which means that a database including parameter data for different injury
levels and sensitivities has been collected for these 16 substances. An example of injury estimation for a
scenario is shown in Figure 2.
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
Figure 2. An example of injury outcome following a release of 100 kg/s ammonia for four minutes.
The panels show big differences mainly between healthy individuals and sensitive or very sensitive
individuals. The panel in the lower right corner shows the injury outcome for a mixed population
consisting of 90% healthy, 8% sensitive and 2% very sensitive individuals.
Radiological substances
The main problem in modelling the injuries caused by a release of radiological particles is the estimation
of the exposure. That is, given geometrical and energetic distributions of particles, which radiation dose
will a person obtain? This is a nonlinear and difficult question to tackle. It is impossible to solve this
problem analytically since there are many physical phenomena involved. Instead, comprising Monte
Carlo-simulations have been conducted to numerically find the exposure at different conditions. A
number of tables have thereby been compiled which together span the parametric space of interest.
First, a custom model for the simulation was built [4] and benchmarked against reliable data for vacuum
dose calculations [5]. Second, air was added to the environment, see left panel in Figure 2. Third, ground
of different types of material was introduced and exposure from both airborne and deposited particles was
found, centre and right panels in Figure 2. Rotational symmetry is assumed for all these cases.
Figure 2. Three illustrations of different simulation cases. Left, radiation from airborne particles in the
absence of ground. Centre, radiation from airborne particles where the ground has been included which
allows for dose calculations for a realistic scenario. Right, radiation from particles deposited on the ground.
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
System
The Swedish Defence Research Agency is developing a comprising software package called Dispersion
Engine (DE) that handles topics regarding dispersion of hazardous substances. By using DE the user is
able to analyse a variety of scenarios including atmospheric dispersion and typically obtains a dynamic
concentration field or a static deposition field. As a complement to the set of functionalities provided by
DE, a semi-external module is developed called the Effect Module, see the left panel of Figure 3. This
module treats all questions regarding the exposure of individuals and the expected injuries thereof, i.e.,
results from the Effect model project see the right panel of Figure 3. The effect module is designed to be
compatible with external systems and thereby to possibly be integrated in third-party systems regardless
whether it is a training simulator, an application to be used in the field or any other suitable systems.
Figure 3. Left, schematic illustration of Dispersion Engine with input data and output data on the left and
right sides, respectively. The effect module provides additional functionalities with regards to health
effects. Right, the effect module possesses a broad selection of functionalities for data extraction as well
as for high level scenario support.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This project is funded by which is funded by the Swedish Ministry of Defence.
REFERENCES
1.
Bliss, C.I., THE METHOD OF PROBITS. Science, 1934. 79(2037): p. 38-9.
2.
Finney, D., Probit Analysis. 2009: Cambridge University Press.
3.
Methods for the determination of possible damage to people and objects resulting from
releases of hazardous materials. [1st ed.] ed. 1992: Voorburg: Director-General of Labour,
1992.
4.
Bahar Gogani, J. and E. Johansson, Effektmodeller - stråldoser från radioaktiva utsläpp. 2013,
Swedish Defence Research Agency.
5.
ICRP, Conversion coefficients for radiological protection quantities for external radiation
exposures. 2010. 95
CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
FIRST RESPONDERS AND ATMOSPHERIC DISPERSION OF HAZARDOUS
CHEMICALS
Magnus Levein1) and Håkan Grahn2)
1) MSB,
Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, 651 81 Karlstad SE, 2) FOI,
Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security
Cementvägen 20, 901 82 Umeå SE
From user’s perspective
First responders in Sweden have access to a software package, RIB, containing a reference library
with hazardous substances together with an atmospheric dispersion simulation software, the latter
called Dispersion Air. The purpose of the dispersion software in RIB is to give first responders
situational awareness after chemical accidents with hazardous substances. This software package
enhances the first responders’ ability to predict hazardous areas during an accident involving
chemicals.
Dispersion Air has a user friendly interface which lets first responders use the atmospheric
dispersion model without deeper knowledge of the physics involved in the dispersion process. In
its simplest form the simulation is initiated by selecting type of substance, type of container, e.g.
rail tanker or truck, and by fetching the current weather from a weather server. With this set of data
the model calculates a wind profile and a source release rate and then the gas dispersion is
modelled. All of this can be done on site by a first responder and the result is delivered within a
minute. The result is then presented on map as concentration plumes. Both horizontal
concentration levels and vertical concentration levels can be presented to the first responder. In
addition, approximated indoor concentration levels as well as casualty assessments for outdoors
and indoors can be given by selecting a position in the plume.
Usage example
During a derailment of tank wagons with chlorine, in February 28th 2005, Figure 1, dispersion
calculations were done before the most critical phase of the operation was started. Utilizing
Dispersion Air we could now re-create those simulations within a few moments, see Figure 2. Our
simulations clearly show that, during unfortunate weather conditions, the neighboring town
Kungsbacka would be severely affected if a large leakage would arise during the salvage work.
Because of this, the salvage work was done with extreme care – and everything went well.
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
Figure 1. Derailment of chlorine tank wagons, Kungsbacka, Sweden, 2005.
Photo: Magnus Levein
Figure 2. Screenshots from Dispersion Air and its connected map tool, RIB Map. Top left image shows
the tab where the type of container is selected, middle image shows the tab where the type of leak is
selected and the right image shows the final dispersion plume after an accident.
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
The modelling tricks behind
Wrapped inside Disperse Air is a software library called Dispersion Engine (DE) developed by FOI
CBRN Defense and Security. DE is developed with the goal to make it easy to integrate new dispersion
models into existing platforms. DE can contain a set of different models which seamlessly are accessed
via the same software interface. Dispersion models inside DE are considered as plugins which can be
loaded and unloaded at any time.
An API handles all communication with Dispersion Air and in addition two so-called builders are
also reachable assist Dispersion Air with different aspects of the initialization process. The two
builders utilized in Dispersion Air is:
Meteorology builder
A builder which creates a meteorology object and sets parameter values
depending on a weather observation of the current wind speed, cloudiness,
temperature, snow cover, etc.
Source builder
A builder which creates a dispersion source from a leaking container. The
hole and the container is specified by the user via Disperse Air´s user
interface.
The dispersion model inside DE as used in Dispersion Air is PUMA (Puff Model of Atmospheric
Dispersion). PUMA is based on the SCIPUFF (Second-order Closure Integrated Puff) scheme which
utilizes a Lagrangian approach with discrete puffs that individually hold a continuous distribution of the
concentration they represent [1, 2], see Figure 3
Figure 3: In PUMA the plume is represented by individual puffs with Gaussian concentration distributions. The plume
concentration levels are the sum of all puff concentrations. In the left image the puffs are sparse and all individual puffs
are visible in the image together with the calculated concentration. In the right image the puffs are very tight and can’t be
separated from each other and here is only the calculated concentration displayed. In a dispersion calculation the puff
distances are chosen so no individual puffs can be seen in the concentration calculation.
PUMA can calculate the dispersion of both passive gases, which aren’t affecting the wind field, and so
called dense gases. By dense gas it is implied that a gas is denser than the surrounding air and hence
slowly impacts against the ground below it.
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CBRN Crisis Management at National and International Levels
When a dense gas is released into the atmosphere it will decrease the local wind speed and
turbulence around it. These decreases in wind speed and turbulence lead to a higher gas
concentration than would have been the case if the gas was passive, see Figure 4.
Figure 4. Comparison of passive and dense gas treatment in PUMA. There is a significant difference in the crosssection concentration at a distance of 100 meters from the source.
For a detailed description of the dense gas modelling inside PUMA see Björnham and Burman [3].
As can be seen in Figure 3 PUMA uses horizontally symmetrical discrete puffs with a Gaussian
concentration distribution that collectively represent the entire concentration field from one or
several sources. In the dense gas calculation each puff is limited by an effective volume which is
the volume where the required thermodynamic properties are calculated. Inside the effective
volume we calculate the heat exchange with the surroundings, temperature equalization due to air
entrainment, the slumping velocity of the puff, the horizontal puff velocity, and how the puff
growth is effected by the decreased turbulence around the puff.
REFERENCES
1.
2.
3.
Sykes, R.I., C.P. Cerasoli, and D.S. Henn, The representation of dynamic flow effects in
a Lagrangian puff dispersion model. Journal of Hazardous Materials,
1999. 64(3): p. 223-247.
Sykes, R.I. and R.S. Gabruk, A second-order closure model for the effect of averaging
time on turbulent plume dispersion. Journal of Applied Meteorology,
1997. 36(8): p. 1038-1045.
Björnham, O. and Burman, J, PUMA Dense Gas Modelling. 2015, Swedish
Defense Research Agency.
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UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH CBRN DIM CAPABILITY
TO ENHANCE THE CHEMICAL AWARENESS
M.J. van der Schans (1) , J.A. van der Meer (1), R. C.M. Olivier (1), R.W. Busker (1), G.M. Voorsluijs
(2), A.J. de Jong (2)
1) TNO - CBRN Protection, Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
2) Delft Dynamics B.V., Molengraaffsingel 12-14, 2629 JD Delft, The Netherlands
The awareness of the possible presence of toxic chemical compounds at and around military
compounds and other critical infra structures is crucial and normally monitored by point detectors.
The disadvantage of these type of detectors is that large quantities (organized in a network) are
needed when a large area is to be controlled. Secondly point detectors cannot be placed in areas that
are not controlled by own forces. Therefore there is a need for a DIM capability that is able to scan
larger areas and is able to measure in areas that cannot easily be reached. Such systems that can
determine "out of the fence" of a compound or safe area will ensure additional early warning time to
take the appropriate countermeasures for protection.
Standoff detectors can be placed on the border of the safe area or effected area and monitor the
surrounding. Passive standoff detectors can determine the presence of chemicals based on their IR
spectrum. However the technique suffers from influences by weather conditions and other
interferents. Moreover it is questionable whether reaching orders will be given guided by just one
detection technique. Therefore there is a strong need for a second technique that is a capable to
determine the chemical awareness on longer distance. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped
with DIM capabilities (CBRN-drone) could fill this gap. In a National Technology Project (NTP) the
Dutch Ministry of Defence sponsored a joint project between small company Delft Dynamics,
manufacturer of UAV's, and research organization TNO, to develop a prototype of a CBRN-drone.
This presentation gives an overview on the Concept of Operation of such a CBRN-drone, the design
and first experiments with integrated sensors and sampling systems. Given the limited payload of the
drone (typically 1-2 kg) the UAV can only be equipped with small systems. Additionally the flight
time of electrically driven systems is also limited. Taken this together the utility of a CBRN-drone is
limited and restricted to a target directed use, rather than in a monitoring mode. The CBRN-drone,
under construction, is equipped with a smart sampling system. The sampler itself consists of a
vacuum canister or helium diffusion sampler that is activated manually or triggered by onboard
generic detection systems. Crucial in that respect is the location of sampling and detection systems to
avoid the interference by downwash caused by the rotor blades of the helicopter. Results of
experiments showing the impact of downwash will be shown. A study-model of the CBRN-drone is
shown at the TNO booth. Finally an outlook will be given on our thoughts on future developments
for CERN-drones.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
THE FOUNDATIONS FOR SELECTIVE, SENSITIVE AND RAPID NEXT
GENERATION DETECTION OF V-SERIES CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS WITH
TRIVALENT LANTHANIDE BASED SYSTEMS
Genevieve H. Dennison,a,f Christian G. Bochet,b Christophe Curty,c Julien Ducry,b,c Nicholas Fitzgerald,a
Alexander J. Metherell,d David J. Nielsen,a Karl Pavey,a Mark R. Sambrook,e Michael D. Ward,d
Andreas Zauggc and Martin R. Johnstonf
a
Land Division, Defence Science and Technology Group, Fishermans Bend, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA.
b
Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, SWITZERLAND.
c
Federal Office for Civil Protection FOCP, Spiez Laboratory, Organic Chemistry Branch, Spiez, SWITZERLAND.
d
Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield , UNITED KINGDOM.
e
Detection Department, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, UNITED
KINGDOM.
f
Flinders Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, School of Chemistry & Physical Sciences, Flinders
University, Adelaide, AUSTRALIA.
Introduction:
Traditional molecular based sensing approaches for organophosphorus chemical warfare agents (OP
CWAs) have generally exploited the chemical reactivity of the G-series OP CWAs.1 More recently the
use of supramolecular based approaches using non-covalent interactions has gained momentum.2 Of
particular interest are luminescent complexes of trivalent lanthanides3 since these display exceptionally
long excited state lifetimes,4 line like luminescence emission bands5 and have high affinity for the P=O
moiety in organophosphorus compounds.1,2 This makes them an attractive targets for the sensing of OP
CWAs.
Lanthanide based luminescence cannot be achieved without appropriate ligand coordination due to poor
light absorption by direct excitation of electrons in the 4f levels of the ion.5 When irradiated with light in
an absorption band of the coordinated ligand, excitation energy is transferred from the ligand to the
lanthanide ion. This generates a singlet excited state in the lanthanide ion which upon relaxation yields an
intense metal-centered luminescence. This process is termed the antenna effect (Figure One).5
Figure One: Representation of the antenna effect resulting in trivalent lanthanide ion centred luminescence. Image
reproduced with permission (and modified) from G. H. Dennison and M. R. Johnston, Chem. Eur. J., 2015, 21, 6328
– 6338.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
Foundational Interactions with OP CWA:
G. H. Dennison,* M. R. Sambrook* and M. R. Johnston.*
Through spectroscopic investigations (luminescence and UV-Vis) we have established that the G- and Vseries OP CWAs interact and quench the luminescence of simple trivalent lanthanide complexes of the
type [Ln(phen)2(NO3)3]·xH2O via differing mechanisms.6,7 V-series OP CWAs, VX and VG, quenched
(90 %) the luminescence of the lanthanide solutions with the addition four equivalents of agent, via a
predominantly static quenching mechanism where the 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligand was displaced
from the lanthanide ion (Figure Two).6 In contrast, the G- series OP CWAs Sarin (GB) resulted in only
dynamic (collisional) quenching with only a 15 % loss of luminescence emission with the addition of ten
equivalents of GB (Figure Two),7 with no phen displacement.
Figure Two: Differing pathways of luminescence quenching of lanthanide complexes of the type
[Ln(phen)2(NO3)3]·xH2O where Ln = Eu3+ or Tb3+ and x = 2 or 3 upon addition of V- or G-series OP CWAs.
New Supramolecular V-Series Simulants:
G. H. Dennison,* C. G. Bochet, C. Curty, J. Ducry, D. J. Nielsen, M. R. Sambrook,* A. Zaugg and M. R.
Johnston.*
Further investigations8 into the interactions of eight potential bidentate V-series OP CWA simulants with
[Eu(phen)2(NO3)3]•2H2O (Figure Three) demonstrated that the composition of the secondary binding site
within the simulant was of paramount importance in influencing the quenching mechanism. Only the
simulant VO, containing both phosphonyl and amine moieties, generated analogous spectroscopic
behaviours to V-series OP CWAs seen in previous studies, thus highlighting the selectivity of the system.
The simulant TEEP was shown to adequately simulate the competitive binding process but not the
luminescence quenching of the V-series OP CWAs.
The results demonstrated that the bidentate chelation mechanism was driven by the phosphoryl /
phosphonyl moieties and that the presence of the amine moieties induced a significant secondary dynamic
luminescence quenching mechanism. Subsequent
NMR and kinetic IR investigations with TEEP
and VO determined the detection (coordination)
rate to be rapid (less than 45 seconds) with
coordination occurring through the phosphonyl
and amine moieties concurrently.
Figure Three: Chemical structures of the
investigated potential V-series simulants with
multiple binding sites.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
Applications of the Foundational Science:
Investigations into the underlying mechanisms of luminecence quenching with OP CWAs has
determined that trivalent lanthanides may be used to detect and discriminate between the G- and
V-sereis OP CWAs. This represents an excellent foundation for the preparation of advanced
multifunctional and next generation detection systems for V-series OP CWAs. Some current
applications of this foundational science that are under investigation are:
1.
Next Generation Lanthanide Based OP CWA Sensors
G. H. Dennison*, M. R. Johnston* and C. Curty.*
Molecular based sensor incorporating elements of supramolecular and chemical reactivity to
distinguish between G- and V-series OP CWAs at low equivalents (Figure Four). This sensor is
aimed at overcoming the rate limiting phosphonylation reaction times with OP CWAs containing
P-F moieties (G-series) as well as incorporating the foundational principles of V-series
supramolecular interactions with lanthanides.
Figure Four: Representation of the new G- and V-series OP CWA molecular based sensor which incorporates
elements of chemical reactivity and supramolecular interactions.
A. J. Metherell, C. Curty, A. Zaugg, G. H. Dennison and M. D. Ward*
Molecular based sensor containing both Ir3+ and Eu3+ moieties. When irradiated together the europium (red)
and iridium (blue) emissions generate a white luminescence (Figure Five). Upon exposure to V-series OP
CWAs and simulants the red europium emission is quenched and the blue emission dominates to generate
a luminescence (wavelength) switching event.9
Figure Five: Luminescence emission of the Ir3+ and Eu3+ dyad sensor (inset, white light emission of the senor in
CH2Cl2 solution at 10-5 M concentration range). Image reprinted with permission from Inorg. Chem., 2011, 50,
11323–11339. Copyright American Chemical Society.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
2.
Multifunctional Systems / Target and Trigger – PhD Programme
G. H. Dennison,* M. R. Sambrook, D. J. Nielsen and M. R. Johnston.*
Synthesis and testing of molecular devices and architectures that rely upon the competitive binding
mechanism to detect V-series OP CWAs and trigger subsequent molecular functions.
3.
Black Canary™ Sensor Array
K. Pavey*, N. Fitzgerald.* The Black Canary™ is a
real-time chemical detector of smartphone dimensions
which utilises machine read colorimetry and
disposable transduction cartridges to detect a range of
toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents.
The device can detect challenges down to the
permissible exposure levels (PEL) in seconds and
identify them in less than sixty seconds.
Black Canary™ has demonstrated efficacy with eight
different cartridge types and is highly adaptable – to
generate a new cartridge only a colour change reaction
and matching LED need be identified. In future
iterations the Black Canary™ will take advantage of
fluorescence based methods as well as other types of
transduction techniques.
Figure Six: Black Canary™ chemical detector.
Contact Emails: genevieve.dennison@flinders.edu.au, genevieve.dennison@dsto.defence.gov.au,
martin.johnston@flinders.edu.au, MSAMBROOK@mail.dstl.gov.uk, Christophe.Curty@babs.admin.ch,
m.d.ward@sheffield.ac.uk, karl.pavey@dsto.defence.gov.au and nicholas.fitzgerald@dsto.defence.gov.au.
Funding:
Combatting Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO), USA; Defence Science and Technology Group (DST
Group), Australia; Federal Office of Civil Protection, Spiez Laboratory, Switzerland; Flinders University, Adelaide,
Australia and Endeavour Postgraduate Fellowship, Australia.
References:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
D. Ajami and J. Rebek, Org. Biomol. Chem., 2013, 11, 3936 – 3942; M. Burnwoth, S. R. Rowan and C.
Weder, Chem. Eur. J., 2007, 13, 7828 – 7836.
M. R. Sambrook and S. Notman, Chem Soc. Rev., 2013, 42, 9251 – 9267.
G. H. Dennison and M. R. Johnston, Chem. Eur. J., 2015, 21, 6328 – 6338
R. Ferreira, P. Pires. B. de Castro, R. A. Sa Ferreira, L. D. Carlos, U. Pischel, New J. Chem. 2004, 28, 1506
- 1513.
K. Binnemans, Chem. Rev. 2009, 109, 4283 - 4374; C. Piguet, J-C. G. Bünzli, G. Bernardinelli, G.
Hopfgartner, A. F. Williams, Alloy. Compd. 1995, 225, 324 - 330.
G. H. Dennison, M. R. Sambrook and M. R. Johnston, Chem. Commun., 2014, 50, 195 - 197.
G. H. Dennison, M. R. Sambrook and M. R. Johnston, RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 55524 -55528.
G. H. Dennison, C. G. Bochet, C. Curty, J. Ducry, D. J. Nielsen, M. R. Sambrook, A. Zaugg and M. R.
Johnston, manuscript in early online release, Eur J. Inorg. Chem. 2016.
D. Sykes, I. S. Tidmarsh, A. Barbieri, I. V. Sazanovich, J. A. Weinstein and M. D. Ward, Inorg.
Chem., 2011, 50, 11323–11339.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
TAILOR MADE DESIGN AND HIGH-THOUGHPUT APPROACH FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF COLORIMETRIC SENSORS FOR NERVE AGENT
Sebastien Penlou
Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LITEN, MINATEC Campus, F-38054 Grenoble, France
Despite the prohibition of chemical agents by the Protocol of Geneva in 1925 and signature of
Chemical Weapons Convention in 1997, chemical weapons are still relevant. In order to protect both
military and civilian people from such warfare agents, it is necessary to develop sensing devices with
high sensitivity and specificity to traces of organophosphorus nerve agents (OPs), like Sarin, in
ambient air.
However, state of the art colorimetric papers are not sensitive to nerve agents in the gas phase.
We developed innovative concepts for the detection of OP nerve agents thanks to the discolouration of a
coordination complex containing ligands with specific reactivity and the use of homemade colorimetric
sensors.[1]
The detection of Sarin was achieved in the gas phase with innovative colorimetric papers. In addition
to the tailor made design of colorimetric sensors, the investigation of a high throughput screening
approach for determining new reactive species towards OPs will be presented.
[1] L. Ordronneau, A. Carella, M. Pohanka, and J.-P. Simonato Chern. Commun. 2013,49 (79), pp.
8946-8948
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING DENSE GAS EFFECTS ON
DISPERSION OF HAZARDOUS GASES
Oskar Parmhed, Jan Burman
FOI, Swedish Defence Research
Agency, SE-164 90 Stockholm
Abstract
The EDA-project MODITIC with participants from Sweden, Norway, France and the United Kingdom
have during 2012-2016 conducted wind tunnel experiments in order to generate data suitable for
validation of dispersion models for passive (neutral buoyant) gases and heavy gases. A range of
scenarios from a simple flow over a smooth surface to the simulation of dispersion in Paris have been
carried out. The collected data is suitable both for comparisons with advanced CFD models and risk
assessment models. In this talk we will compare and contrast two CFD models using the mentioned
scenarios.
The first comparison shows that a RANS model, a CFD model with a simplified treatment of
turbulence (Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes), with an assumption of stationary wind field struggles
to explain all the variations measured in the wind tunnel, especially in the more complex scenarios.
The lesson learned is that a RANS model fits well in some cases and in others not so good.
We conclude that the user of these models need to be aware of each model’s performance in order to
choose the correct model depending on the scenario to be studied.
The second comparison shows that a LES model, a CFD model with a richer treatment of the turbulent
component (Large Eddy Simulation), that resolves the large turbulent eddies have a good ability to
simulate the flow, including variations, that was measured in the wind tunnel. As the wind tunnel
measurements are made with a statistically sufficient averaging time this has to be replicated in the
simulations. This is computationally expensive and thus time consuming, and hence limits the
operational use of LES models. Still good agreements are shown both for passive and heavy gas
releases.
Introduction
Toxic Industrial Chemicals are used in many areas of modern society. The chemicals are transported by
road, railroad and ship all over the world. Sometimes TIC is used and/or transported through cities, close
to large populations. Release of TIC, accidental or not, may pose considerable risk to people and it is
important to be able to accurately predict which areas of city may, or may not, be affected by a release.
The dispersion of contaminants in the atmosphere are governed by conservation laws for momentum,
energy and mass. Neutrally buoyant gas dispersion has long been simulated using a range of
methodologies ranging from simple plume-type models to the most complex computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) simulations. The neutrally buoyant gas is transported with the wind field without
affecting the dynamics of the flow (excluding the presumably local effect of the mass/momentum
source). A non-neutral gas will also be mostly affected by the background wind field, but the density
difference means that the dispersed contaminant will also affect the dynamics of the flow itself. Density
differences will induce stable or unstable stratification, modifying vertical velocities and vertical mixing.
CFD simulations are generally considerably more expensive than simpler models but may contribute
significant gain in knowledge and/or quality of simulation.
Here, we use LES and RANS to examine the viability of simulating the urban dispersion of a dense
gas, including comparison with the dispersion of a neutrally buoyant gas. Configurations studied here
are an array of buildings in a city-like pattern and a cut-out representation of a part of Paris (around
Champs-Elysées).
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
Models
Two models have been used: the “PHOENICS” code for RANS simulations, and the “OpenFOAM”
toolbox for LES simulations. PHOENICS is a general purpose CFD-code that allows for easy
implementation of boundary conditions and grid generation. Boundary conditions are set according to
the measured values from the wind tunnel for wind speed and turbulence for the approaching flow. The
MMK[1] model differs from the standard high Reynold k-ε turbulent model in that the eddy viscosity
coefficient is limited in strong shear by multiplication with the ratio of the vorticity and strain
parameters.
OpenFOAM is a general C++ toolbox for numerical solver development and pre- and post-processing
of continuum mechanics problems, primarily CFD – in this study it is used for LES computations. Here
the simulated turbulent boundary layer is generated by explicit simulation of wind-tunnel roughnesselements, using the LDKM sub-grid turbulence model. Inlet conditions are chosen so that flow
statistics profiles are similar to wind tunnel measurements after the roughness elements. Dense gas
effects are simulated using a Boussinesq assumption.
