U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

National Institute of Justice

Law Enforcement and Corrections Standards and Testing Program

National Institute of Justice

Guide for the Selection of

Chemical Agent and Toxic Industrial Material 

Detection Equipment for Emergency First Responders

NIJ Guide 100-00

Volume I

June 2000
ABOUT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS 

STANDARDS AND TESTING PROGRAM

 The Law Enforcement and Corrections Standards and Testing Program is sponsored by the Office of 

Science and Technology of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), U.S. Department of Justice. The program 

responds to the mandate of the Justice System Improvement Act of 1979, which directed NIJ to encourage 

research and development to improve the criminal justice system and to disseminate the results to Federal, 

State, and local agencies. 

 The Law Enforcement and Corrections Standards and Testing Program is an applied research effort that 

determines the technological needs of justice system agencies, sets minimum performance standards for 

specific devices, tests commercially available equipment against those standards, and disseminates the 

standards and the test results to criminal justice agencies nationally and internationally. 

 The program operates through: 

 The Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Advisory Council (LECTAC) consisting of nationally 

recognized criminal justice practitioners from Federal, State, and local agencies, which assesses technological 

needs and sets priorities for research programs and items to be evaluated and tested. 

 The Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 

which develops voluntary national performance standards for compliance testing to ensure that individual 

items of equipment are suitable for use by criminal justice agencies. The standards are based upon laboratory 

testing and evaluation of representative samples of each item of equipment to determine the key attributes, 

develop test methods, and establish minimum performance requirements for each essential attribute. In 

addition to the highly technical standards, OLES also produces technical reports and user guidelines that 

explain in nontechnical terms the capabilities of available equipment. 

 The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC), operated by a grantee, 

which supervises a national compliance testing program conducted by independent laboratories. The 

standards developed by OLES serve as performance benchmarks against which commercial equipment is 

measured. The facilities, personnel, and testing capabilities of the independent laboratories are evaluated by 

OLES prior to testing each item of equipment, and OLES helps the NLECTC staff review and analyze data. 

Test results are published in Equipment Performance Reports designed to help justice system procurement 

officials make informed purchasing decisions. 

 Publications are available at no charge through the National Law Enforcement and Corrections 

Technology Center. Some documents are also available online through the Internet/World Wide Web. To 

request a document or additional information, call 800-248-2742 or 301-519-5060, or write: 

 National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center 

 P.O. Box 1160 

 Rockville, MD 20849-1160 

 E-Mail: asknlectc@nlectc.org

World Wide Web address: http://www.nlectc.org

The National Institute of Justice is a component of the Office of 

Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice 

Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Office of Juvenile 

Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Office for Victims 

of Crime.
U.S. Department of Justice 

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

 

Guide for the Selection of Chemical Agent and Toxic 

Industrial Material Detection Equipment for 

Emergency First Responders 

 

 NIJ Guide 100-00

Dr. Alim A. Fatah1

John A. Barrett2

Richard D. Arcilesi, Jr.2

Dr. Kenneth J. Ewing2

Charlotte H. Lattin2

Michael S. Helinski2

Coordination by 

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899 

Prepared for 

National Institute of Justice 

Office of Science and Technology 

Washington, DC 20531 

 June 2000 

NCJ184449

This document was prepared under CBIAC contract number SPO-900-94-

D-0002 and in coordination with Interagency Agreement M92361 between 

NIST and the Department of Defense Technical Information Center. 

1

National Institute of Standards and Technology, Office of Law Enforcement 

Standards 

2

Battelle Memorial Institute 
ii

National Institute of Justice

Julie E. Samuels

Acting Director

The technical effort to develop this guide was conducted

under Interagency Agreement 94-IJ-R-004,

Project No. 99-060-CBW.

This guide was prepared by the Office of Law Enforcement

Standards (OLES) of the National Institute of Standards

and Technology (NIST) under the direction of

Alim A. Fatah, Program Manager for

Chemical Systems and Materials, and

Kathleen M. Higgins, Director of OLES.

The work resulting from this guide was

sponsored by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ),

David G. Boyd, Director,

Office of Science and Technology.
iii

Foreword

The Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) of the National Institute of

Standards and Technology (NIST) furnishes technical support to the National Institute of

Justice (NIJ) program to support law enforcement and criminal justice in the United States.

OLES’s function is to develop standards and conduct research that will assist law

enforcement and criminal justice agencies in the selection and procurement of quality

equipment.

OLES is: (1) subjecting existing equipment to laboratory testing and evaluation, and

(2) conducting research leading to the development of several series of documents,

including national standards, user guides, and technical reports.

This document covers research conducted by OLES under the sponsorship of the

NIJ. Additional reports as well as other documents are being issued under the OLES

program in the areas of protective clothing and equipment, communications systems,

emergency equipment, investigative aids, security systems, vehicles, weapons, and

analytical techniques and standard reference materials used by the forensic community.

Technical comments and suggestions concerning this report are invited from all

interested parties. They may be addressed to the Office of Law Enforcement Standards,

National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8102,

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8102.

David G. Boyd, Director

Office of Science and Technology

National Institute of Justice
iv

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Ms. Kathleen Higgins of the National Institute of Standards

and Technology (NIST) for programmatic support and for numerous valuable discussions

concerning the contents of this document. Mr. Bill Haskell of SBCCOM, Mr. Richard

Vigus of SBCCOM, Ms. Priscilla S. Golden of General Physics, and Mr. Todd Brethauer

representing the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) also reviewed the document

and provided numerous useful comments.

