National Homeland Security Research Center

o f f i c e o f r e s e a r c h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t

Advancing Our Nation’s Security 

 Through Science
The National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) develops 

and delivers reliable, responsive expertise and products based on 

scientific research and evaluations of technology. Our expertise and 

products are widely used to prevent, prepare for, 

and recover from public health and environmental 

emergencies arising from terrorist threats and incidents.

M i ss i on

 

A d v anc i n g 

O u r N at i on ’ s

S e c u r i t y 

T hro u g h

S c i e nc e
The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response 

Act (the Bioterrorism Act) of 2002, together with Homeland Security 

Presidential Directives 7, 9, and 10, charge EPA with protecting 

our nation’s critical water infrastructure; monitoring for chemical, 

biological, and radiological terrorism threats 

to public health and the environment; and 

supporting decontamination efforts in the event 

of an emergency.

A u thor i t y 




Research Solutions are found in research. 

Guided by principles of quality assurance, our 

research is peer reviewed by scientists, engineers, 

and intelligence specialists. We are focusing on:

• Rapid detection of contaminants

• Containing the contaminants and reducing their effects

• Cleaning up contaminated areas

• Disposing of contaminated materials

• Assessing risk and communicating that risk to the public and 

response personnel

• Testing and evaluating technologies

• Improving response capabilities

Stakeholders NHSRC’s research includes consulting with 

stakeholders—utility operators, building owners and managers, 

emergency responders, state and municipal governments, other federal 

departments and agencies, and the general public. Finding solutions 

means knowing what our stakeholders actually need.

Products A goal of our research is to create products for our 

stakeholders. For example, we have developed an online decision 

support tool that provides guidance for disposing of residues from the 

cleanup of contaminated buildings and water systems. Other products 

include analytical methods, computer models, and databases.

f i n d i n g th e 

so l u t i ons

How do you prevent a chemical, biological, 

or radiological attack? How do you 

determine that an attack has occurred? 

How do you contain contamination 

and mitigate its impact? How do you 

measure and communicate risk? How do 

you decontaminate a contaminated area? 

How do you dispose of contaminated 

materials? A part of the EPA’s Office of 

Research and Development, NHSRC is 

developing solutions to these and other 

similar problems. 

th e pro b l e ms

w e f ac e
s e c u r i t y thro u g h r e s e arch :

C l os i n g th e K no w l e d g e Gap

To protect the general public, we need 

a better understanding of how to assess 

the risks to human health from chemical, 

biological, and radiological contaminants.

We know that there are many 

contaminants that could pose threats to 

the public. It can take many years to fully 

determine the risk to human health from 

these contaminants. By combining sound 

science and the dedication of experienced 

researchers, NHSRC is developing methods 

to rapidly assess risk. These methods 

will yield fast and reliable answers in 

emergency situations.

Methods and equipment for quickly 

and accurately detecting contaminant 

threats are under development. NHSRC 

is devising creative, innovative tactics 

for containing dangerous contaminants. 

Testing and evaluation of numerous 

decontamination methods is underway. 

This analysis will assist in the selection of 

safe and cost effective decontamination 

approaches. 

Training sessions keep NHSRC’s researchers up to date on all the latest advances in scientific methods and technologies. 


The EPA and Homeland Security: 

Common Ground and Research Needs

Protecting Environments

Water + Indoor + Outdoor

Dealing with Contaminants

Chemical + Biological + Radiological

Concerns

Effects on Human Health

Stakeholders

Emergency Responders

National Decon Team

Public Health and Analytical Labs

Water Utilities

Emergency Planners

Architects and Building Designers

EPA’s Program Offices and Regions

Research

Contaminant Detection

Containment and Mitigation

Decontamination

Disposal

Risk Assessment and Communication

Testing and Evaluation

Improving Response Capabilities

 

Research and development begins with 

determining what kind of research is 

actually needed. Of course, our first 

concern is homeland security. As part of 

that concern, we are looking for ways to 

safeguard the environment in case of a 

terrorist attack that could harm our water 

or our indoor and outdoor environments. 

Our concern includes chemical, 

biological, and radiological contaminants 

and their effects on human health. 