Results
Figure 1 shows mass fraction contours from PHOENICS RANS simulations of the building array. The
upper panels show results from neutral gas release while the lower panels show results from dense gas
release. The neutral gas release results close to the ground show an overestimation close to array,
indicating that the non-stationary mixing turbulent process is under-rated. Farther downstream, the
dispersion is over/rated. Dense gas simulation follows the same pattern and moreover, does not in full
mimic the broadening of the plume.
Figure 2 shows the LES simulated scaled concentration close to the floor of the wind tunnel. These
panels show the distinct differences between the neutral and dense gas dispersion patterns. It is clear
how the neutral gas is passively following the background flow, while the dense gas is spreading in all
directions from the source. This semi-isotropic spread is also to a considerable extent influencing the
near-surface flow pattern, including features such as flow- reversal and lifting.
Figure 1. Normalized concentration contours for neutrally buoyant gas (top) and dense (bottom) and cross wind profiles at 25
mm above the floor for the 0° oriented array.
Figure 3 shows a comparison of simulated mean scaled concentrations and measured mean scaled
concentrations. For the neutrally buoyant gas, most points are located close to the one- to-one line. In
fact, for most of the points the distribution about the one-to-one line is within the standard deviation of
the measurements. For the dense gas the agreement is even greater. It is only for the very highest values
that the LES is overestimating the concentration.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
Figure 2. Scaled mean contaminant concentrations 10 mm above the wind tunnel floor for neutral gas (lower left) and
dense gas (lower right). Both figure scales have a cutoff at a scaled concentration of 5.
Figure 3. Measured and simulated mean scaled concentrations for neutrally buoyant gas (left) and dense gas
(right).
Conclusions
As has been noted previously the urban area dispersion simulation is one where large eddies induced by
sharp edged bluff bodies may be expected to dominate the boundary layer, rather than velocity shears.
RANS simulations presented here show reasonably agreement with measurements for the neutrally
buoyant case. Dense gas simulations show underestimation of plume widening, indicating that the
model is missing sufficient treatment of the dense gas effect.
LES simulations presented here are limited by insufficient averaging time, but show fair agreement
with measurements. Agreement seem to be even greater for the dense gas case. This may be caused by
local channeling between buildings forcing the background flow to go above the dispersing dense gas.
Overall the simulations show that CFD is a viable means of simulating dense gas dispersion in urban
areas. It is however also clear that the more expensive LES provides a higher agreement with
measurements than the less expensive RANS methodology.
Acknowledgements
This work was conducted within the European Defence Agency (EDA) project B-1097- ESM4-GP
“Modelling the dispersion of toxic industrial chemicals in urban environments” (MODITIC).
References
[1] S. Murakami, A. Mochida, K. Kondo, Y. Ishida, M. Tsuchiya, Development of a new k-ɛ model for
flow and pressure fields around bluff body, J.Wind Engineeering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 67-68
(1998) 169-182.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
DESIGNING AND PERFORMING AN OPEN AIR FIELD TRIAL FOR
VALIDATION OF DISPERSION MODEL
Pär Wästerby, Per-Åke Gradmark, Torbjörn Tjärnhage
CBRN Defence and Security, Cementvägen 20, SE-901 82, Umeå, Sweden
A dispersion model for condensed gas has recently been developed by FOI. The model describes a
dispersion of gas or aerosol from several sources (solid, dust, liquid and gas). Dispersion of condensed
gas for large source strengths can give rise to the "heavy gas" effect, where the gas has higher density
then air. The heavy gas effect is dominating close to the source, where gas is evaporating and
expanding at a high rate causing the gas temperature to decrease and its density to increase. The gas
will temporarily spread on the ground before it has absorbed enough energy from the surroundings to
obtain ambient temperature, mix with air and finally follow the "ordinary" behavior.
The "heavy gas" effect is described by the dispersion model, but it has not been validated. An open air
field trial was designed to obtain experimental data describing it. The idea was to measure gas
concentration and temperature at different heights and at different distances from the source. Several
factors were important in designing the field trial:
• Gas generation with known source strength, large enough to produce the heavy gas effect.
• Gas and temperature sensors, and communication to store measured data.
• Spatial resolution; the number of sensors should be enough to describe the gas dispersion in three
dimensions.
• The gas sensors measuring range must cover generated gas concentrations. Response time and
measuring frequency should be sufficient to describe the dynamics of the gas.
The project was initiated in May 2015 and the delivery should be made the same year. Due to limited
time and resources, we decided to custom build a sensor network from OEM products. This
presentation will describe the process before the field trial with design of sensor network and devices
for gas generation, implementation of the field trial and present examples of measured data.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
DETECTOR EVALUATION FOR IMPROVED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS:
RECEIVER OPERATOR CHARACTERISTIC CURVE BASED
Arjan van Wuijckhuijse, Maarten Nieuwenhuizen
TNO, CBRN Protection, P.O. Box 45, 2280 AA Rijswijk, The Netherlands
Introduction
In military and civilian operations good situational awareness is a prerequisite to make proper decisions.
The situational awareness is among others based upon intelligence, threat analysis and detection,
altogether element of the so-called DIM (detection, identification, monitoring) system. In case of low
probability / high impact CBRN events it is preferred that high impact decisions are based upon data with
known levels of confidence and less on the experience of the personnel. For this purpose operators of
detectors should not only receive a detection signal, but also information regarding the related confidence
of the information thus obtained. Confidence of a detection event is among others dependent of the
environment. However the characteristics related to the confidence are not adequately assessed in material
procurement requirements nor in the concomitant acceptance tests. To assess these characteristics
properly, CBRN detectors should be evaluated on four interrelated key metrics: response time, false alarm
rate, detection confidence and sensitivity. This is accomplished through the determination of so-called
Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves rather than by solely measurement of the limit of
detection.
It should be noted that addressing confidence aspects already during design, development and production
of detectors could be beneficial as well.
Detector key metrics
Detector key metrics will determine how a detector will function within a certain environment. The
detection result can be one of the following outcomes:




True positive: there is a threat agent present and an alarm is given.
False positive: there is no threat agent present but an alarm is given.
True negative: there is no threat agent present and no alarm is given.
False negative: there is a threat agent present but no alarm is given.
In case of low probability high impact CBRN events, detectors must not exceed certain false positive
rates. False positives can either have a low or a high regret level, depending on the follow-up of the alarm.
Usually, a false positive leads to a waste of resources, including time, manpower and costs as well as an
impact on society in case the alarm would become known. The acceptance level of false positive is
dependent upon the threat situation. In case of a high threat level, a higher amount is accepted in contrast
to a low threat perspective. Furthermore, in case of a high threat level event, a false positive might be
regarded as an opportunity to practice procedures, where at a low threat level it is regarded as a waste of
resources.
True positives and false negatives, as well as false positives and true negatives are
complementary. The key metrics are described in detail in the following sections:



Response time. The response time is the amount of time a detector needs to analyze a possible
threat agent, determine if an alarm needs to be given and provide a result to the operator. In
general the response time is of importance since an increased response time will result in an
increased exposed dose.
Sensitivity. The sensitivity can be described as the minimum threshold value at which a detector
will raise an alarm when exposed to certain threat agents. Sensitivity influences the true positive
rate. If the sensitivity increases the threshold will decrease which results in more correct alarms.
Specificity. Specificity of a detector is the ability to discriminate between closely related (threat)
agents. In contrast to sensitivity specificity positively influences the false positive rate. A higher
specificity decreases the false positive rate, as alarms will be given for specific agents.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis

Detection confidence. Detection confidence corresponds with the true positive rate. The
detection confidence is the correct identified fraction of threat agents at a set threshold level. The
detection confidence can be affected by interferences from the operational environment.
Situational awareness
The way a detector responds and the kind of decisions made upon a detector response should be based
upon the discriminative power of the detector in a certain environment. A tool to investigate the
discriminative power is the ROC-curve. By applying ROC analysis to a variety of environments the
detector is not solely providing an alarm, but also the reliability becomes known for a certain setting. At
present the anticipated use and the operational setting of the equipment are unfortunately hardly taken
into account in procurement programs. A trade-off between the four key metrics is not made, although
decisions based upon information from the DIM-system require e.g. an increased probability of detection
and reduced false positive rate in case of decisions with an increased level of regret. In addition, an
increased reaction time is acceptable for increased level of regret decisions. Based upon insight in the
anticipated use of a detector in combination with generic threat analysis, generic requirements for Test
and Evaluation (T&E) can be set. These requirements do not need to cover the whole operational range in
great detail, but are focused on the extremes in the anticipated window and gaining insight in the dose
response curve of the detector.
In case a detector, which is evaluated in such a way as it is applied in the field, the actual
operational awareness should be determined. This can be arranged for the DIM-part by measuring
the response of the detector to the operational environment and using determined dose response
curves from T&E. In case both are known a variety of ROC-curves, with variation in the set
parameters can be made, which provide a tool to make solid decisions on the way a detector is
applied. For each sensitivity the other key metrics can be determined and in this way it is known
how reliable and fast the DIM-system will provide its answers.
Detector response An ideal detector is very sensitive, very specific and has a short response time, all in any operational
environment. However this is not realistic since detectors suffer from interferences, are bound to a
certain error rate and need to operate in both high and low threat conditions. In addition, in case of
CBRN events threat levels may yield a 6 orders of magnitude concentration range and as a result a
related range of 6 orders in magnitude is required [1]. For this reason, a trade-off between the key
metrics is required, i.e. detectors should be evaluated in such a way that insight is generated regarding
the interrelated the four key metrics under operational circumstances. This requires an alternative way of
testing by generating ROC-curves. To illustrate the feasibility of the ROC approach the following results from testing of a flame
photometric detector in an aerosol environment are shown below.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
Figure 1 shows the response of a detector to a step-wise exposure of an agent.
600
500
Intensity [a.u.]
400
300
200
100
0
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
Time [sec]
Figure 1. Detector response curve to block-pulse challenge.
Translating the detector time-response function to a response frequency-plot provides an image as
depicted in figure 2 for each of the signal traces. Figure 2 shows how sensitivity influences the false
negative (FNF) and false positive fraction (FPF) and thereby the detection confidence. The overall
response results in a bi-modal distribution (challenged in environment) being the result of the
reaction on environment (left peak) and the response to the challenge (challenge in clean air).
Increasing sensitivity will make the detection threshold move to the left. The missed true detections
(FNF) will decrease and the detection confidence (TPF) will increase, but the false positive fraction
as well.
Figure 2. Frequency response plot detector challenged with agent in interfering background.
In case of a more interfering environment the distance between the background related distribution and
the agent related distribution decreases, resulting in an increased false alarm rate for a similar exposure
to a threat agent.
Some resulting ROC-curves are depicted in Figure 3. In these curves two key metrics are varied,
while others are kept constant. In Figure 3 the correct positive fraction is placed on the y-axis, while
the false positive fraction is set on the x-axis for three different response times.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
Figure 3. Specificity vs Selectivity of a FPD detector for respectively instantaneous response, 30 and 60 seconds delay time.
As a function of increasing response time the ROC-function becomes more steep. This means the
detector becomes more accurate with increasing response times.
Reference
1. Chemical and Biological Sensor Standards Study, DARPA, 2005.
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ULTRAVIOLET RAMAN SCATTERING FROM LOW VAPOR PRESSURE
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS
F. Kullandera, H. Lundéna, P.Wästerbyb, L. Landströmb
Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)
FOI, Command and Control Systems, Box 1165, SE-581 11, Linköping, Sweden
b
FOI, CBRN-Defence and Security, Cementvägen 20, SE-901 82, Umeå, Sweden
a
Abstract
The present capability to detect persistent and low vapor pressure chemical warfare agents (CWA)
deposited on surfaces is very limited. There are currently only a few operational methods for this purpose
and they usually require contact with the contamination and/or long response times. Raman scattering can
provide specific vibrational signatures and it is possible to excite and measure from a stand-off position.
Already available commercial Raman instruments, commonly operating with a laser excitation
wavelength in the near infrared (NIR) band, will typically provide non-contact measurement with a range
limited to a few centimeters. Even if this range is advantageous in terms of contamination avoidance
there is still a need for a longer stand-off range to enable a faster overall detection procedure. Raman
scattering cross sections in the ultraviolet (UV) range can be expected to be much higher than in NIR,
typically by two orders of magnitude, which is the main motivation to explore the UV spectral range.
Other advantages are the ‘solar blindness’ at shorter wavelengths and the lower eye hazardousness
compared to visible or NIR laser light. Moreover, the Raman spectral characteristics may change if
electronic transitions are stimulated. This is often the case in the UV band below ~300 nm, where
resonant states start to be accessible, and can be used to extract additional unique characteristics from the
chemical species of interest, as well as increase the Raman scattered light.
Our ongoing work is currently in a proof-of-principle phase with the main focus on characterizing the
Raman scattering from different low vapor pressure CWA as a function of excitation wavelength. A
tunable, pulsed solid state laser system providing laser pulses with an energy of approximately 1 mJ @
10 Hz is used for this purpose. Droplets of CWA and simulants have been characterized in order to give a
ground for estimation of the required performance parameters of an operational Raman based stand-off
system. Parallel to these fundamental aspects, hyperspectral Raman imaging is also performed and
evaluated. A particular feature of value in such an application would be the ability to spatially identify
contaminations based on the Raman information. Here, a fixed narrow bandpass filter in front of an
imaging device is used – as the excitation wavelength is altered – to obtain imaging with some spectral
information in each pixel
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
BACRAM: FAST AND ROBUST IDENTIFICATION OF SINGLE
BACTERIA IN ENVIRONMENTAL MATRICES BY RAMAN
SPECTROSCOPY
Nirav Barapatre [1], Jean-Charles Baritaux [1]; Emmanuelle Schultz [1]; Anne-Catherine
Simon [2]; Anne-Gaelle Bourdat [1]; Isabelle Espagnon [2]; Patricia Laurent1 ; Jean-Marc
Dinten [1]
1] CEA, DRT-LETI, MINATEC Campus, 17 rue des Martyrs, F-38054 Grenoble cedex 9,
France. [2] CEA, DRT-LIST, CEA Saclay, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette cedex, France.
We report on our recent results on robust identification of single bacterial cells by Spontaneous
Raman Scattering. We investigated the robustness of identification with respect to growth
conditions and environmental matrix. B. subtilis and E. coli were cultured either in Luria Broth or
Trypticase Soy Broth at a Temperature of either 30°C or 37°C. The bacteria were then resuspended
at concentrations ranging from 103 to 106 cells/µL in river water (Seine River), and water
contaminated with airborne particles. The measurement system developed in our lab combines
Lensfree imaging with Raman Spectroscopy. Lensfree imaging allowed fast detection of bacteria
over a large Field-Of- View in the presence of contaminants. The beam of a 25mW Laser was then
focused on single detected cells, and Raman scattered light was integrated for 1Os by the highthroughput spectrometer of our instrument. This resulted in collected Raman spectra with a Signalto-Noise-Ratio (defined as the ratio of standard deviation of the Raman peak at 1445cm-1, to the
standard deviation of the signal in the peak free region 1850-2500cm-1) of at least 10. A total of
720 spectra were acquired on contaminated samples, and 320 spectra were acquired in ideal
conditions for reference. In 88.6% of the cases, a Support Vector Machine classifier robustly
identified the bacteria measured in environmental matrices with the same species grown in ideal
conditions. These results suggest that Spontaneous Raman Scattering is suitable for microorganisms monitoring in difficult conditions encountered during field operation.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
RAPID BWA DETECTION USING LASER INDUCED BREAKDOWN
SPECTROSCOPY AND LASER INDUCED FLUORESCENCE
A. Larssona, P. Jonssonb, J. Hedborgb, P. Wästerbya, P-Å. Gradmarka, T. Tjärnhagea, L. Landströma
a
b
FOI, CBRN Defence and Security, Cementvägen 20, SE-901 82, Umeå, Sweden
FOI, Command and Control Systems, Box 1165, SE-581 11, Linköping, Sweden
Abstract
Rapid biodetectors are commonly based on optical techniques to enable fast measurements of single
micron-sized particulates. However, as there are only subtle differences between pathogenic and harmless
strains of bacteria, the optical spectroscopy techniques commonly suffer by exhibiting low specificity.
They are therefore mainly used in detect-to-warn systems, or as a first tier component that triggers a more
time consuming identification step, e.g., Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis or other biochemical
reaction steps. One of the largest challenges for these rapid detectors is to minimize the number of false
alarms. Here, the natural background, which may exist of large and varying concentrations of interfering
aerosol particles (often also of biological origin), is of course one of the main reasons of this challenge.
Furthermore, as the infectious dose for some BWA is extremely low, i.e., only a few organisms, low
levels of detection in an often complex matrix is also wanted.
During the last few years, FOI has investigated the possibilities to improve near real-time detection of
bioaerosols via the techniques laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser induced
fluorescence (LIF). Both our systems capture and analyze data from single, micron-sized aerosol particles
continuously sampled from ambient air. Static scattered blue light, or blue light induced fluorescence, can
be used in both systems for triggering laser pulses which initiate UV fluorescence or the plasma. From
the LIF set-up, variables such as the 404 nm scattered light and magnitude of the blue light induced
fluorescence, as well as scattered UV light and spectrally resolved UV induced fluorescence is captured.
Scattered and any induced fluorescence from a blue laser is also collected in the LIBS set-up, as well as
echellograms containing characteristic elemental emission lines (obtained from the plasma). By
measurements on a variety of aerosols (both simulants for BWA and common interferents), as well as
natural background studies, it is possible to obtain an understanding which of the captured variables are
of importance. We will present the experimental set-ups and results from our investigations that may
further improve the alarm/classification algorithms and future design.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
MICRODIFF: OPTICAL ELASTIC SCATTERING FOR EARLY LABEL-FREE
IDENTIFICATION OF PATHOGENS
Valentin Genuer [1], Jérémy Méteau [1], Damien Decq [1], Pierre R. Marcoux [1], Olivier Gal [2],
Emmanuelle Schultz [1], Eric Lacot [3], Max Maurin [4]
[1] CEA, DRT-LETI, MINATEC Campus, 17 rue des Martyrs, F-38054 Grenoble cedex 9, France.
[2] CEA, DRT-LIST, CEA Saclay, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette cedex, France.
[3] Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique(LIPhy), UMR 5588, 140 avenue de la Physique, BP87,
F-38402 St Martin d'Heres cedex, France.
[4] Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Département des Agents Infectieux, Institut de Biologie et
Pathologie, CHU de Grenoble, CS 10217, F-38043 Grenoble cedex, France.9
We report here the ability of elastic scattering in discriminating Gram+, Gram- and yeasts at an early
stage of growth (6h). Our technique is non-invasive, low cost and does not require neither skilled
operators nor reagents. Therefore it is compatible with automation. It is based on the analysis of the
scattering pattern (scatterogram) generated by a bacterial microcolony growing on agar, when placed in
the path of a laser beam. Measurements are directly performed on closed Petri dishes.
The characteristic features of a given scatterogram are first computed by projecting the pattern onto the
Zernike polynomial basis. Then the obtained data are compared to a database so that machine learning
can yield identification result. A 10-fold cross-validation was performed on a database over 8 species
(15 strains, 1900 scatterograms), at 6h of incubation. It yielded a 94% discrimination rate between
Gram+, Gram- and yeasts. Results can be improved by using a more relevant polynomial basis for
projections, such as Fourier-Bessel functions. A fully integrated instrument system has been installed at
the Grenoble hospital's laboratory of bacteriology and a validation campaign has been started for the
early screening of SA (S. aureus) and MRSA carriers (6h of incubation).
Up to now, all the published studies about elastic scattering were performed in a forward mode, which is
restricted to transparent media. However, in clinical diagnostics, most of media are opaque, such as
blood-supplemented agar. That is why we propose a novel scheme capable of collecting back-scattered
light which provides comparable results.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
STANDOFF LASER INDUCED FLUORESCENCE OF LIVING AND INACTIVATED
BACTERIA
a
a
a
a
b
Frank Duschek , Lea Fellner , Karin Grünewald , Anita Hausmann , Sandra Julich , Herbert
b,
c
a
Tomaso Frank Wilsenack , Jürgen Handke
a
Institute of Technical Physics, German Aerospace Center, Langer Grund, 74239
Hardthausen, Germany
b
Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger
Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
c
Bundeswehr Research Institute for Protective Technologies and NBC Protection (WIS) in Munster,
Humboldtstrasse 100, 29633 Munster Germany
Introduction
Biological hazards, such as bacteria, represent a non-assessable threat in case of an accident or a
terroristic attack. Rapid detection and highly sensitive identification of released, suspicious substances at
low false alarm rates are challenging requirements which one single technology cannot cope with. It has
been shown that standoff detection using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) can provide information on
1
the class of bioorganic substances in real-time . In combination with traditional, highly sensitive, but
non-standoff methods, the time for identification of the threat can be optimized. This work is aimed at
the selectivity of LIF technology for different bacterial strains. A second important aspect examines how
to deal with inactivated bacteria and how their fluorescence signature changes after deactivation. LIF
spectra of closely and more distantly related bacterial strains are presented as well as spectra of bacteria
treated by different inactivation methods.
Experimental
1.1 Cultivation and Sample preparation
Bacterial strains: B. thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki originated from an insecticide (Dipel ES,
Cheminova Deutschland, Stade, Germany), Escherichia coli K12 J53, Bacillus atrophaeus
(DSM 7264) and Bacillus subtilis (DSM 1917) were obtained from the Leibniz Institute German
Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (DSMZ) Cultivation of the bacteria species was
carried out on blood agar plates (nutrient agar 1 (Sifin, Berlin, Germany) supplemented with 7.5 %
cattle or sheep blood) at 37 °C for 24 h. Colony material was harvested and suspended in
phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and stored at 4 °C. The concentration of colony forming units
(CFU) per ml was determined by cultivation of 100 µl serially diluted solution in PBS with 0.4 %
agar on agar plates at identical conditions. Bacterial suspensions were diluted with PBS to the
concentrations measured. Deactivation of bacteria was carried out either by heating at 95 °C for 10
min, autoclaving at 134 °C for 30 min, dilution in ethanol, or gamma radiation at 30 kGy (±10%).
1.2 LIF detection setup
The equipment used in this work has been designed for outdoor, eye-safe standoff detection. Here,
the setup will be described briefly and a full description can be found in Ref. [1]. The system (see
Figure 1) consists of a modified Nd:YAG laser which provides alternating, 280 and 355 nm laser
pulses at 10 Hz. UV light is directed onto the samples placed in a distance of 22 m. Fluorescence in
backward direction is collected by a Newtonian telescope, guided by an optical fiber into an ICCD
spectrometer. The complete measurement procedure is controlled by a personal computer including
correction background scattering and calibration of intensity of spectra and - if required classification of measured data by pattern recognition software.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
Figure 1. Experimental setup for standoff detection
Results
1.1 LIF Spectra of Bacteria from Different Strains
It is well known that organisms which have a close phylogentic relationship are more similar in
their morphological and chemical properties than those more far related. An attempt has been made
to LIF spectral features of bacteria from closely and more distantly related bacteria. From the
Bacillus genus, B. thuringiensis, B. subtilis and B. atrophaeus have been investigated. Additionally,
E. coli as an example for a distant relative to the Bacillus genus has been examined. The
comparison of resulting LIF spectra reveals differences in shape and overall intensity depending on
the excitation wavelength. At 355 nm excitation, the LIF spectra express similar shapes dominated
by NADH, tryptophan and tyrosine fluorophores but with a different integral intensity within an
9
order of magnitude for the same concentration (10 CFU). In contrast, the bacteria spectra excited at
280 nm can be distinguished more clearly. Here, E. coli shows a strong fluorescence signal between
300 nm and 450 nm, whereas B. thuringiensis shows a broader, less pronounced signal.
Fluorescence of B. subtilis and B. atrophaeus show similar spectral features compared to B.
thuringiensis, e.g. broad spectra and a strong emission in the region above 450 nm.
1.2 Deactivation
In a standard laboratory environment, only low risk bacterial species can be examined for legal and
responsibility reasons. This restriction is invalid for hazardous, but inactivated bacteria.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
9
Figure 2. LIF spectra of living and deactivated E.coli and B. thuringiensis (10 CFU, top left: E. coli λ0=280 nm, top right: E.
coli λ0=355 nm, bottom left: B. thur. λ0=280 nm, bottom right: B. thur. λ0=355 nm).
In order to see how different deactivation methods affect the fluorescing properties of bacteria,
results are presented for two types, E. coli and B. thuringiensis; both of them have been deactivated by
methods given in section 1.1. The resulting LIF spectra excited at 280 and 355 nm (left and right
panels, respectively) are normalized to maximum intensity and their shapes can be compared from
Figure 2. Upon heating to 95 °C, the 280 nm spectrum shows minor changes for E. coli and B.
thuringiensis, namely a decrease below and a minor increase above 350 nm. The spectrum excited at
355 nm remains almost unchanged. Autoclaved, the spectra show similar changes with a larger increase
in overall fluorescence intensity. The pronounced spectral fluorescence shape changes for
both excitation wavelengths upon ethanol treatment and especially gamma irradiation and basically
rule out these methods of deactivation for preparation of low risk bacterial substituents with similar
fluorescent behavior. However, upon both heating to 95 °C and autoclaving, the spectral changes are far
less significant for 280 nm spectra and negligible at 355 nm.
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Conclusion and outlook
From the above work two main statements can be extracted:
- The spectral diversity within three species of a Bacillus genus is demonstrated to be large enough for
safe distinction of bacteria from this genus.
- Resulting LIF spectra are strongly influenced by the method of inactivation for both excitation
wavelengths, indicating changes in the morphological structure and chemical composition. Thus, LIF
measurements of living bacterial samples are indispensable as input and training data for a classifier
development.