We wish to acknowledge the Interagency Board (IAB) for Equipment Standardization

and Interoperability. The IAB (made up of government and first responder representatives)

was commissioned by the Attorney General of the United States in conjunction with the

Department of Defense’s Director of Military Support. The IAB was established to ensure

equipment standardization and interoperability and to oversee the research and

development of advanced technologies to assist first responders at the state and local levels

in establishing and maintaining a robust crisis and consequence management capability. 3

We also sincerely thank all vendors who provided us with information about their

products.

3 The Marshall Convention, Standardized Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Response Force

Equipment and InterOperability, 2 to 4 November 1999.
v

Contents

FOREWORD .................................................................................................................................iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..........................................................................................................viii

1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL AGENTS AND TOXIC INDUSTRIAL

MATERIALS.................................................................................................................................. 5

2.1 Chemical Agents (CAs)... ............................................................................................... 5

2.2 Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs).................................................................................... 9

3.0 OVERVIEW OF CHEMICAL AGENT AND TIM DETECTION

TECHNOLOGIES... .................................................................................................................... 13

3.1 Point Detection Technologies... .................................................................................... 13

3.2 Standoff Detectors.......................................................................................................... 21

3.3 Analytical Instruments ................................................................................................... 22

4.0 SELECTION FACTORS ........................................................................................................ 27

4.1 Chemical Agents Detected............................................................................................. 27

4.2 TIMs Detected................................................................................................................ 27

4.3 Sensitivity....................................................................................................................... 27

4.4 Resistance to Interferants............................................................................................... 28

4.5 Response Time ............................................................................................................... 28

4.6 Start-up Time.................................................................................................................. 28

4.7 Detection States.............................................................................................................. 28

4.8 Alarm Capability............................................................................................................ 28

4.9 Portability....................................................................................................................... 28

4.10 Power Capabilities.......................................................................................................... 29

4.11 Battery Needs................................................................................................................. 29

4.12 Operational Environment ............................................................................................... 29

4.13 Durability ....................................................................................................................... 29

4.14 Procurement Costs.......................................................................................................... 29

4.15 Operator Skill Level....................................................................................................... 29

4.16 Training Requirements................................................................................................... 29

5.0 EQUIPMENT EVALUATION............................................................................................... 31

5.1 Equipment Usage Categories......................................................................................... 31

5.2 Evaluation Results.......................................................................................................... 32

APPENDIX A – RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS ON DETECTORS....................................A-1

APPENDIX B – REFERENCES ................................................................................................ B-1

Tables

Table 2-1. Physical Properties of Common Nerve Agents ............................................................ 6

Table 2-2. Physical Properties of Common Blister Agents............................................................ 8

Table 2-3. Physical Properties of TIMs ....................................................................................... 10

Table 2-4. TIMs Listed By Hazard Index .................................................................................... 12

Table 4-1. Selection Factor Key for Chemical Detection Equipment.......................................... 30

Table 5-1. Detection Equipment Usage Categories ..................................................................... 32

Table 5-2. Evaluation Results Reference Table .......................................................................... 33

Table 5-3. Handheld-Portable Detection Equipment (CAs) ........................................................ 35
vi

Table 5-4. Handheld-Portable Detection Equipment (TIMs)..................................................... 37

Table 5-5. Handheld-Portable Detection Equipment (CAs and TIMs)...................................... 44

Table 5-6. Handheld-Stationary Detection Equipment (CAs).................................................... 45

Table 5-7. Handheld-Stationary Detection Equipment (TIMs).................................................. 47

Table 5-8. Handheld-Stationary Detection Equipment (CAs and TIMs)................................... 49

Table 5-9. Vehicle-Mounted Detection Equipment.................................................................... 51

Table 5-10. Fixed-Site Detection Systems................................................................................... 52

Table 5-11. Fixed-Site Analytical Laboratory Systems............................................................... 53

Table 5-12. Standoff Detection Systems...................................................................................... 56

Table 5-13. Selection Factor Keys for Chemical Detection Equipment...................................... 57

Figures

Figure 3-1. APD 2000 Environmental Technologies Group, Incorporated ............................... 15

Figure 3-2. Innova Type 1301 Multigas Monitor ....................................................................... 16

Figure 3-3. Innova Type 1312 Multigas Monitor ....................................................................... 16

Figure 3-4. Miran SaphIRe Portable Ambient Air Analyzer ...................................................... 17

Figure 3-5. Draeger Tubes .......................................................................................................... 18

Figure 3-6. SAW Minicad II ...................................................................................................... 19

Figure 3-7. MINIRAE Plus ........................................................................................................ 19

Figure 3-8. Photovac 2020 PID Monitor .................................................................................... 19

Figure 3-9. EEV eNose 5000 Electronic Nose ........................................................................... 20

Figure 3-10. Perkin-Elmer MicroFID Handheld Detector ........................................................... 21

Figure 3-11. Inficon Hapsite

 Field Portable System................................................................... 23

Figure 3-12. Agilent 6890-5973 GC/MSD ................................................................................... 23

Figure 3-13. Perkin-Elmer Voyager ............................................................................................. 23

Figure 3-14. Sentex Systems, Incorporated Scentograph Plus II ................................................. 23

Figure 3-15. Hewlett Packard HP1000 HPLC System ................................................................ 24

Figure 3-16. Perkin-Elmer Turbo LC Plus HPLC System ........................................................... 24

Figure 3-17. Shimadzu LC-10 HPLC System............................................................................... 24

Figure 3-18. Varian ProStar Analytical HPLC System ................................................................ 24

Figure 3-19. Dionex DX-500 IC System ..................................................................................... 25

Figure 3-20. Brinkmann Metrohm Model 1761 IC System ......................................................... 25