Working to identify gaps in our knowledge 

about these contaminants helps us define 

our research focus. With this focus, we 

are able to develop potential research 

programs and identify key stakeholders. 

All of this information helps us decide 

what kind of research is needed and helps 

us develop research plans.

N H S R C R e s e arch P ro g ram D e v e l opm e nt
Threat Scenario Development

Threat Scenario Analysis

Priority Threat Scenarios

Knowledge Gap Analysis

Peer Reviews

Research Needs

Best Scientific Judgment

Stakeholder Reviews

Peer Reviews

Research Needs

NHSRC’s Research Priorities

Alignment



Threat Scenario We follow two paths 

to find out what kind of research is needed 

and how to prioritize that research. One 

path is the threat scenario path. A threat 

scenario is a possible sequence of events 

that make up a terrorist attack. When we 

develop a threat scenario, we consider a 

specific type of attack in a specific situation. 

As a result, we must evaluate thousands of 

possible combinations of facility types and 

methods and means of attack. The priority 

scenarios are those that are considered 

more likely to happen than others or that 

are more likely to cause widespread or 

significant harm. 

Once the priorities are determined, 

we do a knowledge gap analysis. This 

means we look at our ability to detect a 

problem, contain the contamination, and 

decontaminate the environment. We then 

focus our research on expanding our ability 

to rapidly and effectively respond to an 

attack. The research then goes through 

a peer review; that is, it is evaluated by 

experts who do the same type of research. 

Best Scientific Judgment The other 

path relies on best scientific judgment. 

Following this path, we go directly to the 

stakeholders. Engineers, scientists, and 

other practitioners who would be directly 

affected by a threat or attack tell us about 

their research and technology needs.

The results of both paths are finally 

aligned and used to identify NHSRC 

research priorities.

N H S R C ’ s R E S E A R C H pr i or i t i z at i on proc e ss
Collaboration with many other organizations is 

vital to NHSRC’s ability to achieve its goals.

 


P r i or i t i e s an d R e so u rc e s

Our Priorities The staff of NHSRC 

recognizes that securing our nation’s 

infrastructure in the face of threats and 

attacks is a critical part of EPA’s mission. 

Because security-related research is an 

urgent priority, results are often expected 

within a short time frame. NHSRC’s 

highly skilled and experienced staff 

began producing results within the first 

months of the organization’s formation 

in September 2002.

NHSRC research and development 

focuses on seven areas:

The Stakeholder as a Resource 

We work to ensure security by conducting 

reliable, proactive, and responsive scientific 

research and by providing expertise to our 

stakeholders. The stakeholders, in turn, 

provide us with continual feedback on the 

value and utility of our work. We adjust or 

adapt our research programs on the basis 

of the feedback we receive. In doing so, 

we create lasting partnerships that 

advance the quality, relevance, and impact 

of our research. 

Other Resources NHSRC improves 

its efforts by combining unique talents 

both inside and outside EPA to develop 

usable solutions to increasingly complex 

interdisciplinary challenges. 

We actively collaborate with many 

organizations to garner the critical advice 

and necessary input that make these 

creative solutions possible.

1. Rapid detection of contaminants

2. Containing the contaminants and 

reducing their effects

3. Cleaning up contaminated areas

4. Disposing of contaminated materials

5. Assessing risk and communicating 

that risk to the public and 

emergency responders

6. Testing and evaluating technologies

7. Improving response capabilities
10 

Biological 

contamination

By testing sensors and determining minimum detection 

levels, NHSRC’s research is helping to establish crucial 

detection limits for all contaminant types.
The ability to respond quickly to 

contamination events requires rapid 

detection and identification of chemical, 

biological, and radiological contaminants. 

NHSRC’s research makes 

possible this rapid detection 

and identification.

NHSRC is advancing security through:

• Testing and evaluating commercially available detection technologies 

• Developing and testing drinking water contaminant warning systems

• Developing real-time chemical and biological agent monitoring 

• Evaluating health surveillance networks that 

may help to identify symptoms related to 

contamination of water

• Modeling threats to water distribution systems

R ap i d , R e l i a b l e contam i nant d e t e ct i on

11
Potable water system 

contamination has been 

detected here. What will 

happen? What should 

we do?

What is the impact if this 

pump is disabled?