In order to realize a distinct classification of bacteria, the existing spectral database will be extended.
This includes also investigations on bacterial strains produced by different cultivation methods and
kinds of deployment of bacteria as well as more relevant, hazardous bacteria.
Reference
[1] Fischbach et al., Standoff detection and classification procedure for bioorganic compounds by
hyperspectral laser-induced fluorescence. In: SPIE Conference on Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XVI,
2015 (9455), 945508.
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AUTOMATED ANALYTICAL SYSTEM FOR SENSITIVE DETECTION OF
BACTERIAL SPORES
Remco den Dulk, Anne-Gaëlle Bourdat, Mélanie Flaender, Camille Echampard, Perrine Viargues,
Jerome Ventosa, François Boizot, Arnaud Rival, Cyril Delattre, Guillaume Delapierre
CEA-Leti, Department of Technology for Biology and Healthcare, 17 Rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble,
France
In the field of CBRN there is an unmet need for integrated, fully automated analytical systems to be
able to respond quickly in case of biological threats. To respond to this need, we are developing a fully
automated sample-to-answer system for the detection of bacteria and bacterial spores in mL-volume
environmental samples.
The bottleneck of many biological analysis methods is the need for careful preparation of the raw
sample, which is generally a tedious manual procedure and a cause of variability. We have developed
an automated sample preparation system that can extract DNA from highly resistant pathogens (e.g.
spores) in environmental samples in less than 15 minutes. The system allows sample volumes up to
several mL and delivers the pathogenic DNA in typically 20 to 50 µl to be compatible with downstream
qPCR detection. Without any intervention of the user, the system concentrates pathogens from a mL
volume sample using magnetic particles with a special surface coating, while the excess of sample
volume is discarded. Subsequently, the pathogens are released in a µl volume sample and their DNA is
extracted by using an integrated mechanical lysis. Starting from raw environmental samples, the system
thus allows for detection of down to 100 pathogens per mL by qPCR using an Advanced Liquid Logic
electrowetting platform capable of 20-fold multiplex detection.
The sample preparation system consists of a single-use microfluidic cartridge and an associated
instrument. Pneumatically actuated valves are integrated in the polymer cartridge (e.g. PMMA or COC)
to direct fluids through channels and reaction chambers, which contain embedded reagents and/or
particles. The cartridge is clipped into the system very easily, thereby establishing automatically all
fluidic and pneumatic connections. The instrument includes various hardware modules, such as
pumping, pneumatic and magnetic actuation. Without intervention of the user, this system effectuates
concentration and mechanical lysis of the microorganisms in the sample to deliver the released bacterial
DNA for subsequent detection.
Currently, the sample preparation steps are carried out in one microfluidic cartridge and detection in
another. Our efforts are focused on the integration of the two systems into a single automated
sample-to-answer system for the detection of bacteria and bacterial spores.
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Detection and On-Site Analysis
REAL-TIME PATHOGEN SEQUENCING USING PORTABLE UNITS
UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS
Andreas Sjödin
FOI
Pathogens have serious consequences for human health and society and given the current potential for
intentional misuse of biological agents better methodological tools may ultimately aid in preventing
severe consequences. Older DNA technologies don't provide enough details to track transmission.
Recent improvements in sequencing technologies allows generating complete profiles of pathogen
samples. Obtaining genome sequences during disease outbreaks is crucial for explaining genome
evolution, validating diagnostic assays and detect transmissions chains.
To detect known pathogens in suspected samples they need to be sent to dedicated laboratories where
the samples are analyzed using specially developed indicators (i.e. PCR markers, antibodies and
different cultivation techniques). The disadvantages of the current methods are (1) that it takes time to
get the test results (up to several days), (2) samples must be transported to a laboratory. It would
therefore be desirable to perform on demand sequencing and automated analysis on portable sequencers
to rapidly deliver actionable results in real-time. Oxford Nanopore has started to produce prototypes of
equipment and technologies that can eliminate many of the drawbacks of current methods
We have evaluated the nanopore sequencing technology under simulated outbreak scenarios. The
platform has proven to be rapidly deployable and reliable under field conditions. The technology is
pocket-sized (75g) which make it optimal to transport to remote locations. Furthermore, it requires no
special setup and can be operational directly after arriving to an outbreak area by plugging it into a
regular laptop. This new technology opens up the possibility to instant screening for unknown
pathogens, antibiotic resistance etc. in all kind of samples.
In summary, portable nanopore sequencing is a breakthrough of rapid pathogen identification and
outbreak diagnostics under field conditions. The potential exists to move from static snapshots to a
situation where genomic data are produced in real-time to provide a more detailed picture of the current
situation instead of a retrospective documentation
123
Decontamination
FM2382 FROM THE DEEP-SEA HYDROTHERMAL PLUME SEAWATER OF THE
SOUTHWEST INDIAN OCEAN:A NEW THERMOPHILIC DEHALOGENASE FOR
HYDROLYZING OF HD
ZHAO Yuanzhong, GUO Nan, ZHONG Jin-yi
Research Institute of Chemical Defense Beijing
Introduction
Mustard (Dichlorodiethyl sulfide, HD) has been known as blister agent which can be hydrolyzed by
haloalkane dehalogenases (HLDs) DhaA, LinB and DmbA, thereby the correspond products include
thiodiglycol (non-toxic), a proton and a halide. However, the denaturation temperatures of these
haloalkane dehalogenases have been identified as 323 K, 317 K and 320 K, respectively, in a previous
study in our laboratory. The practical applications can be limited by low resistance to the elevated
temperatures and required for more thermophilic dehalogenases which can be applied in hydrolysis of
HD. As a potential solution, Hans Renata illuminated the relationship between catalytic promiscuity
and the evolution of a new function, and proposed that ancient enzymes were characterized by broad
substrate and reaction scope and that natural selection picked up and different activities to generate
contemporary enzymes with specific catalytic functions. According to directed evolution of natural
enzymes by simulation of natural evolution conditions, the activity of enzymes to specific substrate
might be improved.
Based on the above strategies, we focused mainly on looking for a thermophilic dehalogenases with
wider range of substrates spectrum. A new thermophilic dehalogenase FM2383 from Fulvimarina
managanoxydans sp.nov (8047) which was isolated from the deep-sea hydrothermal plume seawater
of the southwest Indian Ocean has been expressed and substrates characterized subsequently. And
then the nature characteristic, expression methods, mutation, activity and thermostability of this new
enzyme would be required to further investigate.
Materials and Methods
Cloning and sequencing
The deep-sea hydrothermal plume seawater from the southwest Indian Ocean was concentrated in situ
by 1000 folds, enrichment cultures were established with the concentrated sample, and the
thermophilic strain 8047 was isolated. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and biochemical
characterization, strain 8047 should belong to a new genus in Aurantimonadaceae, for which the name
Huangia manganoxydans was proposed. The dehalogenase FM2873 was extracted from strain8047
subsequently and homology searched using PSI-BLAST in NCBI database using ORF of the protein
as query sequence. For expression purposes, the gene was sub cloned to the expression vector pET28a, and the recombinant vector transformed into E.coli BL21 (DE3). To ensure that the gene of
FM2383 was inserted into the vectors and that transformations were successful, plasmid miniprep
samples were sent for DNA sequencing.
Directed mutagenesis
The site-directed mutagenesis was carried out using QuickChange® Lightning Site-directed
Mutagenesis Kits. According to the D34A、R163A、K207A、D232A and D237A sites of
FM2383,the primers were as follow :
D34A (forward): 5’-TTCTGCGCCGTCTGGGGCGTCGTCCAC-3’ D34A (reverse): 5’CCAGACGGCGCAGAAGACAGCTCCGTAG-3’ R163A (forward): 5’GCGATCGCCGAGCGCGATCTCACCATG-3’ R163A (reverse):5’GCGCTCGGCGATCGCGCGAAGACTGTC-3’ K207A (forward): 5’GCCGGGGCCCCGCATCGGCCGATCTATG-3’ K207A (reverse): 5’ATGCGGGGCCCCGGCGAGATCCACATG-3’ D232A (forward): 5’ATCGGCGCCGGCATGATGACCGATATCAAG-3’ D232A (reverse): 5’CATGCCGGCGCCGATCGCCAGGATC-3’
124
Decontamination
D237A (forward): 5’-ATGACCGCCATCAAGGGCGCCGGTGCCTTC-3’
D237A (reverse): 5’-CTTGATGGCGGTCATCATGCCGTCGCCGATC-3’
Amplifications with Pfu polymerase employed 50 μl reaction volumes which contained
10 μl reaction buffer supplied by the manufacturer, 1 μl dNTPs (10 mM), 1 μl of each primer (10
pmol/μl), 1 μl template DNA (100 ng/μl), 35 μl dis-tilled water, and 1 μl Pfu polymerase (5 U/μl).
Amplification was carried out for 30 cycles. Each cycle consisted of denatur-ation at 95°C held for 30
s with extension at 72°C for 3 min.Annealing temperature was held at 55°C for 30 s.
Expression and purification
The amplified fragments were ligated into an expression vector, pET-28a using DpnI restriction site
and transformed into chemically competent E.coli BL21(DE3). The transformed E.coli BL21(DE3)
was grown in 100 mL cultures of LB at 37 oC with agitation at 200 rpm until the A600 reached 0.8
and the protein expression induced with 1 mM IPTG followed by incubation at 16 oC with agitation
at 200 rpm for 16 h. The cells were harvested by centrifugation at 8000×g for 20 min at 4 oC and
resuspended in buffer A (20 mM Tris-HCI, 500 mM NaCl, 20 mM Imidazole, pH 8.2) to a final
concentration of 10 %(w/v) and the cells lysed by sonication.
A 1 mL nickel affinity chromatography column (GE Healthcare) was equilibrated with five column
volumes of buffer A. The protein was loaded and the unbound protein washed off with two column
volumes of buffer A. The bound protein was eluted using a 10 column volume gradient to 100%
buffer B (20 mM Tris-HCI, 500 mM NaCl, 500 mM Imidazole, pH 8.2). The protein sample was
further purified on a 5 mL Superdex 75 GF chromatography column. The 1mL sample was loaded
onto the column and the protein eluted over one column volume of buffer C(100 mM Gly-NaOH, pH
8.2).
Thermal stability assay
A sample of FM2873 was incubated in 70 oC for 40 min and dissolved in 50 mM HEPESNaOH buffer. The measurement of remaining enzymatic activity to FM2873 was performed under 25
oC as DhaA (70 oC heated).
Specific activities of FM2873 with HD substrate was assessed by determination of the substrate and
product concentrations using the gas chromatograph Agilent 7890A.
Results and discussion
ORF of FM2873 are 870 bp, coding for 289 amino acids, and size of enzyme protein is 30.7 kDa.
NCBI website sequence alignment results show that the enzymes belong to the HAD family of
phosphoric acid hydrolase. The purity of recombinant FM2383 was analyzed using SDS-PAGE, as
shown in figure 1A.
Fig. 1. (A) SDS-PAGE analysis of FM2383. Lane 1,2,3 crude: cell extract, lane 4: impurity protein, lane 5 : His-tag
purification. (B) Degradation rates of sulfur mustard hydrolyzed by water, FM2383 and DhaA, respectively.
The marine FM2383 gene was successfully cloned into pET-28a with the incorporation of an Nterminal His-tag. The recombinant protein was over-expressed in the E. coli cell line Arctic
ExpressTM (DE3) and Recombinant FM2383 was successfully purified by Nickel affinity
chromatography, estimated by SDS-PAGE.
The specific activity of DhaA and FM2383 to HD are shown in figure 1(B).Visible from the figure,
the degradation rate of HD hydrolyzed by the FM2383 was 34% within 30min, and FM2383 retained
125
Decontamination
approximately 50% of its activity after incubation at 70Ԩ for 40 min. The results showed that the
FM2873 exhibited certain activity to HD and the thermostability of FM2873 was better than DhaA.
In order to analyze and confirm the key amino acids, homology modeling of FM2383 was performed
using SWISS-MODEL. A model of FM2383 was built based on the crystal structure of the HAD
hydrolases (Protein Data Bank code 4BX0) which had 22.61% sequence identity to the FM2873, as
shown in figure 2. The results showed that the protein structure of FM2873 had obvious differences
to confirmed HAD hydrolases, and FM2873 should be considered to be a new protein structure.
Screening of the substrates of FM2383 spectrum, we found it not only can degrade some
phosphorus compounds but also can catalyze alkyl halogenated, its core structure domain was
similar to the typical HAD and serine hydrolase family, showed that FM2383 with wider range
of substrates spectrum, speculated that FM2383 may belong to more primitive enzymes with
evolution.
Fig. 2. The homology modeled structure of FM2383 with the D34, R163, K207, D232, D237 are shown in spheres
Using multiple sequence alignment, a set of putative residues that are involved in the FM2873 catalysis
has been identified. Functional roles of these putative active-site residues were further evaluated by
site-directed mutagenesis. Interestingly, the mutants D34A, K207A, D237A and D232A exhibited
significantly almost loss of activity compared to the wild-type enzyme, whereas the mutants R163A
results in improving of enzyme activity. One of these hits, the D34，K207，D232，D237 were the
key amino acid residues to the catalytic activity of HD.
Conclusion and prospect
A new thermophilic dehalogenase FM2383 from Fulvimarina managanoxydans sp.nov(8047) isolated
from the deep-sea hydrothermal plume seawater of the southwest Indian Ocean has been found to
have certain activity to HD. The recombinant FM2383 has been cloned and over-expressed in E. coli.
After being purified, FM2383 has been applied in hyrolysis of HD and proved had certain activity to
the HD. According to the thermal stability experiments, FM2383 had mesophilic properties and
maintained 50 % of its natural activity after being incubated at 70 °C for 40 min before being assayed
at 25 °C. As a conclusion, Although FM2383 belongs to the HAD family of phosphoric acid
hydrolase, it has certain substrate specificity of HD and has not been fully excavated. Its
characteristics of thermophilic and with wider range of substrates spectrum can make it to be an
optimal choice to instead of DhaA and OPH to be an important constituent of CWA enzymatic
decontaminant. For this purpose, a systematic set of FM2383 variants by random and site-directed
mutagenesis should be constructed and characterized. The activity of variants not only to HD but also
to GD, GB and VX should be developed subsequently. The acquired complementary data provided
detailed insights into the structure, substrate specificity and mesophilic properties enabled us to
construct a biocatalyst substantially improved activity to CWAs and stability and resistance to
elevated temperatures.
126
Decontamination
NORDIC CLEAN
Bjørn Pedersen
Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI)
Nordic Clean is a technical collaboration agreement between Swedish Defence Research Agency
(FOI) and Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). The objective of the project is to
carry out collaborative research to obtain fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical
interactions between chemical threat agents, materials and decontaminants. Within this project, a
joint method was developed to measure the total amounts of chemical warfare agents (CW As)
absorbed by surfaces coated with chemical resistant paint systems. Such a method can provide
valuable knowledge on sorption of CWAs for coatings and materials in use today and provide
guidelines and recommendations when choosing coatings and materials to use against CWAs in the
future.
The method is based on the NATO Standard AEP-65: Performance requirements and test method
for paint systems resistant to chemical warfare agents [1], and was further developed and tested
through workshops organized by the involved nations and research exchange. In addition, a root
cause analysis was performed to optimize the experimental procedure. Results are given for three
CWAs as absorbed and desorbed amounts of agents on three tested surfaces using the joint method.
Sulphur mustard (HD), soman (GD) and VX have been tested on silicon surfaces (inert reference
material), aluminium coated with polyurethane paints and steel coated with epoxy and polyurethane
paints. The experiments with HD were done in both countries with and without observers from the
collaborative laboratory. Moreover, experimental data is also included for other analysis techniques
(Fourier transform infrared, laser-induced breakdown and nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy) to get a better understanding of the interactions of CW As and simulants with
different surfaces.
References
[1] NATO Standard AEP-65: Performance requirements and test method for paint systems resistant
to chemical warfare agents, Edition A, Version 1, NATO Standardization Agency, December 2012.
127
Decontamination
DEGRADATION OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT SIMULANTS BY PULSED
STREAMER DISCHARGING PLASMA ALONG WATER SURFACE
Anna Zhu, Yang Li, Hongjie Zhao, Hailong Zhou, Meng Yu, Xiaochen Wang
Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Beijing. China.
Although production of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is banned in accordance with international
treaties, CWAs are still potential threats to human and environment if they are viciously used or
leaked into the environment. Water is an important resource for human and it should be detoxified as
soon as possible when it is polluted by CWAs or other toxic chemicals.
This study adopted a new type of advanced oxidation technology (AOT), pulsed streamer plasma
along water surface, to degradate the CWAs simulants in water. Experiments were conducted with G
and V agent simulants under different operational conditions to determine the effects of electrical and
chemical parameters on degradation of such chemicals.
The toxic water sample is treated in a reactor in which a group of high-voltage discharging electrodes
are fixed above water surface, and the distance from the electrodes to the water surface is
approximately 5 mm. An AC/DC power supply is connected with the high-voltage discharging
electrodes and is used for supplying energy to form the streamer plasma.
DFP and malathion were used as the simulants of Sarin (or Soman) and the Vx, respectively. Here,
150 mL water samples of DFP or malathion were used in the experments. The concentration of DFP
and malathion were analyzed with Agilent 7890A GC.
In the processes of streamer discharging, there are many chemical groups produced, such as H2O2, O3,
·OH, NOx, NO3- and NO2-. The formation processes are shown in figure 1.
air plasma liquid Fig.1. The scheme of the formation of various chemical groups in streamer discharging
1. Degradation of DFP and malathion
Plasma is effective for degradation of DFP and Malathion, as shown in figure 2. The degradation
processes of DFP and Malathion are accordance with the first-order reaction dynamics, and the
reaction rate constanct are 0.055 min-1 and 0.068 min-1 for DFP and malation, separately. It was found
that phosphate and pyrophosphorate were produced in the degradation processes of DFP, and
malaoxon, sulfate and phosphate were produced in the degradation processes of Malathion.
128
Decontamination
Fig.2. The effects of degradation of DFP and malathion
2. The energy-density in degradation of simulants
In the experiments, the energy in degradation of simulants was measured and calculated and the results
are shown in Figure 3. It can be seen from this figure that under different discharging pressures and
frequencies, the curves of degradation rates of DFP and malathion as a function of energy-density are
logarithmic, and the functions are y = 13.922 ln(x) + 2.2147 (R2 = 0.7778) and y = 34.708 ln(x)-93.815
(R2 = 0.8961)，here, the y is degradation rates, and the x is the energy-density.
Fig.3. The degradatin rates of DFP and malathion as a function of energy-density
Keywords: Chemical agent simulants; Degradation; Plasma; Streamer discharge; Water treatment
Email: chuanna0306@163.com
129
Identification and Forensic Analysis
ANALYTICAL CHALLENGES IN THE ON-SITE DETECTION AND
CHARACTERISATION OF CHEMICALS IN ASYMMETRICK SCENARIOS
Marc André ALTHOFF*, #, Manfred Metzulat* and Konstantin Karaghiosoff#
*
Science Division, Chemistry Section, CBRN-Defence Safety and Environmental Protection School,
Mühlenweg 12, 87527 Sonthofen
#
Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Butenandtstr. 5-13 (D), 81377 Munich
marcandrealthoff@bundeswehr.org
On-site detection and analytics of chemicals which can range from toxic industrial chemicals (TIC’s)
over chemical warfare agents (CWA’s) to homemade explosives (HME’S) poses a great challenge to
every first responder.
Nowadays scenarios are asymmetric, meaning it is most often unclear what the situation in the hot
zone looks like. The available analytical equipment is usually light-weight and compact and therefore,
for instance, can have a lower limit of detection, compared to regular laboratory instruments. The task
now is to provide fast and adequate reliable analytical results. In the German Bundeswehr several
instruments and test methods are available to solve this complex task. The applicability of the different
measurement techniques like Infrared-, Raman- and ion mobility spectroscopy will be discussed in
detail.
As a model system we synthesized several organothiophosphates (OTPs) which are structurally
closely related to each other and stand on the borderline to the schedule II of the chemical weapon
convention. All substances could be fully characterized by standard IR, Raman, NMR, GC-MS,
HPLC-MS laboratory instruments. Furthermore, they were tested with the Bundeswehr hand-held
detection equipment in the TIC and CWA training facility of the CBRN Defense and Environmental
Protection School of the German Bundeswehr. In this facility the Bundeswehr and several
international CBRN-professionals train their procedures and handling of the detection equipment
under mission focused conditions with live agents.
From these studies we conclude that one instrumentation method alone is not sufficient to solve the
issue of clearly identifying such compounds, but that a combination of different analytical methods is
required and sometimes a correct result without the use of laboratory instruments is impossible to
achieve.
130
Identification and Forensic Analysis
CBRN SAMPLING EQUIPMENT
From Research via development to practical training - an integrative approach
Nahid Derakshani, Gerd Uelpenich
Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, Bonn Germany
The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) is the supreme federal
authority within the remit of the Federal Ministry of the Interior in Germany. The BBK is the top
executive agency carrying out the tasks of the Federation with regard to civil protection affairs in
cooperation between the Federation and the 16 states. In Germany there is a strict separation
between disaster response on one side and civil protection on the other. The states are
constitutionally responsible for disaster response (time of peace), the federal level is responsible for
civil protection (in war I war-like periods). In some areas of civil protection the Federation and
states concentrate their forces.
Especially in the response to CBRN hazards the BBK supports the states with equipment and
specialized training.
In order to fulfil this role the BBK has its own training facility, the Academy for Crisis
Management, Emergency Planning and Civil Protection (AKNZ) in Bad Neuenahr- Ahrweiler
near the former German capital Bonn.
In an integrative approach from research via development to practical training the BBK has
developed advanced and optimized equipment for CBRN sampling.
In a national research project the equipment was developed, was then procured by the BBK and
supplied to the states by the Federation. In addition a guideline for CBRN sampling in civil protection
was developed and a handbook (expected release of 2 ed. Summer 2016) and instructional films were
drawn up. In a last step training courses for CBRN sampling were implemented at the AKNZ.
The aim is to improve the capability of First Responders to draw usable samples in emergency
situations, the completion of the existing measuring equipment to ensure a further unambiguous
identification of the hazardous material (e. g. by specialized units like the Analytical Task Forces or
in a lab), to cover unforeseen contingencies in the case of a charge/ accusation or injured persons I
self-protection and to build up an integrative system: equipment - sampling methods (handbook) training.
To guarantee a standardized approach in sampling, training of the sampling teams with the provided
equipment is necessary. At the AKNZ the training is very practical and conducted in following steps:
1. Theoretical explanation of the sampling procedures at case studies and practical execution of the
CBRN sampling step by step,
2. Training of CBRN-sampling in realistic operational exercises, and
3. Evaluation of the sampling during the exercises.
131
Identification and Forensic Analysis
REVISITING GAS SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS WITH MICROTECHNOLOGY:
FEASABILITY OF LOW COST HANDHELD GAS CHROMATOGRAPHS
B. Bourlon, B.-A. Pham Ho, F. Ricoul, A. Bellemin Comte, 0. Constantin, B. Icard
CEA-LETI, MINATEC Campus, 17 av. des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble, France
Gas chromatography (GC) is a first choice analytical technique for complex gas mixture analysis, as
potentially found in C/E threats detection. Since the late 1970s [1], efforts have been done towards
the miniaturization of laboratory equipments into portable and ideally low power low cost systems.
To that end, the use of collective microfabrication techniques issued from microelectronics is
interesting.
We will first introduce gas chromatography principle, the system technological bricks [2, 3, 4, 5], the
advantages expected from miniaturization (reduction of required power, size and cost) and some of
the miniaturization challenges. As part of the development of the whole system chain on silicon
technology, we will then focus on the sampling/ preconcentration and detection technological bricks
compatible with portable system specifications. Regarding preconcentration, we report on the
fabrication of silicon micro- preconcentrators (J.PC) filed with Tenax adsorbent. Tests on toluene
show that preconcentration factor of 1000 can be reached with sampling duration smaller than 1
minute. Test with C/E simulant (4NT/DMMP) will be presented as well. Regarding detection, we
report on the fabrication of silicon micro-thermal conductivity detectors
(J.TCD). J.TCD characterization and use as a GC detector in ppm concentration range will be
shown. Finally, we will present our first sampling and analysis prototypes. We will show a
feasibility of a low cost handheld gas chromatograph, powered on battery (12V), and that doesn't
require a carrier gas cylinder. Analytical separations of volatile organic compounds down to ppb
level of concentration will be shown.
References
[1] S. C. Terry, J. H. Jerman, and J. B. Angell, "Gas-Chromatographic Air Analyzer Fabricated on
a Silicon-Wafer", Ieee Transactions on Electron Devices, 26 (1979), 1880-86
[2] B.Bourlon et al. "Silicon based micro-preconcentrators for portable gas analysis systems",
MicroTAS 2014, pp. 2381
[3] F. Ricoul et al., "Novel stationary phase for silicon gas chromatography
microcolumns", Proceedings ofiEEE Sensors (2014), pp. 206
[4] J. Vial et al., "Silica sputtering as a novel collective stationary phase deposition for
microelectromechanical system gas chromatography column: Feasibility and first separations",
Journal of Chromatography A, 1218 (21) (2011), pp. 3262-3266
[5] D. Cruz, J.P.Chang, S.K. Showalter, F. Gelbard, R.P. Manginell, and M.G. Blain,
"Microfabricated thermal conductivity detector for the micro-ChemLabTM'', Sensors and
Actuators, B: Chemical, 121 (2) (2007), pp. 414-422.