Figure 3-21. Hewlett-Packard HP3D CZE System ........................................................................ 25

Figure 3-22. Beckman-Coulter P/ACETM 5000 CZE System....................................................... 25

Figure 3-23. BioRad BioFocus 2000 CZE System ...................................................................... 26
vii

Commonly Used Symbols and Abbreviations

A ampere H henry nm nanometer

ac alternating current h hour No. number

AM amplitude modulation hf high frequency o.d. outside diameter

cd candela Hz hertz Ω ohm

cm centimeter i.d. inside diameter p. page

CP chemically pure in inch Pa pascal

c/s cycle per second IR infrared pe probable error

d day J joule pp. pages

dB decibel L lambert ppm parts per million

dc direct current L liter qt quart

°C degree Celsius lb pound rad radian

°F degree Fahrenheit lbf pound-force rf radio frequency

dia diameter lbfin pound-force inch rh relative humidity

emf electromotive force lm lumen s second

eq equation ln logarithm (base e) SD standard deviation

F farad log logarithm (base 10) sec. Section

fc footcandle M molar SWR standing wave ratio

fig. Figure m meter uhf ultrahigh frequency

FM frequency modulation min minute UV ultraviolet

ft foot mm millimeter V volt

ft/s foot per second mph miles per hour vhf very high frequency

g acceleration m/s meter per second W watt

g gram N newton λ wavelength

gr grain Nm newton meter wt weight

area=unit2 (e.g., ft2

, in2, etc.); volume=unit3 (e.g., ft3, m3, etc.)

ACRONYMS SPECIFIC TO THIS DOCUMENT

BAW Bulk Acoustic Wave IMS Ion Mobility Spectrometry

CA Chemical Agent LIDAR Light Detection and Ranging

CZE Capillary Zone Electrophoresis LCt50 (Lethal Concentration x Time) 50

SF Selection Factor MS Mass Spectrometry

FID Flame Ionization Detector NFPA National Fire Protection Association

FLIR Forward Looking Infrared PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction

FPD Flame Photometric Detector PID Photo Ionization Detection

FTIR Fourier Transform Infrared SAT Sensor Array Technology

GC Gas Chromatography SAW Surface Acoustic Wave

HPLC High Performance Liquid Chromatography SCBA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

IC Ion Chromatography TICs Toxic Industrial Chemicals

IDLH Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health TIMs Toxic Industrial Materials

IR Infrared

PREFIXES COMMON CONVERSIONS

(See ASTM E380)

d deci (10-1) da deka (10) 0.30480 m =1ft 4.448222 N = lbf

c centi (10-2) h hecto (102

) 2.54 cm = 1 in 1.355818 J =1 ftlbf

m milli (10-3) k kilo (103

) 0.4535924 kg = 1 lb 0.1129848 N m = lbfin

μ micro (10-6) M mega (106

) 0.06479891g = 1gr 14.59390 N/m =1 lbf/ft

n nano (10-9) G giga (109

) 0.9463529 L = 1 qt 6894.757 Pa = 1 lbf/in2

p pico (10-12) T tera (1012) 3600000 J = 1 kWhr 1.609344 km/h = mph

Temperature: T°C = (T°F –32)×5/9 Temperature: T°F = (T°C ×9/5)+32
viii

Executive Summary

The National Institute of Justice is the focal point for providing support to state

and local law enforcement agencies in the development of counterterrorism technology

and standards, including technological needs for chemical and biological defense. In

recognizing the needs of state and local emergency first responders, the National Institute

of Standards and Technology, working with the National Institute of Justice, the

Technical Support Working Group, the U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical

Command, and the Interagency Board, is developing chemical and biological defense

equipment guides. The guides will focus on chemical and biological equipment in areas

of detection, personal protection, decontamination, medical, and communication. This

document focuses specifically on chemical detection equipment for chemical agents and

toxic industrial materials and was developed to assist the emergency first responder

community in the evaluation and purchase of chemical detection equipment.

The long range plans are to: (1) subject existing chemical detection equipment to

laboratory testing and evaluation against a specified protocol, and (2) conduct research

leading to the development of a series of documents, including national standards, user

guides, and technical reports. It is anticipated that the testing, evaluation, and research

processes will take several years to complete; therefore, the National Institute of Justice

has developed this initial guide for the emergency first responder community in order to

facilitate their evaluation and purchase of chemical detection equipment.

In conjunction with this program, additional guides, as well as other documents,

are being issued in the areas of biological agent detection equipment, decontamination

equipment, personal protective equipment, medical kits and equipment, and

communications equipment used in conjunction with protective clothing and respiratory

equipment.

The information contained in this guide has been obtained through literature

searches and market surveys. The vendors were contacted multiple times during the

preparation of this guide to ensure data accuracy. In addition, the information is

supplemented with test data obtained from other sources (e.g., Department of Defense) if

available. It should also be noted that the purpose of this guide is not to provide

recommendations but rather to serve as a means to provide information to the reader to

compare and contrast commercially available detection equipment. Reference herein to

any specific commercial products, processes, or services by trade name, trademark,

manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement,

recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The information and

statements contained in this guide shall not be used for the purposes of advertising, nor

to imply the endorsement or recommendation of the United States Government.

With respect to information provided in this guide, neither the United States

Government nor any of its employees make any warranty, expressed or implied, including

but not limited to the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Further, neither the United States Government nor any of its employees assume any legal
ix

liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any

information, apparatus, product or process disclosed.

Technical comments, suggestions, and product updates are encouraged from

interested parties. They may be addressed to the Office of Law Enforcement Standards,

National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8102,

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8102. It is anticipated that this guide will be updated

periodically.

