CBRN defense

For the cyanogen bromide molecular formula, see CBrN.

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense (CBRN defense) or nuclear, biological, and chemical protection (NBC protection) is a class of protective measures taken in situations where chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (including terrorism) hazards may be present. CBRN defense consists of CBRN passive protection, over-pressure suits, contamination avoidance, and weapons of mass destruction mitigation.

A CBRN incident differs from a hazardous material incident in both scope and intent. CBRN incidents are responded to under the assumption that they are intentional and malicious; evidence preservation and perpetrator apprehension are of greater concern than with Hazmat team incidents.

An overpressure system consists of two parts, which is a safe area which as far as possible is sealed from possible contaminated air and an air filtration system which will filter out all possible toxins. Air pumps force clean air through the filters into the safe area such that the air pressure within the safe area will always be higher than that outside of the safe area. This pressure differential means that any flows of air will always be from the safe area to the outside, preventing the ingress of toxins. It is similar to a civilian or medical use of a positive pressure room and positive pressure personnel suits.

Collective protection is used for group protection of personnel in a nuclear, biological or chemical event. Collective protection is an important aspect of fixed site defense. Ideally, it provides a contaminate free environment for people, allowing relief from the continuous wearing of gas masks and other Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) equipment.

The basic concept applied for collective protection is overpressure and filtration. By filtering the incoming air to the shelter or protected space and maintaining higher internal air pressure than the external pressure, the contaminated external air is prevented from infiltrating the shelter or protected space and results in a toxic free area (TFA) for work and relief from wearing MOPP equipment.

The most critical component of any collective protection area is the air filtration system. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has published stringent standards for the construction and performance of this type of equipment.

A 2011 forecast concluded that worldwide government spending on CBRN defense products and services would reach US$8.38 billion that year.

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