132
Identification and Forensic Analysis
DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF TRACE-LEVEL CHEMICAL
WARFARE AGENTS AND EXPLOSIVES USING ON-LINE THERMAL
DESORPTION (TD) COUPLED TO GC-TOF MS
Gareth M Roberts, Laura McGregor
Markes International, Gwaun Elai Medi-Science Campus, Llantrisant, RCT, UK
Gerhard Horner[1,2], Moritz Heil[3], Joachim Ringer[4], Peter Boeker[5] and Jan Leppert[5]
[1] Markes International, Gwaun Elai Medi-Science Campus, Llantrisant, RCT, UK;
[2] five technologies GmbH, Frauenstr. 22, 80469 Miinchen, Germany;
[3]Fraunhofer Inst. fiir Chern. Technologie, Joseph-von-Fraunhoferstrasse 7, 76327 PfinztalBerghausen, Germany;
[4]Wehrwissenschaftl. Institut fiir Schutztechnologien-ABC-Schutz, Postfach 11
42, 29623 Munster, Germany; [5] Universität Bonn, IfL-Abt.Sensorik, Nussallee 5, 53115
Bonn, Germany.
The acute toxicity of airborne chemical warfare agents (CWAs) requires a sampling and detection
system that can identify trace levels of these compounds, potentially in complex matrices. This is a
requirement both at military installations, and more recently for pre- emptive monitoring at key
civilian locations.
This presentation describes a multi-hyphenated system for highly sensitive detection and confident
identification of CWAs as well as explosives. The system combines a next- generation thermal
desorption (TD) unit capable of continuous on-line sampling via twin trap technology, with an
innovative, bench-top time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF MS). This combination enables
continuous near real time analysis of many different environments e.g from mobile laboratories, or
deployed within civilian infrastructures of high population density.
To enable accurate compound identification in complex GC-MS profiles, advanced software is
described showing the elimination of background interferences (i.e baseline anomalies) before
deconvolving co-eluting compounds and comparing their spectra against conventional 70 eV libraries.
This processing can be configured to occur in real time as the TIC profile is being generated, enabling
immediate compound identification with no user intervention.
Examples of both low level CWA detection and explosives will be shown as well as the capacity to
perform soft electron ionisation with no inherent loss in sensitivity or the need for hardware changes or
reagent gases. By employing novel ion optics the standard ion source can be switched into a variable
ionisation mode providing energies from 70 eV down to 10 eV. This generates simpler spectra
showing only structurally significant fragments providing a confirmatory technique to conventional 70
eV ionisation.
133
Identification and Forensic Analysis
STRUCTURE ELUCIDATION OF UNKNOWN CWA-RELATED COMPOUNDS
Dr. Hugh Gregg
OPCW
The OPCW has partner laboratories for the off-site analysis of both biomedical and environmental
samples. Proficiency testing (PT) programmes allows us to assess the level of competency of our
partner laboratories, and to recommend to the OPCW Director-General which of the laboratories
should receive OPCW Designated status. In the course of the PT programme, CWA-related chemicals
are synthesised for the first time and spiked into the test samples.
The best of our partner laboratories elucidate the structure of these new chemicals, synthesise
reference standards, and report their PT results in a short two week period. In this presentation, an
overview of the structure elucidation process will be described, as well as how this capability may
enable forensic analysis.
134
Identification and Forensic Analysis
POTENTIAL BIOMARKERS FOR CHLORINE GAS EXPOSURE
Petrus Hemström, Andreas Larsson, Linda Elfsmark, Crister Åstot
The Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
Chlorine is a reactive, toxic gas used in many important industrial processes and for purification of
drinking water. The availability of chlorine is therefore essential especially in a conflict zone for
the prevention of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery. However this
availability makes chlorine gas a potential chemical weapon. Inhalation of chlorine gas causes
acute lung damage, at 40 ppm there is a risk of acute pulmonary edema. The use of Chlorine gas as
a weapon is prohibited by the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons).
Today there are no unambiguous exposure markers for chlorine gas exposure. The use of chlorine
gas as a chemical weapon can therefore not be led in evidence to the standards set by the OPCW.
Chlorotyrosine and dichlorotyrosine have been proposed as effect markers after chlorine gas
exposure but these compounds are produced by the inflammatory response and can be found also in
non-chlorine gas exposed individuals.
Finding an exposure marker to unambiguously determine if someone has been subjected to chlorine
gas either deliberately in a terrorist or military attack or as a result of an accident is essential,
especially since chlorine gas seems to be the chemical weapon of choice in the on-going conflict in
Syria. OPCW have on numerous occasions found "compelling confirmation" that chlorine gas have
been used against civilians in northern Syria. In this study we present two very plausible candidates
that could be shown in both chlorine gas exposed mice and in in-vitro chlorinated human BAL
(Bronchoalveolar lavage) fluid by advanced liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
135
Identification and Forensic Analysis
SIMPLIFIED SAMPLE PREPARATION FOR DETERMINATION OF CWA
BIOMARKERS
Bent Tore Røen
Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, P.O. Box 25, NO-2027 Kjeller, Norway
Determination of CWA biomarkers generally include laborious and time consuming sample
preparation procedures. Simplified techniques to isolate the compounds of interest from the complex
biomedical matrices are therefore of high value.
Salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction (SALLE) is such a simple and rapid sample preparation
technique that has regained its interest after being adapted to LC- MS bioanalysis [1]. In SALLE, a
water-miscible organic solvent is used for extraction such as acetonitrile or tetrahydrofurane, and
phase separation is achieved by the addition of a salt such as sodium sulphate or ammonium acetate.
The technique is very well suited for extraction of polar compounds and requires no lengthy mixing
to promote recovery, because the extraction solvent is totally miscible with water. Moreover, the
water miscible organic extract can be analysed by liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LCMS) without further sample preparation.
Because of its high efficiency in extracting polar compounds, SALLE is especially suited for
sample preparation in determination of many CWA biomarkers. Using SALLE for isolation of the
nerve agent biomarkers alkyl methylphosphonic acids from serum and urine, extraction yields
of70-100% were obtained [2]. The total extraction procedure, including sample centrifugation, took
no more than 10 min for one sample. For rapid diagnosis in emergency cases, the extract can be
directly analysed by LC-MS. When sensitivity at sub-ppb levels are required for retrospective
determination, further sample preparation by solid phase extraction (SPE) can be performed, for
example in an online SPE-LC-MS/MS procedure [2].
In conclusion, SALLE offers simple, rapid and effective sample preparation for CWA
biomarkers such as the nerve agent degradation products. The sample preparation procedure is
compatible with direct determination by LC-MS, and with further sample clean-up by SPE
when required.
[1] Y.Q.Tang and N.Weng, Bioanalysis 5 (2013) 1583-1598 [2]
B.T.R0en et al., Anal. Chern. 86 (2014) 11833-11840
136
Identification and Forensic Analysis
IMPROVED REAL-TIME PCR DETECTION OF FRANCISELLA
TULARENSIS IN CHALLENGING WATERS
Elin Nilsson1, Linda Jansson2, Anna Macellaro, Peter Rådström2, Johanna Thelaus1, Johannes
Hedman2,3, and Laila Noppa1
1. CBRN Defence and Security, Sweden Defence Research Agency (FOI) SE-901 82 Umeå Sweden
2. Applied Microbiology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
3. Section of Biology, National Forensic Centre, SE-581 94 Linköping, Sweden,
Detection and quantification of Francisella in natural waters can be challenging due to high levels of
humic substances and other PCR inhibitors. Here, a study with a pre-PCR processing approach was
carried out to find a DNA polymerase-buffer system that tolerates these impurities and provides a
robust detection system for the bacteria.
Highly inhibitory water and sediment samples were used to evaluate 23 different DNA
polymerases for tolerance against PCR inhibition. A standardised real-time PCR assay
targeting the F. tularensis 17-kD lipoprotein tul4 gene was used for the screening.
The four most promising systems were further analysed using live F. tularensis LVS of different
concentrations to a range of various waters samples. The samples were surface and sediment lake
waters as well as sewage waters and pure waters mixed with animal fecal samples. DNA was
prepared using a set of different commercially available extraction kits. Different PCR facilitators
were also tested, and BSA gave the best improvement.
More robust and sensitive PCR methods will help to improve the possibility to study the natural
life-cycle of F. tularensis. This is of particular importance since its persistence in nature between
outbreaks is not fully understood.
Keywords: humic substances, inhibition, pre-PCR processing, real-time PCR detection
137
Identification and Forensic Analysis
RICININE LEVELS IN SERUM FROM A NON-LETHAL
CASTOR BEAN INGESTION
Berit Harstad Gilljam
Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), P.O.Box 25, N-2027 Kjeller, Norway
In case of ricine intoxication, the identification of ricine itself can be difficult due to the protein
structure of the toxin and the fact that it is easily adsorbed in the body. The sample preparation is
time consuming.
Ricinine, a small alkaloid present in the castor bean, is co-extracted with the ricine from theseeds of
the castor bean plant. It is present in body fluids after intoxication following exposure to both
unpurified ricin and ingestion of castor beans. The castor bean is the only natural source for ricinine.
It is therefore well suited as a biomarker for ricine intoxication. The levels of ricinine in serum after
castor bean ingestion have not, to our knowledge, been presented before.
In the presented case, intentional non-lethal castor bean ingestion was confirmed by the
identification of ricinine as a biomarker. The patient presented at the hospital 10 hours after an
ingestion of 10 castor beans. Ricinine was identified and measured in five blood samples taken from
the patient in the period 17-78 hours past ingestion. The biomarker was isolated from the serum
samples by solid phase extraction using a hydrofilic lipophilic balanced column and quantitatively
determined by isotopic dilution LC-MS. The levels of ricinine in serum as a function of time postingestion are presented and discussed.
138
Identification and Forensic Analysis
AFFINITY ENRICHMENT AND LC-MS AS TOOLS IN FORENCSIC ANALYSIS
OF BIOTERRORISM RELEVANT TOXINS
Tomas Bergström, Sten-Åke Fredriksson and Crister Åstot*
Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden
A wide range of toxic proteins are considered as potential bioterrorism and biocrime agents. Due to
their ease of production and high toxicity, reported incidents frequently involves the plant toxins
ricin and abrin. The group of anticipated agents also includes the extremely poisonous botulinum
neurotoxins (BoNTs), produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria and considered among the
most toxic substances known. Forensic analysis involving these diverse and very toxic agents
requires broad screening and identification methods still capable of trace amount detection in
complex sample matrixes. We have developed a sensitive, specific, and still wide-aiming toxin
identification method based on selective enrichment and LC-MS analysis. A galactosyl modified
material packed into miniaturized columns was used to achieve efficient enrichment of galactose
binding proteins including ricin, abrin and BoNT associated proteins. Ricin was successfully
enriched from water, beverages, and extracts of powder and wipe samples, while BoNTs were
selectively enriched from Clostridium botulinum culture media. Affinity fractions were
enzymatically digested and protein specific peptides were identified using high resolution LCMS/MS. The method was applied to samples from a case involving illegal production of ricin and
abrin.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Physical protection
MULTI-ROLE PROTECTIVE BREATHING SYSTEMS
- Benefits and Challenges
Justin Hine, Global Product Manager, Protection
Avon Protection • Hampton Park West • Semington Road • Melksham • SN12 6NB
Multi-Role Protective Breathing Systems- Benefits and Challenges
This presentation with cover the benefits to the wearer of respiratory breathing systems that will
operate in APR, PAPR and SCBA modes. These systems offer modular capabilities that mean a
multitude of operational scenarios can be accomplished as the wearer can configure the system
dependent on the mission they are undertaking.
The presentation will address the issues of:
• Fail safe Mode selection
• Displaying System Information to the wearer
• Protection levels while changing modes
• Certification challenges
• System safety
The presentation concludes with a review of future development opportunities for combination
breathing systems that would further de-risk they use such as gas sensing, automatic mode
selection and gas monitoring.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Physical protection
ADVANCED LOW BURDEN CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROTECTIVE
GARMENT
Dr Daguerre Emmanuel*,1 Francis Brochu,2
1
Paul Boyé Technologies, 1095 Chemin de la Riverotte, 31860 Labarthe-sur-Lèze, France
2
Paul Boye Inc., 130 Middle Street, 2nd fl., Portland, ME 04101, USA
Introduction
Paul Boyé Technologies is Leader in research, development and mass production of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE), Paul Boyé Technologies offers a complete range of CBRN protective
equipments to meet the requirements of Armed Forces, Civil Defense, Homeland Security and Health
Services, in France and abroad. In the framework of the US DoD program, Paul Boyé Technologies
has developed an innovative protective garment which allows increasing both vapor and aerosol
protection while using highly air permeable materials. This helps to minimize the thermal burden and
degradation effects due to heat stress.
The FORTRESS garment
The FORTRESS protective garment is based on
the use of an oil and water repellent, fire resistant
outershell combined with a cellular carbon filter
(C2F) with vapour adsorptive and aerosol
protective features (see Figure 1). In opposition
with competitors’ technologies which use low air
permeable or membrane outer shells, aerosol
protection is here obtained using a nanofiber
technology combined with the carbon filter. As
illustrated in Figure 2, this offers an improved
protection against aerosol penetration compared to Fig 1. Material construction
in-service JSLIST, while allowing an increase of
the body air ventilation by a factor 5.
Improved protection
This high air permeability construction does not impact the protection against chemical agents:
liquid protection is guaranteed for 24 hours (10 g/m² challenge). More, due to its efficient activated
carbon filter, and to FORTRESS specific design features, vapor protection of the FORTRESS
ensemble measured during Man-In-Simulant (MIST) test is 5 to 10 times higher than JSLIST,
depending on wear configuration
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Physical protection
Fig 2. Aerosol protection, Fortress. vs.
JSLIST
Fig 3. Vapour ensemble protection (MIST), Fortress. vs. JSLIST
Conclusion
Thanks to major improvements in both protective material technologies and design features, Paul
Boyé Technologies has developed the FORTRESS, a low burden CB garment which features
improved chemical and bio-aerosol protection. FORTRESS will be fielded in 2015 for the use of
Armed Forces, Homeland Security Services as well as Fire Brigades.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Physical protection
OPTIONS FOR BROAD CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROTECTIVE
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT OFFERING IMPROVED HEAT
STRESS AND MISSION EFFECTIVENESS
Michael Merrick
W. L. Gore and Associates, 105 Vieves Way, Elkton, MD 21921 USA
Historical, chemical and biological protective garments have provided effective protection to users
from traditional threats. Legacy protective garments are based on one of two technologies: (1)
impermeable barrier technology, or (2) carbon based air permeable protective technologies; each
bringing their own trade-offs of strengths and weaknesses. Impermeable barrier technologies offer
protection to a broad range of threats but significantly reduce the useful operation times due to onset
of heat stress. Carbon based air permeable protective technologies offer extended operational time
compared to impermeable options and provide protection from organic vapor threats but offer only
limited protection from threats deployed in the form of aerosols and liquids. While protective
garments made from these technologies have worked in the past, the threat landscape is ever changing
and requires broad protection from aerosols, toxic industrial materials (TIMS) and toxic industrial
chemicals (TICS), hybridized agents, and biological compounds. The later most recently illustrated
by the needed protection for healthcare providers, laboratory technicians, and military personnel in
the West African Ebola outbreak of2014. Most tactical operational scenarios demand engagement
times longer than what is possible when wearing an impermeable suit and protection from the broad
range of modem threats. This presents a capability gap between operational needs and product
performance not adequately addressed by the two legacy technologies described above. A third
technology is emerging in the form of selectively permeable materials.
This technology relies on a polymer barrier that presents a highly restrictive pathway to the passage
of a broad range of chemical and biological agents, while simultaneously presenting a highly
unrestrictive pathway to the passage of water vapor. Can the capability gap described above be
addressed using selectively permeable material technology? Selectively permeable materials are
moisture vapor permeable; thereby allowing for the natural thermal regulation of the wearer through
evaporative cooling. Selectively permeable materials recently tested following ISO 11092, Textiles Physiological effects - Measurement of thermal and water vapour resistance under steady-state
conditions (sweating guarded hotplate test) have values below 9m2 Pa/W. Since many chemical
warfare agents (CW A), TICS, TIMS, and biological agents have low solubility and low diffusivity
within the selectively permeable polymer network, garments made utilizing this technology are able
to offer protection from emerging threats. When tested to the ASTM F 1671, Standard Test Method
for Resistance to Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens
Using Phi-X174 Bacteriophage as a Test System (Procedure A), no penetration of biological agent
through the material was observed. The selectively permeable material was tested for permeation
resistance to CWA and TICS following the protocol outlined in the NFPA 1994 Standard on
Protective Ensembles for First Responders to CBRN Terrorism Incidents (2012 ed.) and found to
meet the material and ensemble requirements. Therefore, selectively permeable materials can provide
broad protection with reduced thermal burden and adequately address the capability gap.
143
Commercial Developing Technologies - Physical protection
AIRBOSS DEFENSE LOW BURDEN CB GLOVE
Sindy Carrier
AirBoss Defense
28-A Boul. de l’Aéroport, Bromont, Québec
Canada, J2L 1S6
Organisation
AirBoss Defense, a world leader in CBRN personal protective equipment (PPE), is an innovative,
integrated company that leverages long-standing expertise and advanced technologies to develop,
design and produce ergonomic products that achieve the highest quality standards.
AirBoss Defense maintains a dynamic team of professionals that has built the broad knowledge base
which contributes to its reputation of always delivering on promises in terms of contract and project
management, product innovation, and on-time products that fully comply with customer requirements.
A unique capability of controlling the manufacturing process from materials development
through transformation to final product, an in-house rubber compound test labs, a toxic industrial
chemical lab, as well as polymer synthesis and carbonization development lines are just a few
examples of AirBoss Defense’s knowhow in materials science and infrastructure.
Defense and First Responder users in more than 40 countries rely on AirBoss Defense for individual
CBRN protection, including CBRN protective footwear, hand wear, gas masks and accessories. With
new products in the making, AirBoss Defense is recognized for continuously improving its products
and bringing to the market innovative protective clothing and equipment that surpass North American,
European and NATO norms and standards.
AirBoss Defense has many years of experience dealing with different US Procurement agencies and is
renowned for its Natick procurement strategy that has been better than any other US Government
Agencies.
Description of the product
Improving on the AirBoss Defense Moulded Glove (AMG), which is currently being supplied as the
Joint Block 2 Glove Upgrade (JB2GU), AirBoss Defense’s new Low Burden CB Glove integrates a
novel breathable textile assembly with butyl rubber.
The Low Burden CB Glove (LBG) offers superior protection with unparalleled comfort due to its
ergonomic design and ability to minimize the burden of heat and moisture. This glove is designed to
be worn without a liner since its design incorporates features which prevent and manage heat and
sweat build up. However, the use of a liner is still possible and will not
compromise the comfort, performance or integration. The thin wall design
(20 mils) is smooth and flexible, enabling completely unrestricted hand
movements while protecting the US against Chemical Warfare Agents
(CWA) for 24 hours. The glove design has five textile swatches
strategically located; on the top of the hand, on the index and middle
fingers, and on the top and bottom of the forearm. The novel breathable
textile swatches represent a significant area of the total glove surface and
allows for maximum heat and moisture management. The ergonomic glove design also incorporates
wicking channels within the fingers to draw any moisture trapped in the fingers to the breathable area
of the glove.
For maximum protection against a wide range of contaminants, including CWA and TICs, the palm
and fingers of the LBG are made of impermeable halo butyl rubber. The shape of the glove also
provides exceptional dexterity as it realistically imitates the natural shape of the hand in its resting
position. An improvement to the design of the fingertips was introduced in the LBG in order to imitate
fingernails. This design increases the utility of the fingertips, allowing users to easily pick up small
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Physical protection
objects. The palm of the glove is texturized to provide the user with enhanced grip. The wrist area will
be fully comprised of rubber in order to increase the stretch ability for fast and easy donning and
doffing.
The rubber wrist area will also ensure seamless
integration with various suits since the cuff will tighten
around this area. Bellows have been designed on the
knuckles and thumb to ease the movement of all the
fingers. Similarly, creases on the palm ease hand closure
movements.
Two materials have been used to assemble the LBG; a
novel breathable textile laminate and a flame resistant
halo butyl rubber compound. When combined, these materials offer users of the LBG with the best
protection against Chemical and Biological challenges as well as superior comfort due to exceptional
heat and moisture management.
The textile laminate used in the LBG is an assembly of 4 layers, as shown in
the picture to the right. The outer shell layer (A) is made of a Nomex IIIA
material which offers flame resistance as well as physical strength for cut and
puncture resistance. This first layer is the visible part of the laminate and is
currently offered in black or camouflage, although other colors may be
available upon request. The second layer (B) is a selective membrane which
blocks external chemical and environmental threats while letting heat and
moisture escape. The third layer of the textile assembly (C) is an activated
carbon fabric that filters any challenges that would have permeated through the first two layers. The
fourth backing layer (D) is used to ensure comfort of the user since this part of the laminate may be in
direct contact with the user’s skin, when worn without a liner.
The laminate has been thoroughly studied for its performance and has shown to be highly resistant to
fire, cuts and puncture while providing superior comfort due to its high Total Heat Loss (THL) and
Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR). This novel breathable textile laminate has also been
tested against liquid Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA), as well as liquid as gaseous Toxic Industrial
Chemicals (TIC), using various methods and demonstrated a 24 hour protection.
The rubber compound used in the Low Burden CB Glove is a flame retardant halo butyl formulated by
AirBoss that pares softness for comfort with resistance and durability against CWA and other
contaminants. Specially adjusted rheological properties of this novel formulation allows a good flow
into the thin cavity of the mold that permits thin wall molding at 20 mils thickness.
The novelty of the Low Burden CB Glove is the patent pending process to assemble these unique
materials together. The rubber is directly over molded onto the textile laminate using a novel and
complex process that results in a strong and impermeable seam giving consistently high
resistance throughout the entire glove. In its current design, the LBG integrates well with the JSLIST
and other similar suits due to the presence of a flat rubber area at the wrist. The LBG has also been
tested and successfully integrated with the Blauer XRT and the Lion ERS suits due to the presence of
a flat rubber area at the bottom of the cuff. AirBoss Defense is confident that the chosen design for the
new Low Burden CB Glove will integrate well with US DoD systems, such as the JSLIST, JPACE
and JC3 ensembles. Additionally, the LBG will be able to fully integrate with NFPA 1994 Class 3
Suits and other currently fielded military CBRN suits. The LBG has been conceived to provide the user with superior fit and comfort. The result is an
ergonomic design in which the right and left glove are independently molded to mimic the natural
resting position of the hand to maximize comfort. Based on recent anthropometric military data, the
sizing of the LBG was reviewed and an improvement over the previous AMG 7 size sizing system
brought forth. The LBG is to be offered in 6 sizes (X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XXLarge), which covers 99% of the population and now better cover the smaller and bigger hand sizes of
the population.
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Commercial Developing Technologies - Physical protection
Results Summary
The LBG prototypes are currently tested against several requirements in order to verify that the
construction and seam of the glove complies with different requirements set forth by AirBoss Defense.
The tables below summarize the different physical and chemical properties measured on the prototype
glove seam, as well as the requirements set for each one.
Property
Requirement
Performance
NFPA 1994, Class 3
Dual Flow, 10 g/m2, 80%RH
≤ 4.00 ug/cm2
@1 hour
Pass
NFPA 1994, Class 3
Dual Flow, 10 g/m2, 80%RH
≤ 1.25 ug/cm2
@1 hour
NFPA 1994, Class 3
Section 7.2.3.2
≤ 6.00 ug/cm2
@1 hour
CWA HD
(Sulfur Mustard)
CWA GD
(Soman)
Acrylonitrile
40 ppm
ASTM D1053
Torsion @ -25oC
ASTM F1291
ASTM F2370
Sweating Hand
Cold Weather
Total Heat Lost
Adhesion Strength
(pull strength/seam
strength)
Mullen
Pressurized Water Test
Leak Test
(Pressurized Air)
ASTM D751
Instron Pull Strength
ASTM D751
method 36 - A
CE pressurized Air Test
@ 1.5 PSI
146
2
< 0.02 ug/cm
@ 24 hours
Pass
2
0.36 ug/cm
@ 1 hour
Pass
0.0076 Nm
≤ 0.057 Nm at 60°
ASTM F1358
2
< 0.5 ug/cm
@ 24 hours
Pass
Flame Resistance
Test Method
-
140 W/m2
After-flame ≤2sec,
burning distance min
100mm.