Questions relating to the specific devices included in this document should be

addressed directly to the proponent agencies or the equipment manufacturers. Contact

information for each equipment item included in this guide can be found in Volume II.

1

GUIDE FOR THE SELECTION OF

CHEMICAL AGENT AND TOXIC INDUSTRIAL MATERIAL

DETECTION EQUIPMENT FOR

EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONDERS

This guide includes information intended to be useful to the emergency first

responder community in the selection of chemical agent and toxic industrial material

detection techniques and equipment for different applications. It includes a thorough

market survey of chemical agent and toxic industrial material technologies and

commercially available detectors known to the authors as of May 2000. Brief technical

discussions are presented that consider the principles of operation of the various

technologies. These may be ignored by readers who find them too technical, while those

wanting additional technical information can obtain it from the extensive list of

references that is included in Appendix B.

3

SECTION 1.0

INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of this guide is to provide emergency first responders with

information to aid them in the selection and utilization of chemical agent (CA) and toxic

industrial material (TIM) detection equipment. The guide is more practical than technical

and provides information on a variety of factors that can be considered when purchasing

detection equipment, including sensitivity, detection states, and portability to name a few.

Due to the large number of chemical detection equipment items identified in this

guide, the guide is separated into two volumes. Volume I represents the actual guide and

Volume II serves as a supplement to Volume I since it contains the detection equipment

data sheets only.

This guide contains information that should aid emergency first responders in the

selection and utilization of chemical agent and TIM detection equipment. Some technical

information is included in sections describing how the various detection technologies

work. Readers finding this material too technical can omit this information while still

making use of the rest of the guide, and readers desiring more technical detail can obtain

it from the references listed in Appendix B and the data sheets provided in Volume II.

The remainder of this guide (i.e., Volume I) is divided into five sections. Section 2.0

provides an introduction to chemical agents and TIMs. Specifically, it discusses nerve

and blister agents by providing overviews, physical and chemical properties, routes of

entry, and symptoms. It also discusses the 98 TIMs that are considered in this guide.

Section 3.0 presents an overview of the identified chemical agent and TIM detection

technologies. For each technology, a short description is provided along with

photographs of specific equipment that falls within the technology discussed. Section 4.0

discusses various characteristics and performance parameters that are used to evaluate

chemical agent and TIM detection equipment in this guide. These characteristics and

performance parameters are referred to as selection factors in the remainder of this guide.

Sixteen selection factors have been identified. These factors were compiled by a panel of

experienced scientists and engineers with multiple years of experience in chemical agent

and TIM detection and analysis, domestic preparedness, and identification of emergency

first responder needs. The factors have also been shared with the emergency first

responder community in order to get their thoughts and comments. Section 5.0 presents

several tables that allow the reader to compare and contrast the different detection

equipment utilizing the 16 selection factors.

Two appendices are also included within this guide. Appendix A lists questions

that could assist emergency first responders selecting detection equipment. Appendix B

lists the documents that were referenced in the guide.
5

SECTION 2.0

INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL AGENTS AND

TOXIC INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS

The purpose of this section is to provide a description of chemical agents (CAs)

and toxic industrial materials (TIMs). Section 2.1 provides the discussion of chemical

agents and section 2.2 provides the discussion of TIMs.

2.1 Chemical Agents

Chemical agents are chemical substances that are intended for use in warfare or

terrorist activities to kill, seriously injure, or seriously incapacitate people through their

physiological effects. A chemical agent attacks the organs of the human body in such a

way that it prevents those organs from functioning normally. The results are usually

disabling or even fatal.

The most common chemical agents are the nerve agents, GA (Tabun), GB (Sarin),

GD (Soman), GF, and VX; the blister agents, HD (sulfur mustard) and HN (nitrogen

mustard); and the arsenical vesicants, L (Lewisite). Other toxic chemicals such as

hydrogen cyanide (characterized as a chemical blood agent by the military) are included

as TIMs under Section 2.2 of this guide.

2.1.1 Nerve Agents

This section provides an overview of nerve agents. A discussion of their physical

and chemical properties, their routes of entry, and descriptions of symptoms is also

provided.

2.1.1.1 Overview

Among lethal chemical agents, the nerve agents have had an entirely dominant

role since World War II. Nerve agents acquired their name because they affect the

transmission of impulses in the nervous system. All nerve agents belong to the chemical

group of organo-phosphorus compounds; many common herbicides and pesticides also

belong to this chemical group. Nerve agents are stable, easily dispersed, highly toxic,

and have rapid effects when absorbed both through the skin and the respiratory system.

Nerve agents can be manufactured by means of fairly simple chemical techniques. The

raw materials are inexpensive but some are subject to the controls of the Chemical

Weapons Convention and the Australia Group Agreement.

2.1.1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties

The nerve agents considered in this guide are:

• GA: A low volatility persistent chemical agent that is taken up through skin

contact and inhalation of the substance as a gas or aerosol. Volatility refers to

a substance’s ability to become a vapor at relatively low temperatures. A

highly volatile (non-persistent) substance poses a greater respiratory hazard

than a less volatile (persistent) substance.
6

• GB: A volatile non-persistent chemical agent mainly taken up through

inhalation.

• GD: A moderately volatile chemical agent that can be taken up by inhalation

or skin contact.

• GF: A low volatility persistent chemical agent that is taken up through skin

contact and inhalation of the substance either as a gas or aerosol.

• VX: A low volatility persistent chemical agent that can remain on material,

equipment, and terrain for long periods. Uptake is mainly through the skin but

also through inhalation of the substance as a gas or aerosol.

Nerve agents in the pure state are colorless liquids. Their volatility varies widely.

