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Threat Detection: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive

Emergency responders across the country, whether in small communities or large cities, need reliable and interoperable chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) detectors to protect life and property.

Fortunately, since September 2001, emergency responders are far better equipped to face these threats. Their detection systems, communication equipment, and protective gear are better designed for counterterrorism.

NIST and the Department of Homeland Security continue to address critical needs for standards that identify performance metrics for gear, instruments, and systems used in threat detection. NIST's National Security Standards Program supports and coordinates development of test methods, performance standards, guidance, and training for systems and gear that protect against CBRNE threats to ensure that:

  • first responder systems work well and have cross-jurisdiction interoperability
  • international trade is not disrupted
  • critical infrastructure is secure

Learn more about projects that support CBRNE detection and protection:
 

See Department of Defense Test Operations Procedures documents.

Created January 16, 2014, Updated April 5, 2022