Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, 4 Volume Set

SENSING DISPERSAL OF CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

ANGELA M. ERVIN, ANNE E. HULTGREN, EDWARD P. RHYNE, AND KEITH B. WARD

Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, Washington, D.C.

1 RATIONALE FOR CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SENSORS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

The urban environment consists of a variety of unique venues, including large indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, office and residential buildings, and regional and national transportation systems, all containing large populations to be protected. The potentially devastating effects of the release of a chemical or biological agent in an urban environment, including massive loss of life and property, have been documented in several recent reports [1–4]. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the task of protecting these urban environments against the threat of a chemical or biological agent attack from international or domestic terrorists, natural disasters, and industrial accidents [5–7]. DHS Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate is addressing this challenge by developing appropriate detection technologies, performing assessment and impact studies, as well as validating decontamination and restoration procedures and protocols to ensure that we are prepared to respond to and mitigate the damage from such a chemical or biological attack or accident.

A DHS preparedness plan to counter chemical and biological threats begins with deploying an extensive system of chemical and biological ...