NCJ Number
190330
Date Published
December 2000
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This report highlights the chemical warfare (CW) agent detection potential of the commercially available M90-D1-C Chemical Warfare Agent Detector.
Abstract
The objective was to provide emergency responders concerned with CW agent detection an overview of the detection capabilities of these detectors. The agents used were Tabun (GA), Sarin (GB), and Mustard (HD). These were considered representative CW agents because they were believed to be the most likely threats. For each selected CW agent, the goal was to determine the minimum concentration levels (Minimum Detectable Level, MDL) where repeatable detection readings would be achieved. Also, the goals were to investigate the humidity and temperature effects on detector response and observe the effects of potential interfering vapors upon detector performance both in the laboratory and in the field. Results showed that the M90-D1-C detectors had demonstrated CW agent vapor detection for HD, GA, and GB. The threshold sensitivity was better than the current military requirements for a point sampling alarm at all conditions tested. Civilian first responders and HAZMAT personnel use Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) values to determine levels of protection selection during consequence management of an incident. The M90-D1-C detectors were able to detect CW agents to their IDLH values at all temperature and humidity conditions tested. However, the detectors were unable to detect to the Airborne Exposure Limit (AEL) values for HD, GA, or GB. The detectors were sensitive and could reliably detect CW agents within seconds at different humidity and temperature extremes. The detectors, however, appeared to be affected by many commonly found substances used in the interferent tests. Tests in the controlled laboratory environment and results from the field tests showed many false alarms. The findings during this evaluation indicated that the detector could be triggered into frequent undesired alarms in the absence of chemical agent vapor. Under the uncertain conditions of emergency response, this could cause confusion. Although false indications are nuisances, the bottom line is that these detectors do offer fast and sensitive detection warnings for the CW agents tested. 1 figure, 5 tables, 4 references