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:
 

• Chemical Threats
  New Spectrometry Standard for Handheld Chemical Detectors Aids First Responders
  Instrument Standards for Detection of Hazardous Chemical Vapors
• Biological Threats
  Explaining anthrax infection, in collaboration with U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Disease
• Radiological and Nuclear Threats
  Test and Evaluation Protocols for Radiation Detection Systems
• Explosive Threats
  Standards for X-Ray Security Screening
  Measurements and standards for canine bomb detection
  New Odor-Releasing Materials for Training Dogs
  Trace Explosives
  Development of NIST Standard Reference Materials for Trace Explosives Detection
  Expansion of the NIST Law Enforcement Test Bed for Trace Contraband Detection

See Department of Defense Test Operations Procedures documents.