Pass
With 3 second flame
exposure
Pass
3.177 N/mm
± 0.20
Pass
10 min at 10PSI
Pass
at 0.5PSI
> 1.31 N/mm
> 5 psi ± 2
for 5 min
No Air Bubbles
POSTER
PRESENTATIONS
147
148
Contents
Poster presentations
Contents Poster Presentations
Page
Emerging Threats and Risks
New Information of Aum Shinrikyo’s Chemical and
Biological (CB) Weapon Program by Interviewing a Death
Row Inmate
Anthony Tu
155
Weak Links in the Food Supply Chain: Addressing Food
Safety For Cases of Deliberate Chemical Contamination in
Food Products
Agnieszka
A.Gorzkowska-Sobas
156
CBRN Personal Protective Equipment in Norwegian Health
Care
Anders Dybwad
157
Effects of Preparation Method on Adsorption of Toxic
Chemical for Activated Carbon Impregnated with Zirconium
Hydroxide
Li Li
158
New Low Burden Mask
Sindy Carrier
159
Avon Protection Responds to Changing CBRN Threats with
the New FM54 Masks
Oliver Morton
160
A Method for Evaluating Aerosol Leakage Through the
Interface between Protective Suits and Full Face Respirators
Kristina Arnoldsson
161
Saskia Rutjes
162
Exposure to Respirable Dust and Lead During a Standardized
Shooting Session Increases Blood Lead Levels Significantly
Fabian Taube
163
Evaporation Characteristics of Sulfur Mustard (HD) on
Various Ground Substances
Hae Wan Lee
164
Physical Protection
Education and Training for CBRN Environments
Strengthening CBRN First Response Capabilities and
Regional Cooperation in South East Europe, Southern
Caucasus, Moldova and Ukraine
Environmental and Health Threats of Military Interest
149
Contents
Poster presentations
Study on the Initial Evaporation Rates of Sulfur Mustard
(HD) on Concrete: Effect of Temperature and Spreading
Factor
Hyunsook Jung
165
Degradation of 2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl Sulfide (Sulfur Mustard,
HD) in the Presence of Metal Oxides
Hyunsook Jung
166
Evaluation of Velocity Profile Characteristics for the 5-cm
Agent Fate Wind Tunnels
Jiyun Seo
167
Revamping Military Operations with Synchronised
Situational Awareness; the FOI Camp Authoring Tool (CAT)
Annica Waleij
168
Application and Performance of a Small Passive Sampler
for Monitoring of Gaseous and Particle Associated
Compounds in Air
Kristina Arnoldsson
169
Acute Respiratory Changes and Long-Term Pulmonary
Inflammation in a Rat Model of Chlorine-Induced Lung
Injury
Sofia Jonasson
170
The Evaluation of the Efficacy of Two Novel Oximes (K920,
K923) in Tabun-Poisoned Rats and Mice
Jiri Kassa
171
CBRN Drug and Antidote Stockpiling in Norway
Yvonne Lao
172
Lung Exposure to Sulfur Dioxide Induces Airway
Inflammation in Sprague Dawley Rats
Elisabeth Wigenstam
173
Toxicology Research on the Development of Environmental
Standards for the Destruction of Japanese Abandoned
Chemical Weapons in China
Zhao-Yang Tong
174
Laboratory Analysis of CBRN Substances: Stakeholder
Networks as Clue to Higher CBRN Resilience in Europe
Svenja Stöven
176
Analysis on NBC Weapon Proliferation and Countermeasures
Jia Tianwei
177
Development of Diagnostic Methods for the Generic
Integrated Forensic Toolbox (GIFT), an EU Initiative to
Counteract CBRN Terrorism
Marcel van der Schans
178
Medical Management
Science and Security
150
Contents
Poster presentations
CBRN Crisis Management at National and International
levels
National Recommendations for Out-Of-Hospital Management
of Ebola Virus Disease and Other Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers
ER Nakstad
179
Readiness of the South Moravian Fire Brigade for CWA
Detection
Jan Hrdlicka
180
Swedish Forum for Biopreparedness Diagnostics – FBD
Johanna Thelaus
181
Real-Time Differentiation of Biological Aerosols from NonBiological Aerosols without Fluorescene Detection
Kibong Choi
182
Optical System Design for Small Biological Aerosol Sensor
using 280 nm UV-led as a Light Source
Jong Min Lee
183
Detection Technology using a Thermal Imager
Jon Turner
184
Test and Evaluation of Chemical Detectors – Improvements
of Generation and Validation
Lillemor Örebrand
185
Development of Attachable Sensor for Detecting Chemical
Warfare Agents
Sung-Man Lee
186
Improved Methodology for Obtaining Requirements of CWA
Detectors
Pär Wästerby
187
Operational Environment Characterisation for the
Development of Future Chemical Detectors
Richard Lidster
188
A Multispectral Uncooled Infrared Imager for Passive Remote
Gas Detection and Identification
Baptiste Delplanque
189
CENSIT - Fusion of CBRN Sensor Information in Tactical
Networks
Stig Rune Sellevåg
190
ERNCIP Thematic Group on Detection of Indoor Airborne
Chemical-Biological Agents
Torbjörn Tjärnhage
191
Detection and On-Site Analysis
151
Contents
Poster presentations
Decontamination
Purifying Extremely CBRN-Contaminated Raw Waters with
the State-Of-The-Art Water Purification System of the
German Armed Forces - ‘WAA Dekon’
Franz Weber
192
Radiological Particle Exposure: Removal on Skin Surface
Laura Cochrane
193
Preparation of Reference Material for Abrin and Ricin RealTime PCR Analysis
Nadja Sparding
194
Fast Detection and Identification of Aerosolized Bacillus
Particles by Direct In-Situ Analysis of MALDI-TOF MS
Jong Min Lee
195
Management of White Powder Incidents in Norway
Oona Dunlop
196
An Improved Method for Quantification Measurement of
Nerve Agent Adducts to Butyrylcholinesterase in Plasma
Using Procainamide-Gel Separation Combined with UHPLCMS/MS
Shi-Lei Liu
197
Development of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type E Antibody for
Magnetic Beads Based Immunoassay
Wen-Zhi Lin
199
Molecular Detection of Bacillus anthracis by Real Time PCR
with Hybridization Probes
O. Bassy
200
Forensic Profiling of Amanita Mushrooms by High
Resolution LC-MS
Daniel Jansson
201
Microbial Forensic Tools in Support of Attribution
Assessments
Andreea Paulopol
202
“CBRN Mixed Samples” – Results and Recommendations for
Safe Handling and Preparation
Mona Byström
203
Study of the Effectiveness of Retention/Recovery and
Biological Preservation of Biological Warfare Agents by
Nanofiber Filters used in Personal Protection Devices
Matilde Gil
204
Identification and Forensic Analysis
152
Contents
Poster presentations
Towards the Monitoring of Dumped Munitions Threat
Anders Östin
205
Forensic Investigation of Toxic Macro Residues in Stomach
Content
Arthur Wolterink
206
153
154
Poster Session
NEW INFORMATION OF AUM SHINRIKYO’S CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL
(CB) WEAPON PROGRAM BY INTERVIEWING A DEATH ROW INMATE
Anthony T. Tu
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins.
Colorado 80523, U.S.A.
By interviewing Dr. Tomomasa Nakagawa, one of Senior member of Aum Shinrikyo 8 times, many
new information on their BCW projects were obtained.
Contrary to general belief, Aum Shinrikyo emphasized the BW first. After they realized the BW
program was in failure then they switched to CW program. The success of CW was mainly made by a
brilliant chemist, Mr. Masami Tsuchiya who made sarin, VX, phosgene, tabun, cyclosarin, mustard
gas and soman in short time. Only the first three poisonous gases were actually used. At the time of
arrest in 1995, Mr. Tsuchiya was only 29 years old.
Aum Shinrikyo planned to make 70 tons of sarin at the 7th Satyan in Kamikuishiki village in
Yamanashi Prefecture. But they abandoned the plan of mass production of sarin because they felt
Japanese Police might come to raid their facility. This was direct conflict with Japanese Police claim
that they found methylphosphonic acid in the facility of the 7th Satyan. Methylphosphonic acid is a
degradation product of sarin.
Dr. Nakagawa said how Japanese Police could find methylphosphonic acid at the place where there
was no sarin production. This important question should be clarified by further investigation.
Other new information will be presented at the meeting.
155
Poster Session
WEAK LINKS IN THE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN: ADDRESSING FOOD SAFETY
FOR CASES OF DELIBERATE CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION IN FOOD
PRODUCTS
Agnieszka A.Gorzkowska-Sobas
FFI Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, Kjeller, Norway
Food safety and food defence have to be addressed at each and every step of the food supply chain
to avoid the risk of contamination by biological or chemical agents. Food safety risks (standard food
safety legislative requirements) are minimized through the implementation of HACCP (Hazard
Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles. However, it is unclear how effective the existing
protocols are at dealing with deliberate contamination in the processing part of the food supply
chain. In this work, we explored to what extent the current methods for food safety routinely applied
by the industry could successfully detect chemical contaminants in selected food products. We also
investigated whether the currently applied protocols and safety procedures could be improved by
the introduction of new tools, developed in the EDEN project (End-User Driven Demo for CBRNe)
through interaction with food industry stakeholders.
Vulnerability of selected food products against deliberate CBRNe incidents was addressed as one of
the objectives within EDEN. For this purpose we identified existing gaps and needs by direct
interactions with major food producers within the EU. This information, together with on-site
reconnaissance at selected production facilities, allowed us to develop tailored scenarios for
deliberate chemical contamination occurring at different phases in the food production process as
well as at different facilities. A list of over 50 possible chemical contaminants was created on the
basis of their availability and relevance with respect to the scenarios and the production facilities.
Next, a set of reference panels consisting of different food products (cooked ham and sugar) and
ingredients introduced during the production stage (water and salt) contaminated with different
levels of contaminants were produced and distributed to the food producers. The contamination level
detected by the standard food safety methods and their effectiveness were evaluated against the
results provided by an external chemical identification laboratory. Reference panel sets were also
distributed among registered EDEN store tool suppliers with food industry relevant detection tools.
Tools were chosen from a list of equipment available via a dedicated EDEN Store, a virtual platform
for the EDEN Toolbox of Toolboxes (ToT).
Finally, the methods of chemical analyses were validated in terms of their sensitivity, specificity,
positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), as well as the area under the
ROC (receiver operating characteristic).It was found that the presence of deliberate chemical
contaminants was not detectable using standard food safety methods, indicating a need for more
versatile detection tools capable of providing a higher level of food defence. At the same time, some
of the EDEN Store tools that tested the same reference panel sets did show promising results,
showing the feasibility of the EDEN virtual platform for food safety and food defence-related issues.
156
Poster Session
CBRN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN NORWEGIAN HEALTH CARE
A Dybwad (presenting), AB Brantsæter, O Dunlop, JM Tangen, KE Hovda, F Heyerdahl, JE
Holtedahl, Y Lao, AC Nordby, H Opdahl, ER Nakstad.
Norwegian National Unit for CBRNE Medicine (The Norwegian CBRNE Centre), Oslo University
Hospital, P.O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, NORWAY
BACKGROUND: When operating in a contaminated environment, health care personnel need
personal protective equipment (PPE). Their access to such equipment within minutes, and easy
donning, is a prerequisite for both urgent patient treatment and participation in decontamination.
PREPAREDNESS: In a country with a diverse geography as in Norway, specialized CBRN units
cannot reach the scene in time for life-saving interventions, and local preparedness is necessary. The
Norwegian National Unit for CBRNE Medicine therefore in 2009 supplied all hospitals and
ambulance service stations with CBRNE PPE level C kits (i.e. suitable for warm zone); some
changes were made in 2015 after a revised risk assessment. All 265 local ambulance stations were
given minimum 3 complete PPE kits; 46 hospitals with 24/7 emergency function were supplied with
an additional 20-50 suits. In addition, ambulance stations located close to densely populated areas or
high-risk objects like petro-chemical plants and international airports were given larger quantities.
The National Search-And-Rescue helicopter services were also supplied with a depot of kits for airbased transport to potential scenes of incident. The system as of today is dynamic and mobile
enough to offer protection to personnel in all regions of the country.
NEW CONCEPTS FOR HIGHLY INFECTIOUS DISEASES (HIDs): In addition to CBRN
incidents, protection is also needed for health care personnel who participate in transport and
treatment of patients outside hospital isolation units. Recent experiences with ebola resulted in new
and more diversified PPE systems for paramedics and ER personnel. The Norwegian National Unit
for CBRNE Medicine recommends three types of PPE for paramedics and other health
professionals. All PPE requires special training and decontamination.
RECOMMENDATIONS (as of2016):
1) Highly Infectious Diseases Protection kit
The HID kit offers full European Norm protection from infectious diseases for paramedics and
hospital (ER) personnel. It consists of a full body-cover suit (EN 14126:2003 + AC:2004), FFP3
respiratory protection (EN 149:2001 + A1:2009), special goggles (EN 166:2001), double pairs of
gloves, an apron and a face shield.
2) First Responder CBRN Protection Suit with face mask and NATO standard 40 mm NBC Gas Mask
Filter. The kit offers full CBRN protection (Level C), including HID protection.
3) Positive-pressure protection suits with integrated PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator). This
complete body protection suit is standard for the high-level isolation unit of Oslo University Hospital
and is also used for planned HID patient transport missions.
157
Poster Session
EFFECTS OF PREPARATION METHOD ON ADSORPTION OF TOXIC
CHEMICAL FOR ACTIVATED CARBON IMPREGNATED WITH ZIRCONIUM
HYDROXIDE
Li Li, Kai Li, Lan Ma. Zhiqiang Luan
1) Research Institute of Chemical Defense, China; 2) State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for
Civilian, China
Investigators and researchers are leading efforts to increase filter and mask efficiency, broaden filter
capabilities to meet emerging threats and reduce the burden to the warfighter that include both organic
and inorganic gases.
Zirconium hydroxide is an amorphous material that can be used as catalyst supports.
Previous studies have shown that zirconium hydroxide is an effective material for the removal of a
wide range of toxic chemicals, especially acidic/acid-forming gases, including cyanogen chloride,
chlorine, phosgene, hydrogen chloride, and sulphur dioxide. However Zirconium hydroxide, due to its
basic nature, is not expected to provide adequate removal capabilities against organic compounds,
such as benzene and sarin. And activated carbon can provide enough porosity for adsorption and
retention and it is a common substrate that is used in the preparation of general-purpose filtration
media.
In this paper, utilizing the porosity of activated carbon, two preparation methods were put forward for
the in-situ synthesis of Zirconium hydroxide. Activated carbons impregnated with zirconium
hydroxide were evaluated for their ability to remove toxic chemical gases, namely S02, ClCN and
C6H6 from steams of air in respirator applications. The catalyst prepared by separate-step
impregnation method facilitates the aromatization reaction than that prepared by co-impregnation
method, which displays a comprehensive balanced capacity for the removal of acidic and organic
toxic chemical.
158
Poster Session
NEW LOW BURDEN MASK
Sindy Carrier
AirBoss Defense
AirBoss Defense's new respiratory protection platform, the Low Burden Mask (LBM) is an evolution
of current gas masks available on the market. The respiratory protection device user's burden consists
in a long list of small aspects that, together as a whole, will be beneficial for operation-ability".
The LBM has been engineered with that lowest burden in mind: it is made with the best protective
materials, with the lowest total weight, overall profile, optical performances, breathing resistance and
global comfort. Total weight is a good first step to support the claim of an item to be stated as "low
burden". To sustain this effort we are presenting a device that weight approximately 1 pound (454 gr)
were as other respirators available on the market weight at least 600 to 700 gr. This difference will
even be accentuated as you add filtering canister on the mask. Moreover, the related weight is also
spread evenly on the head of the user so it is as balanced as possible vs the user's head centre of
gravity, therefore reducing neck constraint.
In second lieu for the low burden aspects come the optical properties of lenses: uniformity over the
lenses surface. The LBM as the most uniform properties as it has been engineered to be the same over
54 reference points on the area of the lenses. The LBM come with a hard visor by default
configuration with a built in ballistic protection and anti-fogging properties.
Breathing resistance will also come it the top list when discussing about Burden of respiratory
protective devices. The LBM base mask has very low breathing resistance and can be run with a single
side canister and with dual canisters for highest performances in breathing resistance. The dual
connections side mount of the LBM allow the user run either or of the configurations with the same
base respirator platform. Another Burden related topic that will be critical to the user: the respirator
harness. The LBM harness is the most comfortable system available on the market and is made with
soft flexible material.
In conclusion, burden aspects are critical for good performances but yet protection is still one of the
main features of a respiratory protective device. The LBM has indeed been tested under the most
stringent conditions (positive or negative mode configuration) by both users and laboratories with
success. The LBM has been tested according to many requirements and shown to offer a 24 hour
protection against different CWA and also been tested in the Smartman configuration, tested against
different physical requirements and these results will be presented.
159
Poster Session
AVON PROTECTION RESPONDS TO CHANGING CBRN THREATS WITH THE
NEW FM54 MASKS
Oliver Morton, Sales Director at Avon Protection
Avon Protection • Hampton Park West • Semington Road • Melksham • SN12 6NB • UK
After 5 years of development, Avon Protection has launched a new modular range of chemical,
biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) respiratory protection products to meet the new CBRN
threat environment and changing needs of the specialist user. The patented design approach delivers
maximum operational flexibility with interchangeable components for multiple protection level
configurations that can be rapidly assembled as threats change.
The new FM54 mask is central to the new modular range and has been developed from Avon's FM53
first-to-market Combination Unit Respirator.
The FM53 was rapidly adopted as the market standard for tactical fire arms, tier 1 SF and specialist
user groups:
o Illicit drug labs & Counter Narcotics
o Breaching
o Maritime
o SSE and other unknown environments
• We listened to the voice of customer - and produced a new product road map for the new
FM54:
o Understand new uses and increased threats
• Development of FM54:
o Flame hardening of plastics & face blank
o Flame hardening of harness
o Change in VREU- an evolution technology
o Impact hardening of front module
• Features & Benefits:
o Increased flame hardening from flash over events and explosive atmospheres
o Low burden; through weight reduction and change in exhalation resistance
o Enhanced ergonomics & overall profile reduction
o Enhanced speech
o Reduced maintenance burden, no specialist tools required.
o Reduced through life costs
o Backwards compatible with FM53 accessories.
160
Poster Session
A METHOD FOR EVALUATING AEROSOL LEAKAGE THROUGH THE
INTERFACE BETWEEN PROTECTIVE SUITS AND FULL FACE RESPIRATORS
Kristina Arnoldsson, Signar Danielsson, Marianne Thunéll
CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Cementvägen 20, Umeå,
Sweden
Military personnel and first responders use a range of personal equipment including protective suits,
gloves, boots and respirators to prevent exposure of their skin and airways to hazardous chemical,
biological, radiological and/or nuclear substances. Protection of the respiratory tract against gaseous
chemicals and aerosols is an essential aspect of personal protection. The performance of filters and
respirators has therefore been studied intensively as part of the development and evaluation of
personal protective equipment. Several standardized procedures exist for evaluating respirators' face
seal and calculating the protection factor against gas or aerosol exposure. However, working in
contaminated areas put high demands on the function of the protective ensemble as a whole rather
than stressing individual pieces of equipment. In particular, the integrity of the interfaces that form
seals between the individual items of personal protective equipment are essential to the overall
performance of the ensemble. We present an aerosol challenge method for assessing the performance
of the interface between a respirator and the hood of a protective suit. The interface is formed
between the sealing strip of the hood and the surface of the respirator's outer sealing area and is
affected by how well the sealing strip can cover and adapt to the sealing area. The method evaluates
the leakage of particles of different sizes into the hood via the interface by particle counting at
sampling points around the respirator's perimeter. Three different respirators were tested together with
a single hood having a tight-fitting seal. The method variation between measurements was low but
increased appreciably when the protective ensemble was re-dressed between measurements. This
demonstrates the difficulty of achieving a reliable and reproducible seal between respirator and hood
under normal conditions. Different leakage patterns were observed for the three respirators and were
linked to some specific design features, namely the respirator's sealing area at the chin and its width at
cheek level. Induced leak experiments showed that to detect substantial particle leakage, channels at
the hood- respirator interface must be quite large. The presented method enables straightforward realtime assessment of the quality of the hood-respirator interface in terms of its ability to protect against
particle inflow. Because it is easily possible to adjust the fit of the hood and respirator between
measurements, the technique can be used as a development tool to optimize the quality of the hoodrespirator seal.
161
Poster Session
STRENGTHENING CBRN FIRST RESPONSE CAPABILITIES AND REGIONAL
COOPERATION IN SOUTH EAST EUROPE, SOUTHERN CAUCASUS,
MOLDOVA AND UKRAINE
Saskia Rutjes*, Stephanie Meulenbelt*, Klaas van der Meer#
RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands; # SCK-CEN, Mol, Belgium
A timely and effective response to a CBRN incident, whether it is due to a natural disaster or
intentional release is extremely difficult, since it involves a considerable effort of coordination and
communication between several institutions at the national level. Furthermore, since CBRN
accidents have no borders and may impact neighbouring countries, it is crucial that a framework for
regional cooperation and sharing of information between countries in the region is established. The
EU CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE) initiative aims to facilitate national coordination and
regional cooperation in order to enhance CBRN capabilities outside Europe. The initiative mirrors
the EU CBRN Action Plan implemented inside the EU.
The overall objective of CoE project 44 'Strengthening CBRN first response capabilities and
regional cooperation in South East Europe, Southern Caucasus, Moldova and Ukraine ' is to
enhance response capabilities and promote inter-agency and regional cooperation in CBRN first
response in five countries in the Western Balkan and four countries in the Black Sea region. This
will be realized by enhancing the capabilities to organize and execute table-top and field exercises,
as well as train-the-trainer courses both at national and sub-regional level.
To achieve these goals, the following series of activities have been and will be performed. The
current situation on the countries CBRN first response organization have been assessed, resulting
in the preparation of a work plan based on identified gaps in the response structure. The work plan
describes how the next steps in the project will be completed, such as exercise goals, focus on C, B
or RN, which staff will be involved. A survey on available CBRN equipment in each country was
performed, which resulted in a list of equipment which is required to equip an operational CBRN
first response team. Guidelines will be developed and best practices on the CBRN incident
response will be shared between participating countries and consortium. To this end, study visits to
EU countries will be organized. Furthermore, train-the-trainers and training activities on CBRN
incident response will be developed based on the identified needs. Inter-agency cooperation at subregional levels will be strengthened by the development of suitable protocols. Finally, CBRN
response exercises at national and sub-regional levels will be organized.
The project runs from January 2015 till December 2017. The current state of the project will be
presented. Information will be provided on the chosen approach of how to deal with nine countries
that have to organize tailor-made table-top and field exercises based on the gap analysis of the CBRN
response structure in their country, as well as other aspects of the project such as the study visits to
EU member states, train-the-trainer activities and the development of guidelines and best practices.
162
Poster Session
EXPOSURE TO RESPIRABLE DUST AND LEAD DURING A STANDARDIZED
SHOOTING SESSION INCREASES BLOOD LEAD LEVELS SIGNIFICANTLY
Fabian Taube
Swedish Armed Forces Centre for Defence Medicine
BACKGROUND: Exposure to ammunition gases and dust during various shooting sessions has
previously been investigated in several studies, focusing typically on personal exposure
measurements of dust, lead and carbon monoxide by air sampling. However, for Swedish military
personnel, biological monitoring data of metals, such as lead in blood, is rare. Therefore, the present
study puts focus on the correlation of exposure to respirable dust and lead with levels of lead in
blood during three standardized shooting sessions. As part of the Specialist officer training, 55
cadets participated in the shooting sessions, using AK5 with two types of ammunition.
METHODS: "Inhaleable" dust was collected using pumps (MSA AirChek XR 5000) with a constant
airflow (2.0 1/min) through a cellulose filter mounted in a 10M-sampler.
Inhaleable dust was measured gravimetrically according to method AME 11:03 while lead and other
metals in the dust was analysed with ICP-MS. Blood samples were taken according to procedures for
lead analysis in blood. Blood samples were then analysed for lead by ICP-MS at the laboratory of
Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital Gothenburg, Sweden. A questionnaire with the
aim to sort out each individuals shooting activity and possible exposure to lead, other than workrelated, was distributed to the participants and collected after the final shooting session.
RESULTS: Cadets were exposed on average to 4.1 mg/m3 (ranging between 1.9-5 mg/m3) for
inhalable dust during each shooting day, corresponding to about half the Swedish limit value for
inhalable inorganic dust (NGV 10 mg/m3). The session leader was more highly exposed
(10.1 mg/m3). Cadets were exposed to respirable lead, on average 19.4 11 g/ m3 (ranging between
8.2-22.4 11 g/m3). Again, the session leader was more highly exposed (42.8 11 g/m3). This exposure
is close to the current NGV of 50 11 g/m3. The shooting sessions resulted in an average of 50%
increase in blood lead levels among the cadets, however with levels significantly below the Swedish
limit value for lead in blood (1.0 µmol/l ).The session leader had a significantly higher blood lead
level (0.32 µmol/l).
CONCLUSIONS: Session leaders, following all shooting groups and sessions at close, are at risk
in having high exposures of dust and lead in relation to existing limit values. Lead levels in blood
before shooting session is on par with Swedish men in the age range 25-35 years, but increasing on
average 50% during shooting session. Session leaders might be at risk of significantly higher blood
lead levels, at least when leaded ammunition is being used.
163
Poster Session
EVAPORATION CHARACTERISTICS OF SULPHUR MUSTARD (HD) ON
VARIOUS GROUND SUBSTANCES
Hae Wan Lee and Hyunsook Jung
Agency for Defense Development (ADD), South Korea
Sulphur mustard (2,2'-dichloro-diethyl sulphide or HD), commonly known as mustard gas, is one of
the most well-known chemical warfare agents and has been used during World War I and Iran-Iraq
wars. HD reportedly can remain in the environment for as long as 4 years. HD left on the ground can
undergo a variety of fates: it can absorb, diffuse, decompose or evaporate back into the air during
such a long-term period. Therefore, investigating the fate of HD in various ground substances is of
importance for determining the hazard from contaminated areas. Herein, we examined the
characteristics of evaporation of a drop of sulphur mustard (HD) upon its release on various ground
substances: soil, sand, and concrete. We used a laboratory-sized wind tunnel and thermal desorption
(TD) system in conjunction with gas chromatograph. The drop of neat HD (9 µL) was applied to
small ground coupons. The temperature was 35 °C and the wind speed was 3.6 m/s. The drop of HD
did not spread onto soil and sand. Instead, it remained as it was released until some of the drop of
HD evaporated back into air. On the other hand, the drop of HD rapidly spread onto concrete upon
its release. As a result, the drop of HD evaporated extremely faster from concrete than either soil or
sand.