12 

What is the impact if this 

pump is disabled?

Contamination has been 

detected here. How will 

it move through the 

system? What actions 

can we take?

Computer models can simulate the transport and fate of both airborne and waterborne contaminants. The models’ results enable NHSRC researchers 

to provide guidance on how best to contain contaminants and mitigate their effects.
C onta i nm e nt an d Impact M i t i g at i on

Containment and mitigation research 

identifies and develops the best available 

technologies and procedures for limiting 

a contaminant’s reach. To protect 

decontamination crews, the general 

public, and the environment, these 

technologies and procedures must be 

appropriate for use within buildings, 

as well as in outdoor areas.

NHSRC is advancing security through:

• Testing and evaluating air filtration systems

• Developing emissions, transport, and fate 

models for air releases

• Designing and evaluating residential and 

commercial building safe havens

• Modeling contamination events in drinking 

water distribution systems 

• Developing guidelines for: 

° Managing contamination events

° Retrofitting buildings to increase protection from chemical or biological attack

°

 Determining the fate of biological, chemical, and radiological contaminants 

in water

°

 Designing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that minimize 

contaminant spread

°

 Ensuring continued delivery of safe water

Dispersion of an airborne 

contaminant in an office.

13
Decontamination crews in the Hart Senate Office Building in 2001 (large photo above) and a training exercise participant (inset) 

testing for contaminants.

14 
Decontamination and treatment research 

focuses on methods for safe and costeffective remediation and for restoration 

of indoor and outdoor areas after 

contamination. 

NHSRC is advancing security through:

• Testing and evaluation of:

° Commercial decontamination methods

° Point-of-use treatment

• Developing guidance documents for 

building decontamination

• Conducting studies to optimize chemical decontamination methods

• Developing methods for decontaminating special materials

• Performing engineering and economic analyses of decontamination options

• Evaluating lessons learned from building decontamination experiences

• Developing a resource document for decontaminating appliances that use water

• Conducting inactivation studies for biological contaminants in water

• Determining the effectiveness of chlorine against bacterial agents in water

• Producing a database of methods for treating drinking water

D e contam i nat i on an d T r e atm e nt

Studies conducted with pilot-scale water 

distribution systems such as this clear pipe 

loop allow researchers to observe the behavior 

of contaminants within the pipe system. 

15
A rotary kiln (large photo) is one of the thermal destruction options being tested for decontamination of building materials such as carpeting 

(inset at left). The decontamination effectiveness of an autoclave (inset at upper right) is being tested for upholstered furniture.

16 
D i sposa l o f C ontam i nat e d M at e r i a l s

NHSRC is developing tools, techniques, 

and technologies appropriate for the 

safe removal, packaging, transport, and 

disposal of contaminated materials and 

decontamination waste following an 

emergency. These materials could include 

protective equipment, rinse water, and 

both porous and nonporous materials. 

NHSRC is advancing security through:

• Testing and evaluating technologies for treating wastewater and residuals

• Conducting studies of thermal destruction of contaminant agents

• Evaluating the safety of landfilling decontamination waste 

• Investigating migration of biological agents from landfills

• Developing a guidance document for thermal treatment 

of building decontamination residue

• Constructing a Web-based disposal decision support 

tool on potential landfill/thermal treatment facilities 

for building and water system decontamination residue

• Sponsoring and publishing proceedings from a disposal 

workshop to identify disposal issues associated with 

weapons of mass destruction

A training exercise participant disposes of 

contaminated material.

17
Researchers are developing tools to aid in rapidly assessing risks and quickly communicating those risks to affected communities.

18 
Assessment and communication research 

provides tools and expert guidance to help 

decision makers prepare for and respond to 

terrorist attacks. 

NHSRC is advancing security through:

• Identifying and using methods for concisely and accurately communicating 

risk information

• Constructing a computer tool for quickly assessing risks to human health

• Developing acute, subchronic, and chronic exposure levels 

for agents of concern

• Expanding E-Plan, a comprehensive resource for local 

“right to know” information

• Constructing a database of chemical toxicity information

• Establishing methodologies for assessing the risks from 

biological agents to human health

• Evaluating unique methods for predicting health and risk 

information in the absence of contaminant-specific data

• Supporting development of chemical and biological cleanup levels for 

air and water

• Assessing exposure from various contaminant sources and pathways

R i sk A ss e ssm e nt an d C omm u n i cat i on

The Emergency Consequence Assessment Tool 

(ECAT) is designed to guide users through a 

series of questions that will help them quickly 

assess risks to human health.