The consistency of VX may be likened to motor oil and is therefore classified as

belonging to the group of persistent chemical agents. Its effect is mainly through direct

contact with the skin. GB is at the opposite extreme; being an easily volatile liquid

(comparable with, e.g., water), it is mainly taken up through the respiratory organs. The

volatilities of GD, GA, and GF are between those of GB and VX. Table 2-1 lists the

common nerve agents and some of their properties. Water is included in the table as a

reference point for the nerve agents.

Table 2-1. Physical Properties of Common Nerve Agents

Property GA GB GD GF VX Water

Molecular

weight

162.3 140.1 182.2 180.2 267.4 18

Density, g/cm 3* 1.073 1.089 1.022 1.120 1.008 1

Boiling-point, oF 464 316 388 462 568 212

Melting-point, oF 18 -69 -44 -22 < -60 32

Vapor pressure,

mm Hg *

0.07 2.9 0.4 0.06 0.0007 23.756

Volatility, mg/m3 * 610 22,000 3,900 600 10.5 23,010

Solubility in

water, % *

10 Miscible with

water

2 ~2 Slightly NA

* at 77 oF

2.1.1.3 Route of Entry

Nerve agents, either as a gas, aerosol, or liquid, enter the body through inhalation

or through the skin. Poisoning may also occur through consumption of liquids or foods

contaminated with nerve agents.

The route of entry also influences the symptoms developed and, to some extent,

the sequence of the different symptoms. Generally, the poisoning works fastest when the

agent is absorbed through the respiratory system rather than other routes because the

lungs contain numerous blood vessels and the inhaled nerve agent can rapidly diffuse into

the blood circulation and thus reach the target organs. Among these organs, the

respiratory system is one of the most important. If a person is exposed to a high

concentration of nerve agent, e.g., 200 mg sarin/m3

, death may occur within a couple of

minutes.
7

The poisoning works slower when the agent is absorbed through the skin.

Because nerve agents are somewhat fat-soluble, they can easily penetrate the outer layers

of the skin, but it takes longer for the poison to reach the deeper blood vessels.

Consequently, the first symptoms do not occur until 20 to 30 minutes after the initial

exposure but subsequently, the poisoning process may be rapid if the total dose of nerve

agent is high.

2.1.1.4 Symptoms

When exposed to a low dose of nerve agent, sufficient to cause minor poisoning,

the victim experiences characteristic symptoms such as increased production of saliva, a

runny nose, and a feeling of pressure on the chest. The pupil of the eye becomes

contracted (miosis) which impairs night-vision. In addition, the capacity of the eye to

change focal length is reduced and short-range vision deteriorates causing the victim to

feel pain when trying to focus on nearby objects. This is accompanied by headache.

Less specific symptoms are tiredness, slurred speech, hallucinations and nausea.

Exposure to a higher dose leads to more dramatic developments and symptoms

are more pronounced. Bronchoconstriction and secretion of mucus in the respiratory

system leads to difficulty in breathing and to coughing. Discomfort in the gastrointestinal

tract may develop into cramping and vomiting, and there may be involuntary discharge of

urine and defecation. There may be excessive salivating, tearing, and sweating. If the

poisoning is moderate, typical symptoms affecting the skeletal muscles may be muscular

weakness, local tremors, or convulsions.

When exposed to a high dose of nerve agent, the muscular symptoms are more

pronounced and the victim may suffer convulsions and lose consciousness. The

poisoning process may be so rapid that symptoms mentioned earlier may never have time

to develop.

Nerve agents affect the respiratory muscles causing muscular paralysis. Nerve

agents also affect the respiratory center of the central nervous system. The combination

of these two effects is the direct cause of death. Consequently, death caused by nerve

agents is similar to death by suffocation.

2.1.2 Blister Agents (Vesicants)

This section provides an overview of blister agents. A discussion of their physical

and chemical properties, their routes of entry, and descriptions of symptoms is also

provided.

2.1.2.1 Overview

There are two major families of blister agents (vesicants): sulfur mustard (HD) and

nitrogen mustard (HN), and the arsenical vesicants (L). All blister agents are persistent and

may be employed in the form of colorless gases and liquids. They burn and blister the skin

or any other part of the body they contact. Blister agents are likely to be used to produce

casualties rather than to kill, although exposure to such agents can be fatal.
8

2.1.2.2 Physical and Chemical Properties

In its pure state, mustard agent is colorless and almost odorless. It earned its

name as a result of an early production method that resulted in an impure product with a

mustard-like smell. Mustard agent is also claimed to have a characteristic odor similar to

rotten onions. However, the sense of smell is dulled after only a few breaths so that the

odor can no longer be distinguished. In addition, mustard agent can cause injury to the

respiratory system in concentrations that are so low that the human sense of smell cannot

distinguish them.

At room temperature, mustard agent is a liquid with low volatility and is very

stable during storage. Mustard agent can easily be dissolved in most organic solvents but

has negligible solubility in water. In aqueous solutions, mustard agent decomposes into

non-poisonous products by means of hydrolysis but, since only dissolved mustard agent

reacts, the decomposition proceeds very slowly. Oxidants such as chloramine (see page

24 for chloramine action), however, react violently with mustard agent, forming nonpoisonous oxidation products. Consequently, these substances are used for the

decontamination of mustard agent.

Arsenical vesicants are not as common or as stable as the sulfur or nitrogen

mustards. All arsenical vesicants are colorless to brown liquids. They are more volatile

than mustard and have fruity to geranium-like odors. These types of vesicants are much

more dangerous as liquids than as vapors. Absorption of either vapor or liquid through

the skin in adequate dosage may lead to systemic intoxication or death. The physical

properties of the most common blister agents are listed in Table 2-2. Water is included in

the table as a reference point for the blister agents.