164
Poster Session
STUDY ON THE INITIAL EVAPORATION RATES OF SULPHUR MUSTARD
(HD) ON CONCRETE: EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND SPREADING
FACTOR
Hyunsook Jung and Hae Wan Lee
Agency for Defense Development (ADD), South Korea
In this study, we investigated the initial evaporation rates of sulphur mustard (HD) on concrete at
various temperatures and drop sizes. We used a 5-cm wind tunnel and thermal desorption (TD) in
connection with gas chromatograph and mass spectrometry detection (GC/MSD). Drops of neat
HD, ranging in sizes of 1, 3, 6, and 9 µL, were applied to small concrete coupons. The
temperatures were either 18 °C, 25 °C, 35 °C, or 50 °C. The drop of HD rapidly spread on concrete
upon its release. The initial evaporation rates of the drop of HD were analysed by TD-GC/MSD.
The results showed that the initial evaporation rates increased while HD spread over the surface of
concrete, then decreased as the contamination was over. We found that the initial evaporation rates
of the drop of HD in concrete are linearly proportional to drop size and temperature. In particular,
spreading factor of drop sizes has a more pronounced effect on the initial evaporation rates of the
drop of HD on concrete than temperature.
165
Poster Session
DEGRADATION OF 2, 2'-DICHLORODIETHYL SULPHIDE (SULPHUR
MUSTARD, HD) IN THE PRESENCE OF METAL OXIDES
Hyunsook Jung, Hae Wan Lee, Eun Ah Jung, and Jin Ah Seo
Agency for Defense Development (ADD), South Korea
In recent years, metal oxides has been reported as potential catalysts for the decomposition of
chemical warfare agents such as 0-ethyl S-(2-diisopropylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothioate
(VX), 0-pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate (GD), and 2, 2'- dichlorodiethyl sulphide (HD). In
particular, Zr(OH)4 and MgO have shown capability of degradation of such chemical agents. In
general, reactions of metal oxides onto chemical agents have been explored by solid-state magic
angle spinning NMR (MAS NMR) which is a very powerful tool to examine the room-temperature
reactions of neat liquid chemical agents with metal oxides in-situ. It, however, requires a highly
trained technique to operate the instrument and interpret the data. Herein, we characterized roomtemperature reactions of HD with Zr(OH)4 and MgO by using FT-IR, solvent-solvent extraction,
and vapour desorption which are simple, convenient, and efficient methods. FT-IR provides the
qualitative information of degradation of HD. Through solvent-solvent extraction and vapour
desorption methods, we easily characterized the degradation products of HD: 2-chloroethyl vinyl
sulphide, 2-hydroxyethyl vinyl sulphide, 1, 4-dithiane, and 1, 4-oxathiane.
166
Poster Session
EVALUATION OF VELOCITY PROFILE CHARACTERISTICS FOR THE 5-CM
AGENT FATE WIND TUNNELS
Jiyun Seo, Dongha Kha, Hyunsook Jung and Hae Wan Lee
Agency for Defense Development (ADD), South Korea
5-cm wind tunnels designed to provide the secondary evaporation of hazardous agents were
evaluated by comparing experimental observed velocity profiles to predetermined theoretical
profiles. Wind tunnels measured the amount of liquid volatilized and the residual agents remaining
in the substrates under controlled environmental conditions defined by wind speed, temperature and
relative humidity. The resulting experimental data are applied to numerical models to predict
persistence and fate of the Chemical Warfare agents (CWAs) for operational scenarios.
It is, therefore, important that wind tunnels duplicate specified vertical velocity profiles representing
the lower part of the velocity profile(especially right over the drop and surface) produced by a wind
induced, atmospheric boundary layer. Thus, characterizing analysis performed to evaluate how well
the experimental velocity profile measurements in the 5-cm wind tunnels agree with the operational
profiles defined by Law of the Wall equation. The results showed that the tunnels reproduce similar
values to those of a typical atmospheric boundary layer.
Key words: CWA, Agent Fate, 5-cm Wind Tunnel, Law of the Wall, Velocity Profile
167
Poster Session
REVAMPING MILITARY OPERATIONS WITH SYNCHRONISED
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS; THE FOI CAMP AUTHORING TOOL (CAT)
Annica Waleij & Niklas Brändström
Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)
The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) has for several years conducted internationally
recognized research on how staff deployed in international operations should work and live safely
during their deployment. In addition, research has been conducted on how peace operations and
disaster relief must be designed in order to not cause problems for the population it is intended to
support or rescue. By addressing various issues concerning camps, such as safety and operational
aspects and deal with those at the systematic level, camps can be addressed in a wider context
allowing for the main targets of the deployment to be achieved. To be able to address the variety of
aspects in a holistic way, the Camp Authoring Tool (CAT) has been developed.
Different problem areas interact in a sometimes unpredictable way. Hence, there is a need for a
more comprehensive way to model different aspects and also to carry out qualitative modelling.
Several very sophisticated modelling tools to support the planning and operation of complex
infrastructure projects, such as a camp, exist, but the purpose and scope of these tools are often
limited to a particular problem area. Getting different programs and models to communicate with
each other can be a challenge. Some examples of tools used by FOI are GENESIS (General
Software Demonstrator for Inter System Interference Analysis) for visualization of
telecommunication conflicts, Dispersion Engine for dispersion modelling of hazardous substances,
HLAS (High Level Animation System) for visualization and simulation of animated people,
POPSIM (Population Simulator) which is a software developed for modelling and simulation of
populations in urban environments, AVAL (Assessment of Vulnerability and Lethality), VEBE (A
computer model for simulation of conventional weapons effects in urban areas) used for
calculation of the effects of weapons, MSS-Lab (Multi-Sensor Simulation Lab) for simulation of
sensor data from reconnaissance and surveillance systems, SWERISK for assessment of risk areas
associated with EODs, and finally different types of groundwater modelling tools.
Different areas of use and applications for CAT have been tested against various scenarios. For
example, the case of an accidental or antagonistic release of toxic industrial chemicals or an
outright attack with chemical warfare agents in the vicinity of the camp has been studied. Varying
parameters such as the geometry of the camp, placement of vents, placement and type of Csensors, the agent used, the amount of agent involved and the dispersion mechanism (explosion,
leakage,...), the location of nearby industries (or indeed roads), and the weather conditions provide
a basis for risk area calculations which then can be visualized in CAT to facilitate adequate risk
mitigation measures (including policy) where risk distances are violated.
168
Poster Session
APPLICATION AND PERFORMANCE OF A SMALL PASSIVE SAMPLER FOR
MONITORING OF GASEOUS AND PARTICLE ASSOCIATED COMPOUNDS
IN AIR
Roger Magnusson, Kristina Arnoldsson, Christian Lejon, Lars Hägglund, Annika Waleij,
Håkan Wingfors
Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI CBRN Defence and Security, SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden
Most current methods for monitoring air concentrations of hazardous chemicals in gas and
particulate phase, e.g. in military settings, are based on active sampling using high- or lowvolume pumps. Traditionally, active sampling is the method of choice, especially in situations
where high accuracy and short-term trends are of interest. However, active sampling always
requires a power source, often requires trained operators, and in practice only generates integrated
concentrations over quite short time intervals (<24h). Passive sampling methods have advantages
over active sampling in terms of simplicity and their ability for long-term sampling and increased
spatial coverage, which are of interest in remote and/or hazardous areas. Recently several studies
have described the use of passive sampling to collect and quantify both gas phase and particle
associated compounds, however, several studies have highlighted the reduced accuracy of passive
sampling which leads to high variability of determined air concentrations, especially for particle
associated compounds. This is essentially attributed to the dependence on accurately determined
site- specific passive sampling rates needed for calculation of air concentrations. The majority of
the existing passive air samplers currently in use were designed for collecting compounds from
the gas phase by diffusion but are also being used to report values for particle associated
compounds. This study presents a new and very small passive sampler (3.46 cm2) suitable to
capture compounds associated to both gas and particulate phase and designed to be simple to use
in field operation. By the use of a collection substrate compatible with a highly sensitive protocol
based on thermal desorption and mass spectrometry, detection in the pg range was possible. By a
series of experiments, deposition mechanisms such as diffusion and gravitational settling have
been investigated for particles and associated compounds, as evaluated by varying diffusion
distances, direction of samplers and various substrates. From calibration studies in a diesel
exposure chamber and in field, reproducible sampling rates, Rs were determined for a wide range
of compounds. Interestingly, high relative Rs were observed for particle associated compounds
which was probably due to the design of the sampler, which allows an excellent uptake of
particles. The determined Rs have been proven valid and applicable for high and low
contaminated atmospheres for exposure times from 8h to two weeks, respectively. The sampler
has been used for monitoring exposure to vapors from explosives, and for occupational exposure
of military personnel to combustion products. The sampler, being small and simple to use with
low overall detectability, makes a promising candidate for a vast variety of monitoring studies
including environmental and public health studies, and occupational environments, e.g. in
deployed settings.
169
Poster Session
ACUTE RESPIRATORY CHANGES AND LONG-TERM PULMONARY
INFLAMMATION IN A RAT MODEL OF CHLORINE-INDUCED LUNG INJURY
Elisabeth Wigenstam, Linda Elfsmark, Bo Koch, Anders Bucht and Sofia Jonasson
Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
We investigated acute and delayed respiratory changes after inhalation exposure to high
concentrations of chlorine with the aim to understand the pathogenesis of the long-term
sequelae of the chlorine-induced lung injury. In a rat model of nose-only exposure we
analysed changes in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammatory responses in airways,
expression of pro-inflammatory markers in serum and development of lung fibrosis during a
time-course up to 90 days after a single inhalation of chlorine.
A 15-min inhalation of 200 ppm chlorine was non-lethal in female Sprague-Dawley rats. At
24 h post exposure, chlorine-exposed rats displayed elevated numbers of leukocytes with a
significant increase of neutrophils and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and
pulmonary edema was shown. The recruitment of inflammatory cells to the airways was
preceded by induction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, MIP-1u, and MCP-1 at 5 h
post exposure. Concomitant with the acute inflammation a significant AHR in response to
methacholine was detected. At the later time-points (day 14-90 post exposure), a delayed
inflammatory response was observed together with signs of lung fibrosis as indicated by
increased pulmonary macrophages, elevated TGFβ expression in BAL fluid and collagen
deposition in lung tissue.
In summary, our study of chlorine-exposure in rats have shown that the acute inflammatory and
respiratory responses are followed by lung fibrosis. These results provide a foundation for future
studies aimed at identification of biomarkers for lung injury and respiratory dysfunction, as well
as for evaluation of new concepts for treatment of long-term injuries induced by chlorineexposure.
Keywords: Chlorine; Chemical-induced lung injury; Airway hyperresponsiveness;
Respiratory mechanics; Inflammation
170
Poster Session
THE EVALDATION OF THE EFFICACY OF TWO NOVEL OXIMES (K920, K923)
IN TABUN-POISONED RATS AND MICE
Jiri Kassa, Vendula Sepsova, Anna Horova, Kamil Musilek
Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska
1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
The potency of two novel oximes (K920, K923) to reactivate tabun-inhibited acetylcholinesterase
and to reduce acute toxicity of tabun was compared with the oxime K203 and trimedoxime using in
vivo methods. The study determining percentage of reactivation of tabun-inhibited peripheral
acetylcholinesterase (diaphragm) and central acetylcholinesterase (brain) in tabun-poisoned rats
showed that the reactivating efficacy of both newly developed oximes is lower than the reactivating
potency of the oxime K203 and trimedoxime. The therapeutic efficacy of both newly developed
oximes roughly corresponds to their weak reactivating efficacy. Their potency to reduce acute
toxicity of tabun in mice was lower compared to the oxime K203 and trimedoxime. All differences
in reactivating efficacy of oximes and different protective ratios were found for selected doses of
oximes used in this study. Based on the results obtained, we can conclude that the reactivating and
therapeutic potency of both newly developed oximes does not prevail the effectiveness of the
oxime K203 and trimedoxime and, therefore, they are not suitable for their replacement of
commonly used oximes for the treatment of acute tabun poisoning.
The study was funded by a grant of Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic - „Long-term
organization development plan 1011".
171
Poster Session
CBRN DRUG AND ANTIDOTE STOCKPILING IN NORWAY
Y Lao (presenting), KE Hovda, F Heyerdahl, AB Brantsæter, O Dunlop, JM Tangen, JE Holtedahl,
A Dybwad, AC Nordby, H Opdahl, ER Nakstad
Norwegian National Unit for CBRNE Medicine (The Norwegian CBRNE Centre), Oslo University
Hospital, P.O.Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, NORWAY Address of agency or affiliation
Background
CBRN drugs are used to treat patients who have been exposed to chemical or biological agents, or to
internal contamination with radioactive material. Some may also be administered as post-exposure
prophylaxis, or even as pre-exposure prophylaxis. Antidotes are substances used to counteract the
effects of specific xenobiotic and needs to be administered soon after exposure.
Some CBRN drugs and antidotes are seldom used in hospitals. Others are commonly used, but
their dosage in persons exposed to CBRN agents may differ from conventional medical care. Thus,
before prescribing a CBRN drug or antidote, physicians must carefully check dosage,
contraindications and interactions. Some drugs and antidotes are expensive and may be unavailable
in pharmacies or even out of stock for longer periods at a time. The assessment of stockpiling
(choice of drug and quantity) is therefore a difficult task for many local and regional hospitals.
Drug and antidote recommendations (as of 2016):
The Norwegian National Unit for CBRNE Medicine, in cooperation with the Norwegian Poison
Information Centre, recommend drugs and antidotes to be stockpiled in quantities relevant to
historical consumption and local risk assessment. Drug and antidote availability to emergency service
personnel (such as paramedics, police and fire/rescue personnel) must also be taken into
consideration when quantities are assessed. Any chosen drug or antidote should be stockpiled in
quantities sufficient for at least 48 hours of treatment for a given number of patients. The following
are recommendations for Norwegian hospitals:
Recommended for all hospitals (indications):
Atropine (nerve agents/organophosphates), ciprofloxacin (anthrax treatment/prophylaxis), ethanol
(methanol and ethylene glycol), hydroxocobalamin (cyanide), calcium gluconate and calcium
tablets (hydrofluoric acid), and naloxone (opiate aerosol/fentanyl gas).
Additional recommendation for larger hospitals (indications):
Fomepizole (methanol and ethylene glycol), calcium folinate (methanol), sodium
thiosulfate (cyanide) and obidoxime (nerve agents/organophosphates).
Additional recommendation for regional hospitals (indications):
Prussian blue (137Cs), DMPS (lewisite) and DTPA (internal contamination with plutonium,
americium and other actinides/transuranes).
172
Poster Session
LUNG EXPOSURE TO SULPHUR DIOXIDE INDUCES AIRWAY INFLAMMATION
IN SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS
Elisabeth Wigenstam, Linda Elfsmark, Anders Bucht and Sofia Jonasson
Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå,
Sweden
Inhalation of high concentrations of sulphur dioxide (S02) affects the lungs and can be immediately
dangerous to life and health. In this study, we examined the development of symptoms after noseonly exposure of S02 in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The impact of S02 on inflammatory responses
in airways, airway physiology and lung fibrosis as well as the expression of inflammation markers
were analysed 5 h, 24 h, 14 days and 28 days post exposure. The results show both early and late
toxic effects following inhalation of S02. Rats exposed to 1800 or 2200 ppm suffered from breathing
difficulties, decreased body- weight and an acute inflammatory response in airways already 5 h post
exposure. Elevated levels of iL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and IL12, IL-10 and IL-5 in serum was observed at this early time point. Rats displayed reactive airways in
the 2200 ppm group 24 h after exposure and the inflammatory infiltrates remained in lung tissue for
at least 14 days for the 2200 ppm group and 28 days for the 1800 ppm group. Rats showed both
collagen deposition and increased levels of TGF-β in BAL fluid 28 days after exposure.
By using this model, there is an increased potential for understanding the mechanisms by which S02
induces lung injury centrally in the lung and systemically throughout the body both at early and
delayed time-points. These results provide a foundation for future studies aimed at identification of
new targets for treatment of S02-induced lung injury.
Key words: sulphur dioxide, chemical-induced lung injury, inflammation, respiratory
mechanics
173
Poster Session
TOXICOLOGY RESEARCH ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
STANDARDS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF JAPANESE ABANDONED
CHEMICAL WEAPONS IN CHINA
Zhao-yang Tong*, Fu-sheng Lin, Ting-song Yang, Xiao-jing LU，Li-qin Li, Chuan Gao
Research Institute of Chemical Defence, State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, *
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: billzytong@126.com
Objective
According to The Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use
of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC) and The Memorandum of the Destruction of
Japanese Abandoned Chemical Weapons in China signed by Sino-Japanese governments, the Japanese
government is responsible for the destruction of the large amount of abandoned chemical weapons in
China，so as to protect the environment of China maximally. The environmental standards of
destructing the chemical weapons deserted by Japan are the scientific criteria of environmental
monitoring and personal safety insuring while China are digging, recycling and destroying those
chemical weapons. And some relevant toxicology tests data are needed when establishing the
environmental standards. However, there weren't any reports about the following 33 toxicology tests
data of Diphenylchloroarsine (DA), Diphenylcyanoarsine (DC), Chloroacetophenone (CN), Lewisite
(L) and mustard gas HD. The present research has completely fulfilled the toxicology test of DA, DC,
CN, L and HD, and obtained much important toxicity test data, to provide scientific base for
establishing the environmental standards for the destruction of the Japanese abandoned chemical
weapons in China.
Methods
All the toxicology tests carried out under The OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, The
Test Rules of Chemicals of the State Environmental Protection Administration of China, The
Examination and Approval Methods of New Drugs, The Guiding Principles Assembly of Preclinical
Research of New Drugs(Western Medicines) of the Drug Bureau of Ministry of Public Health People's
Republic of China and other principles, according to the experimentations of pharmacology toxicology
of new drug and referring to the relative classic experimentations of the industrial toxicology. SPSS
software was adopted in the statistical analysis （version 11.5).
Results
Diphenylchloroarsine（DA): The LD50 of DA is 32.4 mg/kg (tested by the intragastric
administration(ig) on Wistar rat),belonging to high toxicity chemical substances. The value of
accumulation coefficient k tested by the accumulation toxicity test of intragastric administration is
1.25, showing that DA has apparent accumulation effect, and the major target organs are throat,
esophagus, stomach, liver, kidney and other viscus. After 10 minutes' acute inhalation exposure of
DA, the irritation threshold concentration (EC50) of Wistar rat is 0.053μg/L, the half lethal dose
LCt50 is 53.545 mg•min/L. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and lowest-observedadverse-effect level （ LOAEL ） of DA on Wistar rat subchronic exposed inhalation(90d) are
0.0018 µg/L and 0.0051μg/L respectively, the major target organs are throat, trachea, lung, liver,
kidney and other viscus. The NOAEL and LOAEL of DA subchronic toxicity (90d) on Wistar rat
intragastric administration are 0.188 mg/kg and 0.377 mg/kg respectively, and the major target organs
are liver, stomach and kidney. In the presence or absence of S9, every dosage group of DA are all be
unable to induce the strain reverse mutation of TA97, TA98, TA100 and TA102,and unable to induce
the chromosome aberration of CHL cell. The test result of intragastric administration toxic test of DA
on mouse shows that the marrow micronuclei rates are all in the normal range. The NOAEL and
LOAEL of DA tested in the Wistar rat general reproduction toxicity(ig.) test are 0.377mg/kg and
0.754mg/kg respectively, but the NOAEL of rat fetus in the sensitive period of teratogenesis is larger
than 2.51mg/kg. The NOAEL and LOAEL of the F1- generation newborn mouse in the perinatal
period are 0.63mg/kg and 0.94 mg/kg respectively. The association toxic action mode of DA and DC
174
Poster Session
on the rabbit intracheae administration (itr.) is additive effect, and the major target organs are tracheae,
bronchus and lung.
Diphenylcyanoarsine（DC): The LD50 of DC is 29.5mg/kg (tested by the intragastric administration
on Wistar rat), belonging to high toxicity chemical substances. The value of accumulation coefficient
k tested by the accumulation toxicity test of intragastric administration is 1.40, showing that DC has
apparent accumulation effect, and the major target organs are throat, esophagus, stomach, liver, kidney
and other viscus. After 10 minutes' acute inhalation exposure of DC, the irritation threshold
concentration (EC50) of DA on Wistar rat is 0.0075μg/L, the half lethal dose LCt50 is
43.457 mg•min/L. The NOAEL and LOAEL of DC on Wistar rat subchronic inhalation toxicity (90 d)
are 0.00036 μg/L and 0.0011 μg/L respectively, the major target organs are throat, trachea, lung, liver,
kidney and other viscus. The NOAEL and LOAEL of DC subchronic toxicity (90 d) on Wistar rat
intragastric administration are 0.161 mg/kg and 0.323 mg/kg respectively, and the major target organs
are liver, stomach and kidney and bladder. In the presence or absence of S9, every dosage group of
DC are all unable to induce the strain reverse mutation of TA97, TA98, TA100 and TA102, and
unable to induce the chromosome aberration of CHL cell. The test result of intragastric administration
of DC on mouse shows that the marrow micronuclei rates are all in the normal range. The NOAEL
and LOAEL of DC tested on the Wistar rat general reproduction toxicity (ig.) test are 0.323mg/kg and
0.646 mg/kg respectively, but the NOAEL of rat fetus in the sensitive period of teratogenesis is larger
than 2.15mg/kg. During the perinatal period, the LOAEL of the F1- generation newborn mouse is less
than 0.538 mg/kg.
Chloroacetophenone CN): The LD50 of CN is 194.9 mg/kg (tested by the intragastric administration
on Wistar rat), belonging to moderate toxicity chemical substances. The value of accumulation
coefficient k tested by the accumulation toxicity test of intragastric administration is larger than 5.23,
showing that CN has mildly accumulation effect, and the major target organs are throat, esophagus,
stomach, liver, kidney and other viscus. The NOAEL and LOAEL of DC subchronic toxicity (90d) on
Wistar rat intragastric administration are 0.812mg/kg and 2.032mg/kg respectively, and the major
target organs are stomach, liver and kidney. In the presence or absence of S9, CN are all unable to
induce the chromosome aberration of CHL cell. The test result of intragastric administration of CN on
mouse shows that the marrow micronuclei rates are all in the normal range. The NOAEL of CN tested
on the Wistar rat general reproduction toxicity (ig.) test is larger than 25.40 mg/kg, and the NOAEL of
rat fetus in the sensitive period of teratogenesis is larger than 25.4 mg/kg. During the perinatal period,
the NOAEL and LOAEL of the F1-generation newborn mouse are 3.18 mg/kg and 6.35 mg/kg
respectively.
Lewisite（L): The LD50 of L is 11.5 mg/kg (tested by the intragastric administration(ig) on Wistar
rat), belonging to high toxicity chemical substances. The value of accumulation coefficient k tested by
the accumulation toxicity test of intragastric administration is larger than 5.24, showing that L has
mildly accumulation effect, and the major target organs are throat, esophagus, stomach, liver, kidney
and other viscus. The NOAEL and LOAEL of L on Wistar rat subchronic inhalation toxicity (90d) are
0.00077 μg/L and 0.0020 μg/L respectively, the major target organs are throat, trachea, lung, liver,
kidney and other viscus. The test result of intragastric administration of L on mouse shows that the
marrow micronuclei rates are all in the normal range. The toxicity test in the perinatal period shows
that the NOAEL and LOAEL of the F1- generation newborn mouse are 0.217 mg/kg and 0.325 mg/kg
respectively. The association toxic action mode of L and HD on the rabbit intracheae administration
(itr.) is additive effect, and the major target organs are tracheae, bronchus and lung.
Conclusion
33 toxicology tests about 5 toxic agents were carried out firstly in the present research, relatively
integrate and comprehensive toxicity data have been obtained. Theses have filled some blanks about
the toxicity data of DA, DC, CN, L and HD，which provided reliable and scientific base for the
establishment of environmental standards of air, soil, surface water and groundwater while destroying
the Japanese abandoned chemical weapons in China.
Key words: chemical weapons, toxicology test, destruction, environmental standards
175
Poster Session
LABORATORY ANALYSIS OF CBRN SUBSTANCES: STAKEHOLDER
NETWORKS AS CLUE TO HIGHER CBRN RESILIENCE IN EUROPE
Svenja Stöven
European CBRNE Center, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
The threat of terrorists using CBRN agents continues to pose a risk of mass casualties and severe
disruption of societal functions in Europe. Standardisation of crisis management activities is one
important step towards effective national and international interoperability and increased resilience.
Understanding which CBRN agents are involved in an incident is vital for appropriate response
measures. We applied a system's view on the process of CBRN sample analysis and see three
discrete applications; Immediate incident response, Forensics, Post incident monitoring. Together
with laboratory experts and policy makers from across Europe we identified needs for quality
assurance measures in these three areas. Here, we suggest various harmonisation activities that can
facilitate interoperability between all stakeholders concerned with CBRN sample analysis.
Foremost, we recommend purpose-oriented laboratory networks, but also minimum performance
requirements for First Responders' detection and sampling capabilities, best practices for sample
transport and documentation.