19
20 

NHSRC supports emergency responders by participating in 

simulation training exercises, offering contingency planning 

tools, and providing laboratory support. The top inset photo 

shows a participant being decontaminated by showering 

during a training exercise.
21

NHSRC is dedicated to ensuring that its 

research products are used effectively by 

our stakeholders. Analytical methods are 

being compiled into a manual to be used 

during a response. NHSRC also has City 

of Cincinnati firefighters on staff to ensure 

that our products are useful and meet 

their needs. They, in turn, disseminate 

information on our products through their 

own professional networks. We work with 

the Office of Water to release products 

through the Water Information 

Sharing and Analysis Center 

(Water ISAC).

NHSRC is advancing security through:

• Expanding the nation’s lab capability and capacity

° Development of standard sampling and 

analytical methods

° Establishment of a network of laboratories 

capable of analyzing chemical, biological, and 

radiological agents in environmental samples

• Transferring homeland security technology 

and tools to stakeholders such as EPA’s National 

Decontamination Team and Environmental 

Response Team, as well as local and state 

emergency responders

Impro v i n g R e spons e C apa b i l i t i e s
H i g h Ba y Fac i l i t i e s

R e s e arch T r i an g l e P ark , N orth C aro l i na

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 

is home to one of EPA’s high bay facilities. 

NHSRC research at this location is 

conducted in the facility’s advanced aerosol 

and combustion laboratories. Rotary kiln used 

in combustion 

studies.

Laser-Induced Breakdown 

Spectrometry (LIBS) detection 

device and samples. 

Digitally 

captured data 

(right) from 

wind tunnel 

aerosol studies 

using heated, 

breathing, adultsized manikins 

(above).

Small aerosol 

testing chamber.

Diagram of large wind tunnel used 

in aerosol studies.

An Open Path-Fourier 

Transform Infrared 

(OP-FTIR) detector 

is being tested 

as a real-time 

sensor in large 

building spaces.

22 
T e st an d E v a l u at i on Fac i l i t y 

C i nc i nnat i , O h i o

The Test and Evaluation (T&E) Facility 

is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. T&E is a 

multipurpose, high-bay research facility. 

Some experiments are performed under 

laboratory conditions (bench-scale), while 

others are conducted in large system 

simulators or in the field (pilot-scale).

Clear pipe 

loop water 

distribution 

system 

simulator.

Examples of interior 

pipe corrosion 

and sediment 

deposition, which 

can inhibit 

decontamination 

efforts.

Various sensors being tested 

for their ability to detect 

contaminants.

“Once through” water 

distribution system 

simulator, with sampling 

points (right).

23
S e l e ct e d E x t e rna l C o l l a b orators

EPA enters into collaborative relationships 

to leverage resources to solve problems 

facing multiple organizations. For example, 

EPA has formed the Distribution System 

Research Consortium (DSRC), comprised 

of 14 partnering organizations. The 

DSRC is an EPA-led national umbrella 

organization made up of member federal 

agencies and water organizations dedicated 

to the advancement of science, technology, 

and research to protect drinking water 

distribution systems from terrorist attacks. 

Other organizations NHSRC collaborates 

with include:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Central Intelligence Agency

Department of Agriculture

Department of Defense

Department of Energy

Department of Health and Human Services

Department of Homeland Security

Department of State

Department of Transportation

Food and Drug Administration

National Institute of Standards and Technology

National Academy of Sciences

National Counterterrorism Center

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

Office of Science and Technology Policy

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Advancing 

Our Nation’s Security 

Through Science
PRESORTED STANDARD

POSTAGE & FEES PAID

EPA

United States PERMIT NO. G-35

Environmental Protection

Agency

Office of Research and Development

National Homeland Security Research Center

Cincinnati, OH 45268

Official Business

Penalty for Private Use

$300

EPA/600/F-06/008

August 2006

www.epa.gov