Table 2-2. Physical Properties of Common Blister Agents

Property HD HN-1 HN-2 HN-3 L Water

Molecular

weight

159.1 170.1 156.1 204.5 207.4 18

Density, g/cm 3 1.27 at

68°F

1.09

at 77°F

1.15

at 68°F

1.24

 at 77°F

1.89

 at 68°F

1

 at 77°F

Boiling-point, oF 421 381 167 at 15

mm Hg

493 374 212

Freezing-point, oF 58 -61.2 -85 -26.7 64.4 to

32.18

32

Vapor pressure,

mm Hg

0.072

 at 68°F

0.24

 at 77°F

0.29

 at 68°F

0.0109

 at 77°F

0.394

 at 68°F

23.756

 at 77°F

Volatility, mg/m3 610

 at 68°F

1520

 at 68°F

3580

 at 77°F

121

 at 77°F

4480

 at 68°F

23,010

 at 77°F

Solubility in

water, %

<1% Sparingly Sparingly Insoluble Insoluble NA
9

2.1.2.3 Route of Entry

Most blister agents are relatively persistent and are readily absorbed by all parts

of the body. Poisoning may also occur through consumption of liquids or foods

contaminated with blister agents. These agents cause inflammation, blisters, and general

destruction of tissues. In the form of gas or liquid, mustard agent attacks the skin, eyes,

lungs, and gastro-intestinal tract. Internal organs, mainly blood-generating organs, may

also be injured as a result of mustard agent being taken up through the skin or lungs and

transported into the body. Since mustard agent gives no immediate symptoms upon

contact, a delay of between two and twenty-four hours may occur before pain is felt and

the victim becomes aware of what has happened. By then, cell damage has already

occurred. The delayed effect is a characteristic of mustard agent.

2.1.2.4 Symptoms

In general, vesicants can penetrate the skin by contact with either liquid or vapor.

The latent period for the effects from mustard is usually several hours (the onset of

symptoms from vapors is 4 to 6 hours and the onset of symptoms from skin exposure is 2

to 48 hours). There is no latent period for exposure to Lewisite.

Mild symptoms of mustard agent poisoning may include aching eyes with

excessive tearing, inflammation of the skin, irritation of the mucous membranes,

hoarseness, coughing and sneezing. Normally, these injuries do not require medical

treatment.

Severe injuries that are incapacitating and require medical care may involve eye

injuries with loss of sight, the formation of blisters on the skin, nausea, vomiting, and

diarrhea together with severe difficulty in breathing. Severe damage to the eye may lead

to the total loss of vision.

The most pronounced effects on inner organs are injury to the bone marrow,

spleen, and lymphatic tissue. This may cause a drastic reduction in the number of white

blood cells 5-10 days after exposure, a condition very similar to that after exposure to

radiation. This reduction of the immune defense will complicate the already large risk of

infection in people with severe skin and lung injuries.

The most common cause of death as a result of mustard agent poisoning is

complications after lung injury caused by inhalation of mustard agent. Most of the

chronic and late effects from mustard agent poisoning are also caused by lung injuries.

2.2 Toxic Industrial Materials

This section provides a general overview of TIMs as well as a list of the specific

TIMs considered in this guide. Since the chemistry of TIMs is so varied, it is not feasible

to discuss specific routes of entry and descriptions of symptoms.

Toxic industrial materials, or TIMs, are chemicals other than chemical warfare agents

that have harmful effects on humans. TIMs, often referred to as toxic industrial

chemicals, or TICs, are used in a variety of settings such as manufacturing facilities,

maintenance areas, and general storage areas. While exposure to some of these
10

chemicals may not be immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH), these

compounds may have extremely serious effects on an individual’s health after multiple

low-level exposures.

2.2.1 General

A TIM is a specific type of industrial chemical i.e., one that has a LCt50 value

(lethal concentration for 50% of the population multiplied by exposure time) less than

100,000 mg-min/m3 in any mammalian species and is produced in quantities exceeding

30 tons per year at one production facility. Although they are not as lethal as the highly

toxic nerve agents, their ability to make a significant impact on the populace is assumed

to be more related to the amount of chemical a terrorist can employ on the target(s) and

less related to their lethality. None of these compounds are as highly toxic as the nerve

agents, but they are produced in very large quantities (multi-ton) and are readily

available; therefore, they pose a far greater threat than chemical agents. For instance,

sulfuric acid is not as lethal as the nerve agents, but it is easier to disseminate large

quantities of sulfuric acid because of the large amounts that are manufactured and

transported every day. It is assumed that a balance is struck between the lethality of a

material and the amount of materials produced worldwide. Materials such as the nerve

agents are so lethal as to be in a special class of chemicals.

Because TIMs are less lethal than the highly toxic nerve agents, it is more

difficult to determine how to rank their potential for use by a terrorist. Physical and

chemical properties for TIMs such as ammonia, chlorine, cyanogen chloride, and

hydrogen cyanide are presented in Table 2-3. Water is included in the table as a

reference point for the TIMs. The physical and chemical properties for the remaining

TIMs identified in this guide can be found in International Task Force 25: Hazard From

Industrial Chemicals Final Report, April 1998. (See detailed reference in Appendix B).