176
Poster Session
ANALYSIS ON NBC WEAPON PROLIFERATION AND COUNTERMEASURES
Chen Li, Jia Tianwei
Research Institute of Chemical Defence, P.O.BOX 1044, Beijing（ 102205, China,
Email:xiaojia120800@163.com
Due to their characteristics of high toxicity, radioactivity or infectivity, NBC weapons tend to result in
mass destruction and intense psychological terrifying effect. Therefore, NBC defence has become an
indispensable part in most countries’ defence system. Since the beginning of the 21st century,
traditional NBC threats has interlaced with unconventional NBC threats, which forms greater
challenges to the national NBC defence preparedness.
Among various NBC threats, NBC weapon proliferation is a protrudent and intractable problem. The
dissemination of NBC knowledge and technology through the internet, the change of proliferation
performers from state actors to non-state actors, and the possibilities of developing new NBC weapons
with emerging technologies, have all complicated the current NBC proliferation. So long as NBC
proliferation goes on, the hidden dangers of occurring NBC disasters cannot be avoided, the efforts of
eliminating these WMD cannot be ceased, and the preparedness for NBC disasters cannot be slacked
off.
The paper reviews the overall situation of NBC proliferation, analyses the deep and latent reasons for
NBC proliferation and forecasts the proliferation tendency. In the end, it puts forward
countermeasures that should be taken, which aims to hold back the spread of NBC weapons and
technologies, to mitigate the effect of proliferation and to strengthen the national NBC safety.
Key words: NBC weapons, proliferation, WMD, countermeasure, emerging technology
177
Poster Session
DEVELOPMENT OF DIAGNOSTIC METHODS FOR THE GENERIC
INTEGRATED FORENSIC TOOLBOX (GIFT), AN EU INITIATIVE TO
COUNTERACT CBRN TERRORISM
Marcel van der Schans(1), Alex Fidder(1), Rene Braakman(1), Daan Noort(1), Marike van der
Horst(1), Lauriane Drouin(2), Miranda Verschraagen(2), Rogier van der Hulst(2)
(1) TNO CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, The Netherlands (2) Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), The
Hague, The Netherlands
The Generic Integrated Forensic Toolbox project (see https://giftforensics.eu/), funded by the EU
and performed by a large European consortium, aims to provide a comprehensive set of methods
and protocols for forensic investigations during CBRN incidents.
The project is focused on the following three areas:
1. Procedures, sampling methods and detection of CBRN agents at the crime scene.
2. Traditional forensic laboratory methods for dealing with contaminated evidence.
3. Laboratory methods for profiling agents released during a CBRN incident.
Especially within the latter context, the identification and profiling of the involved chemical agent
in human material with reliable laboratory methods is crucial. The current presentation will deal
with the development of generic, untargeted methods for protein adducts in blood samples and
low-molecular weight metabolites in blood and urine. In addition to the forensic application, such
screening methods could also be used to support hazard management of the incident if the
methods are quick enough. This is especially important in order to expedite triage and to provide
proper medical treatment of exposed victims. The ultimate aim of the biomedical screening is to
develop forensically accepted and universally applicable multi-method screening procedures and
strategies in order to detect and identify a broad range of compounds in human materials such as
(post-mortem) blood and/or urine.
178
Poster Session
NATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OUT-OF-HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT
OF EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE AND OTHER VIRAL HAEMORRHAGIC FEVERS
ER Nakstad (presenting) (1), JV Bjørnholt (2), P Elstrøm (2) BE Nilsson (3), A Brantsæter (1),
E Lingaas (4).
(1) Norwegian National Unit for CBRNE Medicine (The Norwegian CBRNE Centre), Oslo
University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
(2) Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
(3) Division of Prehospital Service, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
(4) Regional Competency Centre for Infection Prevention and Control, Oslo University Hospital,
Norway
Background
Health care services in European countries have limited experience with management and treatment
of patients with biosafety level (BSL) 4 pathogens, such as viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF). The
declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 8 August 2014, that the Ebola outbreak in
West Africa constituted a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC), therefore
raised concern among many health professionals. In Norway, general practitioners, daytime
emergency (on-call) services, emergency medical communication centres (EMCCs), ambulance
services, and hospitals, all requested concrete advice on practical patient management and infection
control.
Methods
In response to the many requests regarding practical management of Ebola virus disease (EVD),
the Norwegian National Unit for CBRNE Medicine (The CBRNE Centre), the Norwegian
Institute of Public Health, the Regional Competency Centre for Infection Prevention and
Control, and the Division of Prehospital Medicine at Oslo University Hospital, produced a
comprehensive document for health professionals with infection control recommendations.
Results
A 29-page easy-access document with checklists for out-of-hospital management, transport and
hospital admission of patients with suspected EVD, VHF, and other highly infectious diseases,
was made accessible online for national, regional, and municipal health services. In its fourth
edition, a donning/doffing instruction manual was included and the document was named
"National recommendations for out-of-hospital management-, transport and admission of patients
with suspected Ebola virus disease (EVD) and other viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs)."
Document items
The following key items are presented in the document:
• General information on EVD and VHF.
• Contagiousness, risk assessment and obligation to notify health authorities.
• Procedures for consultation and admission to local and regional hospitals.
• Recommended personal protective equipment (European Norms/ biosafety standards).
• Management of suspected cases of EVD prior to and during ambulance transport.
• Staff recommendations, preparatory work and back-up routines.
• Use of patient isolators and logistics during transfer between hospitals.
• Emergency procedures for accidental exposure to contagious biological material.
• Step-by-step instructions for donning, doffing and decontamination.
• Use of special personal protective equipment and medical equipment in ambulances and hospital
emergency rooms.
• Biosafety recommendations for ambulance vehicles and medical equipment.
• Personnel debriefing and follow-up.
179
Poster Session
READINESS OF THE SOUTH MORAVIAN FIRE BRIGADE FOR CWA
DETECTION
Jan Hrdlicka
Fire and Rescue System of the South Moravian Region, Laboratory Department, Cihlarska 1748,
CZ-666 03 Tisnov, Czech Republic
The paper focuses on the ability of the Fire and Rescue System of the South Moravian Region to
detect chemical warfare agents. It describes various stages and tasks of chemical survey. Particular
attention is paid to the chemical laboratory of the Laboratory Station in Tisnov, its instrumentation and
chemical emergency vehicles that are described in details, including means to detect CWA.
Keywords
Fire and Rescue System of the South Moravian Region, chemical survey, chemical emergency
vehicles, CWA detection.
180
Poster Session
SWEDISH FORUM FOR BIOPREPAREDNESS
DIAGNOSTICS- FBD
Johanna Thelaus1, Susanne Thisted Lambertz2, Anna Lindberg3, Öjar Melefors4, Mona Byström1,
Mats Forsman1, Hans Lindmark2, Rickard Knutsson3, Viveca Båverud3, Andreas Bråve4, Pontus
Jureen4, Annelie Lundin Zumpe2
1. Swedish Defence Research Agency, Umeå, Sweden,
2. National Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden,
3. National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden,
4. Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
The initiative to strengthen biopreparedness diagnostics for improved crisis management in
Sweden will be presented. The Swedish forum for biopreparedness diagnostics (FBD) initiative is
supported by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) with the aim to strengthen Swedish
biopreparedness by enabling cooperation during crisis. A key to cooperation lies in harmonization
of diagnostics and quality systems since the cooperating agencies must rely on results generated at
each other's laboratories.
Globalization of the food chain including animal trade as well as extensive human travelling
increases the risk of spread of infectious diseases including high risk pathogens. Upholding and
improving diagnostics is resource demanding, especially for rare diseases that require use of BSL-3
laboratories. In all the Nordic countries, the number of BSL-3 laboratories or staff working in this
field is restricted. In many cases, there are no generic or standardized methods and in-house
solutions are applied. Also, in Sweden, biopreparedness is handled according to the sector
principle, that is different authorities have responsibility for certain sample types or agents.
Bringing together representatives from these different sectors such as public health, veterinary
medicine, food safety and biodefense in connection with BSL-3 diagnostics is therefore clearly
needed.
The FBD network and the participating agencies has been active since 2007 contributing to
Swedish biopreparedness by sharing knowledge and experiences from outbreaks, as well as
discussing improvement of current methods (diagnostic assays for high risk pathogens) and
strategies for quality assurance. Examples of recent and ongoing activities also include wet lab
exercises, ring trials, audits and the initiation of a Nordic biopreparedness network initiative.
181
Poster Session
REAL-TIME DIFFERENTIATION OF BIOLOGICAL AEROSOLS FROM NONBIOLOGICAL AEROSOLS WITHOUT FLUORESCENE DETECTION
Kibong Choi, Eugene Chong, Young-Su Jeong and Jong Min Lee
Agency for Defense Development (ADD), South Korea
This study discusses the relationship of aerodynamic particle size and scattering intensity
distribution due to the differences in the density of materials. Current biological aerosol sensors
classify biological airborne particles using both particle size and fluorescence for every single
particle in the atmosphere. However, the fluorescence quantum yield of biological airborne
particle is very low because the ratio of photons absorbed to photons emitted by biological
particles is very weak. In addition, a complicated optical system, algorithm, and highly sensitive
photodetector are required to measure the weak fluorescence signal from biological airborne
particles for effective operation. The goal of this study is the detection and classification of
biological aerosols by discrimination them from non-biological aerosols utilizing how the
differences in the density of the various materials affect scattering and aerodynamic particle size
using Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS). As the density of biological airborne particle is near 1.0
g/cm3, which is smaller than the density of dust particle (2.65 g/cm3), the result shows the
possibility of discriminating biological airborne particles from non-biological aerosols in realtime by analysing the relation of particle size and scattering intensity distribution from a particle
without fluorescence detection.
182
Poster Session
OPTICAL SYSTEM DESIGN FOR SMALL BIOLOGICAL AEROSOL SENSOR
USING 280 NM UV-LED AS A LIGHT SOURCE
Jong Min Lee, Eugene Chong, Young-Su Jeong, Kibong Choi and Youngil Kang
Agency for Defense Development (ADD), South Korea
When particles are introduced into optical chamber through nozzle, they encounter focused light
from light source. If the particle is a bio particle, it emit both scattering and fluorescence light
while atmospheric dust emit only scattering light. The scattering and fluorescence lights are
measured with 2 Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs). Then we can differentiate biological particles
from atmospheric particles. To make a detector much smaller and lower powered, we are
implementing for the development of small aerosol monitor using 280 nm Ultraviolet Light
Emitting Diode (UV-LED) as a light source. This aerosol detector consists of detection module
which includes 280 nm UV light source, UV optical chamber, detectors for scattering and
fluorescence, nozzle and flow system, and signal processing/control board module which
includes UV-LED operating board, PMT board, beam dumper board and main control board.
When UV-LED (10 mW, 280 nm) was used as a light source, the output power and beam
dimension at focus spot in an optical chamber were 1mW and 1 mm2 respectively. There was no
coincidence of scattering and fluorescence signal when non-fluorescence 3 µm Polystyrene
Latex Spheres (PSL) particles were introduced. Whereas the coincidence percentage for 2 µm
and 3 µm sized yeast particles were 55% and 87% respectively.
183
Poster Session
DETECTION TECHNOLOGY USING A THERMAL IMAGER
Jon Turner | Argus Technical Specialist at Avon Protection
argus thermal imaging • 106 Waterhouse Lane • Chelmsford • Essex • CM1 2QU
Thermal Imaging cameras translate infrared radiation into images that show the temperature
differences in a scene, allowing enclosed spaces to be rapidly searched for threats and risks.
Applications include the detection of drug labs, for vehicle inspection, offender identification,
search & rescue and personal protection.
Detecting evidence: locating items recently hidden or thrown away, in daylight or darkness.
Detecting voids and hidden compartments.
Routine raids: determining if rooms are empty in dark conditions. Locating concealed people
by their heat signature on chairs, recent footprints or handprints on door handles. Drug lab:
Determining what equipment is in use or has been used recently, allowing any risks or threats
to be quickly mitigated. In addition a quick determination can be made on whether the
laboratory has been recently vacated or items have been hidden away.
Personal protection: see in low light conditions and identify threats to personnel from suspects,
animals or dangerous objects.
Vehicle investigation: see tyre skid patterns at night. Detect warmth from recently occupied
seats. Locate missing passengers or vehicle parts.
Fugitive/suspect search: people hiding in dark comers or in bushes are visible by their heat
signature.
The Avon TT-Type camera is a robust lightweight hand held product with the ergonomics of a
torch that combines thermal imaging technology with integrated image enhancement algorithms via
an inbuilt digital signal processor. The product can capture live video or images on demand or be
configured to run in black box mode capturing everything that the camera sees while powered up.
The data is stored on an easily replaceable SD card, allowing any evidence to be preserved.
The camera can be used in zero visibility conditions including complete darkness and in the
presence of thick smoke. This is because the energy being sensed is the surface heat being emitted
by the scene and the image remains the same in day and night operations. In addition the camera
contains a wide viewing angle LCD display that can be dimmed and tinted red for low light
applications, an integrated LED torchlight and an electronic compass.
The camera can produce a usable image within 5 seconds of activation and can be operated on
rechargeable batteries or AA primary cells making available in all situations. The advanced image
presentation modes can be easily selected by the user and require no adjustment, automatically
adapting to the current scene when selected.
Enhanced presentation modes include the ability to track the hottest or coldest part of the scene,
enhance the detail in selected objects, perform a comparison to a selected reference temperature
within the scene and enhance fine details in the scene using a blue through red colour scheme.
184
Poster Session
TEST AND EVALUATION OF CHEMICAL DETECTORS – IMPROVEMENTS OF
GENERATION AND VALIDATION
Lillemor Örebrand, Håkan Wingfors, Pär Wästerby, Per-Åke Gradmark, Andreas Fredman,
Lars Landström
Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, Cementvägen 20, SE-901 82,
Umeå, Sweden
From the early development by industry and/or research institutes to the final phase in a procurement,
proper test and evaluation (T&E) of the device is of utmost importance. However, T&E of the
response and performance of different detectors when exposed to toxic chemicals can be costly and
resource demanding because of, e.g., safety regulations and other issues coupled to these chemicals.
Recently, different improvements have been implemented at our facilities with the purposes of
minimizing the amount of highly toxic chemicals needed to be handled and reducing the times
required for stable (in concentration) generation. In addition, the possibilities to rapidly switch
between generated chemical into either the test volume or a waste flow have been investigated, as such
pulse-like generation makes possible to investigate rise and clear-down times of a detector. The
current T&E set-up allows for generation of multiple agents simultaneously and from different states
of matter.
185
Poster Session
DEVELOPMENT OF ATTACHABLE SENSOR FOR DETECTING CHEMICAL
WARFARE AGENTS
Sung-Man Lee, Sung-Suck Koh
Sensor Tech Inc. 449 Dunchon-Daero, Room 411, Sungnam, Korea, 462-713
Sensitivity and selectivity are the important factors in detecting dangerous chemicals such as
ammonia, hydrofluoric acid, malathion, parathion and various chemical warfare agents. To develop
a gas sensor with much more sensitivity for detecting these toxic gases, we used dielectrophoresis
(DEP) method to controllably and simultaneously assemble single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT)
networks on a silicon wafer between metal electrodes. For selectivity, we developed many suitable
polymer-based receptors to be attached on the sensor. Here, we tested for selectivity and sensitivity
regarding hydrofluoric acid, ammonia, malathion, and parathion in the gas phase by observing the
signals in electrical capacity and electrical resistance when they are present.
186
Poster Session
IMPROVED METHODOLOGY FOR OBTAINING REQUIREMENTS OF CWA
DETECTORS
Pär Wästerby
Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) CBRN Defence and Security, Cementvägen 20, SE-901 82,
Umeå, Sweden
A project, Improved Methodology for Obtaining Technical Requirements of C Agent Detectors, has
been funded by the Swedish Contingences Agency. The goal of the project is to ensure that
procurement of C-detectors gives operators the required capabilities. The project aims to develop a
methodology to better obtain the requirements of C-detectors, in order to meet this goal. The
methodology is based on linking the technical specifications with required operational capabilities
with the help of relevant scenarios. On the basis of these scenarios and knowledge of toxicological C
agent doses, the requirements for the instrument's alarm limit and response times can be calculated.
Requirements and detector specifications can be illustrated and compared graphically in Spider
charts. The project also aims to adapt Test and Evaluation so that the results reflect how C agent
detectors work in relevant environments. The project will bring together dispersion modelling,
toxicology, and test and evaluation expertise with skills from operators and CBRNE officers from
various agencies who will participate at seminars and practical exercises.
The project's overall objective is to raise the national C detection capabilities by improving the
methodology in preparation of technical specifications. If you break down the goal, it is a question
of:


Ensuring that a C agent detector gives the operators intended capabilities to carry out their
tasks and to make the correct decisions, with the result that the risk decreases for both
operators and the general public.
Operators trusting their equipment. It provides both a sense of security, and increases the
likelihood that the instruments will be used, which is the best guarantee that the intended effect
of the procurement is obtained.
Better suited technical requirements is guaranteed by the following actions:



To develop technical requirements from toxicological limits through scenarios.
Comparing the performance of instruments with requirements by controlled experiments in
laboratory.
To perform operational testing to ensure that the instruments can be used in everyday life of
operators.
The project is carried out by Swedish Defence Research Agency with assistance of Swedish Coast
Guard, Swedish Customs, Swedish Transport Administration, Swedavia, Swedish Materiel
Administration and the Swedish Armed Forces.
187
Poster Session
OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT CHARACTERISATION FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE CHEMICAL DETECTORS
Richard Lidster, Shelley Lowe, Chris Burnell
Chemical Detection & Protection, Dstl, Salisbury, England
A wide range of chemical detectors are available for the detection of chemical warfare agents
(CW A), toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and explosives. Depending on the technique used
and its application, these detectors can be prone to false alarms due to interferent chemicals
present in the environmental background.
To address this problem and to allow detector performance assessment, an understanding of
materials commonly encountered within different military operational environments is required.
Whole air sampling by means of evacuated Entech MiniCans™ provides an attractive method
for air and vapour sample collection as it provides an unbiased, comprehensive sample without
the need for power, pumps or user skill. These cans are analysed by Thermal Desorption Gas
Chromatography (TD-GC-MS) and the individual chemical components identified.
Various military environments have been characterised in this way with two priority aims in mind:
(1) to populate a database of commonly found chemicals in various operational environments for
developing future detection capabilities, and (2) to specify and develop standardised test mixes for
realistic testing and evaluation of chemical detectors.
The environmental sampling campaign is ongoing with plans to carry out testing in more
environments.
188
Poster Session
A MULTISPECTRAL UNCOOLED INFRARED IMAGER FOR PASSIVE REMOTE
GAS DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION
B. Delplanque, S. Becker, S. Boutami, V. Goudon, A. Hamelin, S. Martin, J. L. Ouvrier Buffet, S.
Pocas, W. Rabaud, C. Vialle, J. J. Yon
Univ. Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France
CEA, LETI, Minatec Campus, F-38054 Grenoble, France
The ability to detect and identify a gas by a standoff system is of particular interest for industrial and
security applications. A well-known method is to use passive Long Wave InfraRed (LWIR) imaging
where some form of spectral discrimination is implemented at the system level. In this work the
spectral discrimination is brought to microscale and built directly at the sensor pixel level. This is done
by adding plasmonic structures on top of standard microbolometers. By tuning the geometrical
properties of these structures the LWIR has been split into 4 bands. The manufactured chip is based on
a 17 µm pitch 640*480 Focal Plane Array (FPA) on which spatial resolution is traded for spectral
discrimination: the FPA provides 4 simultaneous 320*240 interdigitated subframes at 25Hz. A
prototype camera operating this chip has been built and preliminary lab characterizations are
presented.
189
Poster Session
CENSIT - FUSION OF CBRN SENSOR INFORMATION IN TACTICAL
NETWORKS
Stig Rune Sellevåg (1), John Aa. Tørnes (1), Arjan van Wuijckhuijse (2), Martine Polhuijs (2), Lukasz
Szklarski (3), Piotr Gmitrowicz (3), Helge Koch-Eschweiler (4) and Norbert Kopp (4)
(1) Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, P.O. Box 25, N-2027 Norway;
(2) TNO – The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, CBRN Protection,
Lange Kleiweg 137, 2280 AA, Rijswijk, The Netherlands;
(3) ITTI Sp. z o.o., Ul. Rubiez 46, Poznan, Poland;
(4) tms – Technisch Mathematische Studiengesellschaft, System Development Dept.,
Holtorfer Str. 54, 53229 Bonn, Germany
Early detection, warning, and reporting (DWR) of a CBRN incident are paramount in order to
safeguard the life and health of the personnel and to sustain operational capability. The ability to
rapidly detect, warn, and report such incidents equates to faster response times, reduced hazard
exposure, and more efficient use of limited resources. This requires building robust situational
awareness (SA) in near real-time.
It is hypothesized that fusion of CBRN sensor information at the tactical level will lead to earlier
and more accurate detection, warning, and reporting of a CBRN incident than is the case with
today's DWR system. This will lead to better SA that again will lead to faster and better
operational decisions. Integration of CBRN sensors in tactical networks could therefore be a
triggering factor for significant improvement in operational performance with respect to response
times and accuracy (e.g. through reduced number of false alarms).
CENSIT is a European Defence Agency (EDA) project under the Joint Investment Programme on
CBRN protection. The purpose of the project is to test the hypothesis that fusion of CBRN sensor
information will lead to earlier and more accurate detection, warning, and reporting of a CBRN
incident that has occurred. The overall objective of the project is to explore what improved overall
sensor effectiveness can be achieved by fusion of sensor information in tactical networks in order
to enhance the CBRN situational awareness. Secondly, the project will explore how networks of
sensors can be constructed by development of concepts for sensor data fusion and development of
concepts for deployment of sensors.
An overview of the project will be presented together with the suggested measures of
effectiveness, scenarios, technology assessment, and the sensor model used for the prototype
network of sensors.
190
Poster Session
ERNCIP1 THEMATIC GROUP ON DETECTION OF INDOOR AIRBORNE
CHEMICAL-BIOLOGICAL AGENTS
Spyros Karakitsios2, AUTH/EnvE Lab, GR., Ruud Busker,TNO, NL., Torbjörn Tjärnhage, FOI, SE,
Marius Dybwad, FFI, NO., Patrick Armand, CEA, FR., Merete Folmer Nielsen, DEMA, DK., James
Burke, DSTL, UK., Josef Brinek, SUJCHBO, CZ., John Bartzis, UOWM, GR., Thomas Maggos,
NCSR Demokritos, GR.
Challenge
Currently, several sensors are been developed for Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM) of
airborne (a) chemical or (b) biological agents in the event of indoor release in a critical infrastructure.
However, there are several factors which influence the performance and applicability of these tools
and there is no EU standard approach available which sets out parameters for an overall assessment.
Aim & Activities
The thematic group investigates issues that can be addressed in the EU level regarding DIM of
airborne, chemical and biological threats in enclosed spaces.
1
2
•
Definition of relevant scenarios of indoor airborne threats (chemical and biological) in critical
infrastructures.
•
Critical review on the existing sensors available in the EU and used either for chemical or for
biological agents.
•
Computational simulations will provide the spatial and temporal gradients contamination
within indoor critical infrastructures.
•
Identification of gaps and definition of requirements for next generation detectors in the EU.
ERNCIP (European Reference Network for Critical Infrastructure Protection)
Corresponding author spyros@eng.auth.gr
191
Poster Session
PURIFYING EXTREMELY CBRN-CONTAMINATED RAW WATERS WITH THE
STATE-OF-THE-ART WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM OF THE GERMAN
ARMED FORCES - ‘WAA DEKON’
Franz Weber
Kärcher Futuretech GmbH POB 11 80 71405 Schwaikheim (Germany)
For the purification of extremely contaminated raw waters with CBRN-contaminants (e.g.
concentration of chemical warfare agents: 10 mg/1, according to FINABEL test requirements), it
might happen that even the very high retention rates of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes in singlestage operation (each water molecule passes through one RO-membrane) are not sufficient to meet
the applicable limit values of the respective drinking water standard (e.g. STANAG 2136).
To meet the requirements even for highly CBRN contaminated raw waters, KFT developed the socalled Double-Pass (each water molecule passes through two RO-membranes) mode especially for
its RO-systems. All water purification systems based on RO-membrane- technology from KFT can
be equipped with the Double-Pass-kit.
The WATERCLEAN 1600 system from Kärcher Futuretech was tested by the German Armed
Forces Scientific Institute for Protection Technologies NBC Protection (WIS) in Munster and
showed during different life-agent testing, according to the FINABEL testing standards that all longterm limit values for drinking water according to STANAG 2136 are met for most of the tested
contaminates already in single pass. Only for a few contaminants the Double-Pass mode was
necessary to reach values far below the long-term limits of STANAG 2136.
In 2013 a new container-based water purification system called "WAA Dekon" was delivered by
Kärcher Futuretech to the German Army (Bundeswehr), which is designed to treat mainly highly
CBRN-contaminated raw waters to drinking water. The purified water of this system will be then
mainly used for decontamination purposes of the Bundeswehr for example in the state-of-the-art
decontamination system TEP 90 from Kärcher Futuretech. The design of the WAA Dekon assures an
easy operation of the water purification system even with full CBRN-protective clothing and no
contamination is spread during the changing of prefilters or RO-membranes.