Table 2-3. Physical and Chemical Properties of TIMs

Property Ammonia Chlorine Cyanogen

Chloride

Hydrogen

Cyanide

Water

Molecular weight 17.03 70.9 61.48 27.02 18

Density, g/cm 3 0.00077

 at 77°F

3.214

 at 77°F

1.18

 at 68°F

0.990

 at 68°F

1

 at 77°F

Boiling-point, oF -28 -30 55 78 212

Freezing-point, oF -108 -150 20 8 32

Vapor pressure,

mm Hg at 77°F

7408 5643 1000 742 23.756

Volatility, mg/m3 6,782,064

at 77°F

21,508,124

at 77°F

2,600,000

 at 68°F

1,080,000

at 77°F

23,010

 at 77°F

Solubility in

water, %

89.9 1.5 Slightly Highly

soluble

NA
11

2.2.2 TIM Rankings

TIMs are ranked into one of three categories that indicate their relative

importance and assist in hazard assessment. Table 2-4 lists the TIMs with respect to their

Hazard Index Ranking (High, Medium, or Low Hazard).2

2.2.2.1 High Hazard

High Hazard indicates a widely produced, stored or transported TIM that has high

toxicity and is easily vaporized.

2.2.2.2 Medium Hazard

Medium Hazard indicates a TIM that may rank high in some categories but lower

in others such as number of producers, physical state, or toxicity.

2.2.2.3 Low Hazard

A Low Hazard overall ranking indicates that this TIM is not likely to be a hazard

unless specific operational factors indicate otherwise.

 

2

 International Task Force 25: Hazard From Industrial Chemicals Final Report, April 1998.
12

Table 2-4. TIMs Listed By Hazard Index

High Medium Low

Ammonia Acetone cyanohydrin Allyl isothiocyanate

Arsine Acrolein Arsenic trichloride

Boron trichloride Acrylonitrile Bromine

Boron trifluoride Allyl alcohol Bromine chloride

Carbon disulfide Allylamine Bromine pentafluoride

Chlorine Allyl chlorocarbonate Bromine trifluoride

Diborane Boron tribromide Carbonyl fluoride

Ethylene oxide Carbon monoxide Chlorine pentafluoride

Fluorine Carbonyl sulfide Chlorine trifluoride

Formaldehyde Chloroacetone Chloroacetaldehyde

Hydrogen bromide Chloroacetonitrile Chloroacetyl chloride

Hydrogen chloride Chlorosulfonic acid Crotonaldehyde

Hydrogen cyanide Diketene Cyanogen chloride

Hydrogen fluoride 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine Dimethyl sulfate

Hydrogen sulfide Ethylene dibromide Diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate

Nitric acid, fuming Hydrogen selenide Ethyl chloroformate

Phosgene Methanesulfonyl chloride Ethyl chlorothioformate

Phosphorus trichloride Methyl bromide Ethyl phosphonothioic dichloride

Sulfur dioxide Methyl chloroformate Ethyl phosphonic dichloride

Sulfuric acid Methyl chlorosilane Ethyleneimine

Tungsten hexafluoride Methyl hydrazine Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

Methyl isocyanate Hydrogen iodide

Methyl mercaptan Iron pentacarbonyl

Nitrogen dioxide Isobutyl chloroformate

Phosphine Isopropyl chloroformate

Phosphorus oxychloride Isopropyl isocyanate

Phosphorus pentafluoride n-Butyl chloroformate

Selenium hexafluoride n-Butyl isocyanate

Silicon tetrafluoride Nitric oxide

Stibine n-Propyl chloroformate

Sulfur trioxide Parathion

Sulfuryl chloride Perchloromethyl mercaptan

Sulfuryl fluoride sec-Butyl chloroformate

Tellurium hexafluoride tert-Butyl isocyanate

n-Octyl mercaptan Tetraethyl lead

Titanium tetrachloride Tetraethyl pyroposphate

Trichloroacetyl chloride Tetramethyl lead

Trifluoroacetyl chloride Toluene 2,4-diisocyanate

Toluene 2,6-diisocyanate
13

SECTION 3.0

OVERVIEW OF CHEMICAL AGENT AND TIM DETECTION

TECHNOLOGIES

The applicability of chemical agent and TIM detection equipment to potential

user groups will be dependent upon the characteristics of the detection equipment, as well

as the type of chemical agent or TIM detected and the objective of the first responder

unit. Numerous technologies are available for the detection of chemical agent and TIM

vapors, some technologies are available for detection and identification of liquid droplets

of chemical agents on surfaces, and many laboratory-based technologies exist for

detection of TIMs in water. The quality of analytical results from the various analyzers is

dependent upon the ability to effectively sample the environment and get the sample to

the analyzer.

Analyzers designed for analysis of vapors will not be readily applicable for

detection of low volatility liquid contamination on surfaces or contamination in water.

Also, many analyzers could have difficulty in identifying a small amount of chemical

agent or TIM in a high background of non-hazardous environmental chemicals. For

example, a chemical vapor detector may readily detect trace levels of chemical agents or

TIMs in an outdoor setting such as a forest or an open field, but the same detector may

not be capable of detecting the same level of chemical agent or TIM in a crowded subway

station or on a busy city street. These environments contain many chemicals produced by

everyday activities (driving an automobile, using deodorant/perfumes, using insecticides,

etc.) that look like a chemical agent or TIM to the analyzer and may affect the reliability

of the instrument as well as its sensitivity. In this manner, the operator can become

familiar with the peculiarities of the analyzer when exposed to various environmental

chemicals expected in operational areas. As technological advances are made, more

effective and accurate methods of detection that are less affected by environmental

chemicals in operational areas will become commercially available at lower costs.

Chemical agents can be detected by several means that incorporate various

technologies. The technologies are grouped into five major categories: point detection,

stand-off detection, analytical instruments, sorbent sampling, and colormetric (color

change). The type of technology needed for CA and TIM detection will be dependent on

the type of CA agent or TIM used and the objective of the first responder unit.