192
Poster Session
RADIOLOGICAL PARTICLE EXPOSURE: REMOVAL ON SKIN SURFACE
Laura Cochrane
Emergent BioSolutions
Radiological Particle Exposure: Removal on Skin Surface
- New in-vivo Studies using Strontium and Iridium Isotopes
-Method development for Field Correlation and Uses
- Existing Chemical Countermeasures: Increasing applications for CBRN needs
193
Poster Session
PREPARATION OF REFERENCE MATERIAL FOR ABRIN AND RICIN
REAL-TIME PCR ANALYSIS
Gitte Q. Kristiansen
Centre for Biosecurity and Biopreparedness (CBB), Statens Serum Institut, 5 Artillerivej, DK-2300
Copenhagen S, Denmark
Keywords:
Detection and identification
Real-time PCR
Plant toxins
Reference material
Abrin and ricin
Abstract:
In bioterror or biocrime cases involving ricin or abrin, a combination of different methods is usually
employed to confirm the presence of these toxins. One of these methods is real- time PCR analysis.
Real-time PCR analysis of samples containing plant toxins exploits remaining plant DNA in crude
toxin preparations, plant residues thereby acting as a surrogate marker for the presence of the toxin.
In the present study, we describe how reference material for abrin and ricin PCR analysis was
generated from seeds of Abrus precatorius and Ricinus communis, and how the quality of the
purified DNA was evaluated by real-time PCR. By extracting DNA from the root material of the
germinated seeds, instead of the poisonous beans themselves, it is possible to obtain DNA from
plant toxins without handling toxic material, thereby posing less biosafety risks.
In this study, total DNA extracted from germinated seeds of the red bean cultivar of
A. precatorius and carmencita pink and green castor cultivars of R. communis, was tested in
the T-COR 4 real-time PCR thermocycler from Tetracore. The red bean cultivar of
A. precatorius resulted in positive results when tested with the abrin PCR kit and both
cultivars of R. communis reacted positive with the ricin PCR kit. Cross-reactivity was
observed for both assays, but required high DNA levels, 1,000 to 10,000-fold higher than the
detection limit in the matching assay.
For biopreparedness purposes, purified plant DNA obtained from root material of germinated
seeds can thus be used as reference material, when real-time PCR is applied to detect plant
DNA as a surrogate marker for the abrin and ricin.
194
Poster Session
FAST DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF AEROSOLIZED BACILLUS
PARTICLES BY DIRECT IN-SITU ANALYSIS OF MALDI-TOF MS
Young-Su Jeong, Jong Min Lee, Eugene Chong, and Youngil Kang
Agency for Defense Development (ADD), South Korea
Fast and accurate analysis techniques are essential for the detection and identification of
biological warfare agents (BWA). Although many studies have investigated the use of matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for
bacterial identification, only a few studies have examined the applicability for identification of
BWAs. This study aimed to generate, collect and analyse Bacillus spore aerosol particles of 2-10 µm
known as the optimal size of BWAs. In this process, we developed an apparatus to rapidly and
directly deposit aerosol particles on MALDI target plate wells. Then, deposited Bacillus spore
aerosol particles of 2-10 µm were analysed using direct in-situ MALDI-TOF MS without any pretreatment processes. The mass spectral of aerosolized Bacillus spore particles were successfully
analysed. For real-time detection and identification, mass spectral database of Bacillus spores was
constructed, and an algorithm was developed and applied. Bacillus spore particles were rapidly
detected and identified by our method, which can be used for the detection and inspection BWAs
such as B. anthracis spore in the battle field.
195
Poster Session
MANAGEMENT OF WHITE POWDER INCIDENTS IN NORWAY
O Dunlop (presenting), J-E Andersen, JE Hauge, F Heyerdahl, KE Hovda, JE Holtedahl, Y Lao, A
Dybwad, AB Brantsæter, JM Tangen, H Opdahl, ER Nakstad
The Norwegian CBRNE Centre, Oslo University Hospital, NORWAY
BACKGROUND: White powder letters containing biological (B) agents like anthrax spores or
ricin, or chemical agents (C) such as tear gas, may appear in the midst of hoax letters. The
management of various (white) powder incidents can be challenging, especially if explosives are
involved.
BASIC PRINCIPLES: B agents do not cause immediate symptoms. The earliest symptoms
reported from a B-agent is 30 minutes post-exposure due to Bacillus cereus toxin. C agents can
give both immediate and delayed symptoms. Combinations of C/B/R/E may occur.
ON-SITE MANAGEMENT: The Police are in charge of risk assessment, security and investigation
at the site of incident. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed in contaminated areas. Fire
Brigade personnel will evacuate exposed persons and start hose- based decontamination.
Emergency health service personnel will assist in decontamination (whole body shower with soap)
and tuck patients in blankets (to avoid hypothermia) before further transferal to hospital. On-site
diagnostics include protein tests (Police), chemical tests (Fire Brigade) and symptom evaluation
(Health services). The National Unit for CBRNE Medicine provides direct advice regarding
decontamination and treatment. Police may conclude that A) No hazardous powder is suspected;
the operation is aborted and exposed persons are informed,- or B) Possible CBRN agent(s) are
suspected; on-site samples are then analysed at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health or the
Norwegian Research Defence Establishment. Exposed persons may be subject to post-exposure
prophylaxis, in-hospital treatment and/or isolation.
CHECK LIST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS:
1) Wear PPE and assess possible security and safety threats.
2) Evacuate contaminated areas. Isolate contaminated persons in a clean environment.
3) Implement Ventilation Shut Down (VSD) in all affected buildings.
4) Communicate directly with CBRNE experts/hospital personnel. Take note of names and phone
numbers in order to re-establish contact (!)
5) Assess the need for decontamination individually. Decontaminate persons if necessary.
6) Prepare ambulance transport. Transfer all symptomatic patients to hospital.
7) Register all exposed persons (name and telephone number).
8) Discharge asymptomatic persons. Provide 2-way contact information in case symptoms occur or
post-exposure prophylaxis is eventually needed.
CHALLENGES: 1) Communication on-site- hospital. 2) Improper decontamination before hospital
admission. 3) Symptoms not connected to agents (anxiety). 4) Time-lag: Need for prophylactic
treatment may precede test results confirmation.
196
Poster Session
AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR QUANTIFICATION MEASUREMENT OF NERVE
AGENT ADDUCTS TO BUTYRYLCHOLINESTERASE IN PLASMA USING
PROCAINAMIDE-GEL SEPARATION COMBINED WITH UHPLC-MS/MS
Shi-Lei Liu*, Hai-Ling Xi *, Chang-Cai Liu, Gui-Lan Huang and Jing-Quan Liu
State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China, Authors for
correspondence: ShiLei Liu*, Tel: 86 10 69760259, E-mail: liu_shilei@lacricd.com ,HaiLing Xi*,
Tel: 86 10 69760330, E-mail: fhxihl@163.com
This work describes a novel and sensitive non-isotope dilution method allowing for the simultaneous
quantification measurement of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), adducts of organophosphorus nerve
agents (OPNAs) soman (GD) and VX to BChE, and their aged methylphosphonic acid (MeP) adduct
in plasma exposed to OPNA. OPNA-BChE adducts were isolated with procainamide-gel, and then
digested with pepsin into specific adducted FGES*AGAAS nonapeptide (NP) biomarkers. The
resulting NPs were analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS MRM in positive electrospray ionization mode. The
improved procainamide-gel separation (PGS) method can capture >90% of the BChE, MeP-BChE,
VX-BChE and GD-BChE from their respective plasma materials, which was comparable to that
reported in the recently enhanced immunomagnetic separation (IMS) method. One easily synthetic and
inexpensive phosphorylated BChE nonapeptide (PA-NP) was first reported to serve as internal
standard (ISTD) instead of traditional isotopically labeled BChE nonapeptide. The range of calibration
curves were 1.00−200 ng•mL-1 for VX−NP, 2.00−200 ng•mL-1 for GD−NP and MeP−NP (R2≥0.995),
and 3.00−200 ng•mL-1 for BChE NP with R2≥0.990. The inter-day precision had relative standard
deviation (%RSD) of <14.50%, and accuracy range were between 95.1-119%. The limit of detection
(LOD) was calculated to be 0.411, 0.750, 0.800 and 1.43 ng•mL-1 for VX-NP, GD-NP, MeP-NP and
BChE NP, respectively. Investigation of plasma samples from 14 volunteers unexposed to OPNA
reveals no background/interference present for the phosphylated BChE adducts, and the concentration
range of unadducted BChE from 17.5 ng•mL-1 to 44.4 ng•mL-1, which was consistent with those of
previous IMS method. Using the improved PGS method, VX-NP and GD-NP adducts can be
unambiguously detected with high confidence in 0.10 ng•mL-1 and 0.50 ng•mL-1 of exposed human
plasma, respectively. Furthermore, the relevance between GD- or VX-exposed concentration and their
respective adducted effectiveness to BChE were also explored and characterized. The result shows that
there is poor linearity range (<102) between the peak response of VX- or GD-NP and their nominal
exposed concentration in plasma, suggesting that it was difficult and unsuitable to quantify the
exposed OPNA concentration based on the NP adduct response in MRM. The improved PGS method
was also proved to be a sensitive, simple and inexpensive method, only requiring 0.1 mL of plasma
sample and taking about four hours without expensive immunomagnetic beads and special sample
preparation equipments. As we know, the method is firstly reported for the simultaneous measurement
of unadducted BChE, adducted BChE and the corresponding MeP-BChE in plasma exposed to OPNA,
and it provides a useful and complete diagnostic tool to quantify OPNA-NP adducts and determine the
percentage of BChE inhibition by OPNA for retrospective detection of OPNA exposure.
Keywords: Organophosphorus nerve agents • Retrospective detection • BChE adduct • Chemical
warfare agent • UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS • OPNA exposure
197
Poster Session
Figure: Flow diagram for quantification detection of OPNA-BChE adducts in plasma using UHPLCMS/MS combined with procainamide-gel separation
198
Poster Session
DEVELOPMENT OF BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN TYPE E ANTIBODY FOR
MAGNETIC BEADS BASED IMMUNOASSAY
Wen-Zhi Lin*, Hui-Ping Tsai, Jiunn-Jye Wey, Cheng-Che Liu, Shao-Yi Hou
No.172, Dapu Rd., Sanxia Dist., New Taipei City 237, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
In this study, we have developed two high affinity monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in a magnetic
bead-based colorimetric immunoassay (MBCI) for Botulinum neurotoxin type E (BoNT/E)
detection. The C-terminal heavy chain domain of BoNT/E (rBoNT/E-HC-6h) and the enhanced
green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were expressed by a bi-cistronic baculovirus-insect cell expression
system. The purified rBoNT/E-HC-6h was used to immunize BALB/c mice for antibody production.
The expression of EGFP was facilitated to confirm the viral infections and determine the virus titer.
Two applied MAbs of ElO and Ell that showed the high affinity for BoNT/E were firstly selected
from 14 of developed MAbs by ELISA. The ElO was modified with horseradish peroxidase (HRP)
as a signal probe, and the Ell was conjugated with magnetic beads as a capture probe. Two of
selected probes were utilized to capture BoNT/E by forming a sandwich complexes. The results
were following read at 450 nm. All the procedures could be completed within 30 min, and the
detection limit was below to 200 pg/ml. Our assay also showed no cross- reaction to Botulinum
neurotoxin type A, type Band ricin.
199
Poster Session
MOLECULAR DETECTION OF BACILLUS ANTHRACIS BY REAL TIME PCR
WITH HYBRIDIZATION PROBES
O. Bassy 1, O. Jiménez 2, M.V. Ortega 3, C. Granja 3 and J.C. Cabria 3
1 Ingeniería de Sistemas para la Defensa de España (ISDEFE). Madrid, Spain. 2 DGAM, Spanish
Ministry of Defence. Madrid, Spain. 3 Biological Defence Area, CBRN and Material Department,
Campus La Marañosa, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA). Madrid, Spain.
Bacillus anthracis is a Gram positive spore forming microorganism that causes anthrax in humans
and animals. Due to its virulence and easiness of dissemination of its spores, this bacterium can be
used as a biological warfare agent, as already happened in the United States in the year 2001.
Therefore, very sensitive and specific methods are required for rapid identification of B. anthracis.
The most specific assays for molecular detection of B. anthracis are based on the amplification of
three chromosomal sequences named BA5345, PL3 and BA5357, plus several virulence genes
carried on plasmids pX01 and pX02. These chromosomal loci are all located in a prophage lambda
region known as lambda Ba02, which has an elevated genetic instability. However, until today it
has not been possible to identify any chromosomal marker specific for B. anthracis outside
prophage regions. In addition, it has been described the spontaneous loss of B. anthracis plasmids
by selective pressure of the host as well as a marked plasmid instability in long-term storaged
strains.
Here we report the development of an accurate real time PCR assay for detecting B. anthracis, based
on the amplification of an unique chromosomal sequence from this bacterium, the E4 sequence
(Dwyer et al, 2004). Although this sequence is placed in another mobile element named lambda
BaO1, it was not found in those strains of B. thuringiensis and B. cereus closer to B. anthracis
(homology > 90%) by computer analysis (BLASTn). Two hybridization probes were designed with
the LightCycler Probe Design Software for the detection of the E4 chromosomal sequence through
channel 640 nm of the LightCycler 2.0 device, allowing the rapid and specific detection of B.
anthracis. Linear regression analysis of the Cq values and the log of the DNA concentration showed
amplification efficiencies (E) for the B. anthracis E4 sequence of 93%. The limit of detection of this
method (at 95% confidence interval) was found to be 4 genome equivalents. The primer and probes
sets were then evaluated using a panel of 12 anthrax strains (2 human clinical isolates included),
showing that all strains were detected correctly (100% inclusivity). The exclusivity was tested using
10 genetically closely related B. cereus and B. thuringiensis strains. A total of 15 non- Bacillus
cereus group strains and 15 non- Bacillus strains completed the specificity study (100% exclusivity).
200
Poster Session
FORENSIC PROFILING OF AMANITA MUSHROOMS BY HIGH
RESOLUTION LC-MS
Daniel Jansson
Swedish Defence Research Agency, 164 90 Stockholm
Toxins have been identified as high-risk threat agents and the high toxicity combined with their
high availability manifest their potential as weapons in terrorism and other criminal activities. In a
forensic investigation of an incident involving toxins, there are a number of questions where a high
resolution chemical analysis of samples from the crime scene and/ or seized material can provide
useful information. Besides identifying the toxin itself, chemical attribution profiles have the
potential to identify the species of the toxin producing organism, or the profiles can be used for
sample matching (the comparison of a sample collected at the crime scene with a toxin agent linked
to a confiscated material), or it can be used to determine the geographic origin of a toxin material.
Mushroom of the Amanita family are known to produce more than 20 different cyclic peptide
toxins, which can be grouped into amatoxins, phallotoxins and virotoxins. Mushrooms of the
species A.phalloides (death cap), A.virosa (destroying angel), A.muscaria (fly agaric), A.regalis
(royal fly agaric), A.citrina (false death cap), and A.verna (fool's mushroom) were collected (n =
100) in Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and the United Kingdom and the chemical attribution
profiles of the mushroom extracts were determined with liquid chromatography coupled to high
resolution mass spectrometry (LC- HRMS).
The collected attribution profiles were compared with multivariate data analysis by principal
component analysis (PCA). The PCA showed good separation of the different Amanita species
and the LC-HRMS attribution profiles could be used to determine the mushroom species of an
unknown sample.
201
Poster Session
MICROBIAL FORENSIC TOOLS IN SUPPORT OF ATTRIBUTION
ASSESSMENTS
Andreea Paulopol
U.S. Department of State, Washington DC, USA
Biological threats may emerge in many ways and forms. To better understand how evidence is
derived from such cases, it is imperative that the scientific and policy communities have clear
understandings of each other's thinking processes and perceived roles when confronting microbial
forensics and attribution. While the United Nations Secretary General's Mechanism represents an
international recognized mechanism for investigating cases of alleged use of biological and toxin
weapons, its parameters and procedure could be better defined. Understanding the source of a
biological incident is significant because the key pre-condition that determines how a country will
respond to a biological event, or take action in order to interrupt a potential emerging threat,
ultimately centers on the ability to properly attribute the culpable sources (pathogens). In other
words, governments need to determine the return address of the culpable microbe(s), be they are
from countries, individuals, or nature itself. Unfortunately, microbial forensics evidence can be
easily misinterpreted or put in an incorrect circumstantial framework, causing policy leaders to
respond to threats that may or may not exist. With this in mind, exploring opportunities for
international support and research collaboration in developing new technologies to advance
microbial forensics capabilities to detect threats early (generally suspicious disease outbreaks and
possible use of biological weapon agents) and to support bio-attribution, is highly desirable.
Leveraging Opportunities
The State Department's Bureau of Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance (AVC) understands
the growing significance of research collaborations and is seeking to leverage opportunities to fund
technical R&D requirements, including microbial forensics and other spaces that address biological
and chemical threats.
202
Poster Session
“CRBN MIXED SAMPLES” – RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFE
HANDLING AND PREPARATION
M. Byström1, K. Höjer1, M. Nygren1, JM. Blatny2, B. Niederwöhrmeier3, M. Bentahir4, J. Gala4, H.
Spruit5, A. Wimmer6, A. Bossee7 and J. Olsen2
1 - Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå,
Sweden; 2 - Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Protection Division, Kjeller, Norway;
3 - Bundeswehr Research Institute for Protective Technologies and NBC-Protection (WIS), Munster,
Germany; 4 - Center for Applied Molecular Technologies/Defense Department Laboratories
(CTMA/DLD-Bio), Biological threats Laboratory , Brussels, Belgium; 5 - The Netherlands
organization for Applied Scientific Research , CBRN-Protection, Rijswijk, The Netherlands; 6 Armament and Defence Technology (ARWT/ABCUT), Vienna, Austria; 7 - DGA CBRN Defense ,
Vert-Le-Petit, France
In the event of a chemical (C), biological (B), radiological (R), and/or nuclear (N) incident or any
kind of health threatening agent in military operations and civilian environments, it is crucial to
identify these agents to initiate countermeasures for medical treatment and protection. Fast and
reliable analysis of samples containing single or a mixture of C, B, RN or other health hazardous
agents is a crucial CBRN capability. Analysis of such "mixed" samples requires adequate reception
units, personnel safety procedures and specific containment facilities for handling and identification
analysis.
The EDA JIP CBRN BFREE Project (2013-2015) project was initiated to provide European
harmonized approaches for civilian and military laboratories and to assist in developing and
validating recommended operational procedures (ROPs) for handling of mixed CBRN samples. A
challenging issue is to identify optimal methods allowing efficient sample processing and risk
mitigation for ensuring bio-agents removal and/or inactivation without influencing any C/RN
concentrations/dose rates. In addition, the total analysis tum-around-time should not increase too
much.
The results from two workshops, two inter-laboratory exercises and a thorough evaluation of
different methods experimentally, the BFREE project have made the following recommendations:
CBRN mixed samples should be handled in a four step approach from arrival of the sample at the
analytical facility until analysis of respective threat agents in specific dedicated laboratories. In
order to remove any biological contamination from subsamples to be analysed for chemical agents,
the consortium propose using a three step protocol of double filtration through 0.2 11m (removal
of bacteria) and 30 kDa (removal of virus) filters followed by ultra violet (UV) irradiation for the
inactivation of residual microorganisms.
The recommendations presented by the BFREE consortium in this report can be used in civilian
and military European laboratories for developing future standardized operating procedures
(SOPs) for handling of CBRN mixed samples.
203
Poster Session
STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RETENTION/RECOVERY AND
BIOLOGICAL PRESERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL WARFARE AGENTS BY
NANOFIBER FILTERS USED IN PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICES
Matilde Gil 1, Mª del Valle Jiménez 1, Inés Peraile 2, Juan Carlos Cabria 1, Victoria Ortega 1, Olga
Bassy 2, Carmen Granja 1, Nieves Murillo 3, Paloma Lorenzo 1
1 INTA, Subdirección General de Sistemas Terrestres, M301, Km10,5 San Martín de la Vega
(Madrid), Spain. 2 Ingenieria de Sistemas para la Defensa de España, Spain 3 TECNALIA, Parque
Tecnológico, Spain. plorloz@oc.mde.es
The threat of using Biological Warfare Agent has emerged as one of the main risk to take into
account to ensure Public Security and Safety. It is due to not only the increase in both availability
and improvement of technology applied in biological warfare agents but also the emergence of
radical groups and the increase in international terrorism. Aerosol dispersion is one of the most used
methods to spread Biological Warfare Agents. Therefore, it is necessary to develop liable and
effective capture systems in order to immediately launch the necessary corrective measures to
ensure health and security of the population (e.g. decontamination process, evacuation... ).
The available bio-aerosol sampling equipment is a modification of those used in chemical agent
capture. Those modifications mainly affect the capture support which must be adapted to the
biological agent characteristics. The biological agents are living creatures whose basic needs
condition the sampling design, since its viability must be preserved until they are analysed in
laboratory. Filters are the most widely used supports when the biological agents are either resistant
structures (such as spores, pollen grains ... ) or its products (such as endotoxins, mycotoxins,
glucans... ).
The filters under study are nanostructured supports made of nanofibers through which the capability
of retention will be enhanced due to the increased surface to volume ratio. The electrospinning
technology has been used to develop the polycarbonate and polystyrene nanofiber filters. The main
challenge of this work is to prove the efficacy of these nanofibers in order to be used in retention of
Biological Warfare Agents system.
To test efficacy of these nanofiber filters, it was tried out the capability of both retention and
recovery. For this purpose, an aqueous suspension of spores of Bacillus thuringiensis serovar H3:
3a, 3b (a Bacillus anthracis surrogate) was passed through these filters, and microorganisms
retained by the nanofibers and then recovered were quantified by Plate counting (viable count) and
Flow cytometry (total count).
Furthermore, several assays were carried out in order to study the efficacy of the biological
preservation after the spores were retained and then recovered: Biochemical assays using "BBL
Crystal, TM Identification Systems Gram-Positive ID KIT", panels flow cytometry detection using
SLLPG-FAM peptide as a spore marker and the ribosomal gene 23S amplification by conventional
PCR and its sequencing.
In conclusion, our results show that the polycarbonate nanofiber has got the highest capability for
retaining Bacillus thuringiensis spores (99.6%) from a watery suspension. The recovery from
polycarbonate nanofiber is complete whereas the recovery from the polystyrene nanofiber is
incomplete. The polystyrene and polycarbonate nanofibers do not interfere in any of the detection
techniques carried out (classical microbiology, flow cytometry, PCR and sequencing).
204
Poster Session
TOWARDS THE MONITORING OF DUMPED MUNITIONS THREAT
Johanna Qvarnström, Roger Magnusson and Anders Östin
The Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Cementvägen 20, SE901 82, Umeå, Sweden
After the Second World War there were large quantities of remaining chemical weapons since the
modernization of the war made the chemical weapons largely outdated and therefore unused.
According to the Potsdam Treaty German seized chemical weapon should be disarmed. Several
methods of destruction were tested and about 85% of the munition were dumped at sea. In order to
monitor the fate of the dumped munition in the Baltic Sea several project has been organized to
investigate the potential hazardous impact on the environment at sea and on entrepreneurs operating at
sea. In order to establish procedures for monitoring of the dumped munition the NATO project
“Towards the monitoring of dumped munitions threat, MODUM” develops survey and analytical
methodology for the entire chain from localisation of objects at the sea floor to advanced laboratory
analysis. This poster describes the on board laboratory for identification of mustard gas as a support to
the sampling team with optimised first responder portable gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer.
Furthermore, the Reach Back laboratory screening and analysis ability will be demonstrated with
hyphenated mass spectrometric techniques, tandem mass spectrometry and high resolution mass
spectrometry.
205
Poster Session
FORENSIC INVESTIGATION OF TOXIC MACRO
RESIDUES IN STOMACH CONTENT
Dr. Ir. A.F.W.M. Wolterink, Dr. I. Kuiper
Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB Den Haag, The Netherlands
When a person is found lifeless, a forensic investigation is ordered by a prosecutor in order to
determine the cause of death. When the pathologist cannot determine the cause of death, because no
shoot or stab wounds or suffocation marks are found on the victim's body, it is possible that the
victim died of poisoning. Poisoning can be accidental or deliberate. Examples are consumption of
wrongly identified mushrooms, consumption of food causing anaphylactic reaction or deliberate
intoxication by botanic or fungal traces. A stomach content examination can reveal the identity of
toxic biological macro residues. When macro residues are identified to species level, matching toxic
substances may be identified in the victim's body by means of an aimed toxicological analysis. Use
of fungal- and plant toxins is also subject of investigation within the field of CBRN-incidents. In the
GIFT CBRN consortium, funded under the Seventh Framework Programme of the EC, a forensic
toolbox for CBRN incidents will be developed. Therefore in this project, both chemical and
molecular analytical procedures on toxic mushrooms (species of the genus Amanita) are applied to
identify (signatures in) the agent.
At the Netherlands Forensic Institute, the department of non-human biological traces investigates
cases of deliberate and undeliberate intoxication by stomach content examinations. In a stomach
content examination, the macro residues are rinsed on a sieve and grouped according to their
appearance. Using a binocular and microscope the macro residues can be identified morphologically
using a reference collection. When the macro residues cannot be identified morphologically or to
verify the morphological identification, a DNA-analysis can be carried out. Stomach content
examination can establish the presence of toxic macro residues by a DNA-identification and has
demonstrated to be of great value in explaining the cause of death in several cases by identifying
residues of for example inedible mushrooms. In the GIFT project, samples of mushrooms of the
genus Amanita were used in a DNA-analysis. DNA-extraction is followed by amplifying DNAmarkers using PCR. Species identification is done by comparing the sequence of the obtained DNAmarkers (ITS and LSU) with sequences in a reference bank. The species identification of different
Amanita species by DNA-analysis demonstrated to be of value in the correct identification of
mushrooms and thereby supported the clustering of mushrooms by chemical profiling.
206