3.1 Point Detection Technologies

Point detection technology is applicable in determining the type of chemical agent

or TIM employed and can be used to map out contaminated areas if enough time is

available. Point detectors can be used as warning devices to alert personnel to the

presence of a toxic vapor cloud. In this scenario, the detector is placed up-wind of the

first responder location. When the toxic chemical is carried towards this location, it first

encounters the detector, thus sounding an alarm allowing the first responders to don the

necessary protective clothing. It should be noted that if the concentration of chemical

agent or TIM is high enough to be immediately life threatening, point detectors may not

provide sufficient time to take protective measures. Another use of a point detector
14

would be to monitor the vapor contamination originating from a decontamination site.

Point detectors can also be used to determine which people have been contaminated, i.e.,

contamination triage. Contamination triage can be used to identify highly contaminated

personnel, lightly contaminated personnel, and uncontaminated personnel with the idea

that all contaminated people need rapid decontamination while non-contaminated people

do not need to be decontaminated, thereby saving resources.

3.1.1 Ionization/Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)

A detector using IMS technology is typically a stand-alone detector that samples

the environment using an air pump. Contaminants in the sampled air are ionized and

passed through a weak electric field toward an ion detector. The time it takes the species

to traverse the distance is proportional to the mass of the ionized chemical species and is

used as a means of identification. Analysis time ranges from several seconds to a few

minutes.

Ionization of gaseous species can be achieved at atmospheric pressure. Using

proton transfer reactions, charge transfer, dissociative charge transfer, or negative ion

reactions such as ion transfer, nearly all chemical classes can be ionized. However, most

IMS portable detectors use radioactive Beta emiters to ionize the sample.

IMS requires a vapor or gas sample for analysis; therefore, liquid samples must

first be volatilized. The gaseous sample is drawn into a reaction chamber by a pump

where a radioactive source, generally Ni63 (Nickel 63) or Am241 (Americium 241),

ionizes the molecules present in the sample. The ionized air sample, including any

ionized chemical agent, is then injected into a closed drift tube through a shutter that

isolates the contents of the drift tube from the atmospheric air. The drift tube has a minor

electrical charge gradient that draws the sample towards a receiving electrode at the end

of the drift tube. Upon ion impact, an electrical charge is generated and recorded with

respect to a travel time. The travel time is measured from the introduction gate to the

receiving electrode.

The ions impact the electrode at different intervals providing a series of peaks and

valleys in electrical charge that is usually graphed on Cartesian Coordinates. The Y-axis

corresponds to the intensity of the charge received by impact of the various species that

have respective travel times in the drift tube. This travel time in the drift tube and the

strength of the charge gives a relative concentration of species in the sample.

An example of a handheld detector using this technology is the APD 2000,

manufactured by Environmental Technologies Group, Incorporated. This detector is

shown in Figure 3-1.
15

Figure 3-1. APD 2000 Environmental

Technologies Group, Incorporated

The M8A1 Automatic Chemical Agent Alarm System is another example of an

IMS technology chemical agent detection and warning system. It incorporates the

M43A1 detector to detect the presence of nerve agent vapors or inhalable aerosols. The

M43A1 detector is an ionization product diffusion/ion mobility type detector. Air is

continuously drawn through the internal sensor by a pump at a rate of approximately 1.2

L/min. Air and agent molecules are first drawn past a radioactive source (241Am), and a

small percentage are ionized by the beta rays. The air and agent ions are then drawn

through the baffle sections of the cell. The lighter air ions diffuse to the walls and are

neutralized more quickly than the heavier agent ions that have more momentum and are

able to pass through the baffled section. As a result, the collector senses a greater ion

current when nerve agents are present compared to the current when only clean air is

sampled. An electronic module monitors the current produced by the sensor and triggers

the alarm when a critical threshold of current is reached.

3.1.2 Flame Photometry

Flame photometry is based upon burning ambient air with hydrogen gas. The

flame decomposes any chemical agents or TIMs present in the air. Compounds that

contain phosphorus and sulfur produce hydrogen phosphorus oxygen (HPO) and

elemental sulfur (S), respectively. At the elevated flame temperature, the phosphorus and

sulfur emit light of specific wavelengths. A set of optimal filters is used to selectively

transmit only the light emitted from the presence of phosphorus and sulfur to a photomultiplier tube, which produces an analog signal related to the concentration of the

phosphorus and sulfur containing compounds in the air. Since the classical nerve agents

all contain phosphorus and sulfur and mustard contains sulfur, these agents are readily

detected by flame photometry. Flame photometry is sensitive and allows ambient air to

be sampled directly. However, it is also prone to false alarms from interferants that

contain phosphorus and sulfur. The number of false positives due to interference can be

minimized using algorithms. Using a flame photometric detector (FPD) in cooperation

with a gas chromatograph will further reduce the likelihood of false alarms. There are a
16

number of gas chromatographs that use FPDs for detection purposes. Gas

chromatographs are discussed in section 3.3.

3.1.3 Infrared Spectroscopy

Infrared spectroscopy is the measurement of the wavelength and intensity of the

absorption of mid-infrared light by a sample. Mid-infrared light (2.5 – 50 μm, 4000 –

200 cm-1) is energetic enough to excite molecular vibrations to higher energy levels. The

wavelengths of IR absorption bands are characteristic of specific types of chemical bonds

and every molecule has a unique IR spectrum (fingerprint). IR spectroscopy finds its

greatest utility for identification of organic and organometallic molecules. There are two

IR spectroscopy technologies employed in point detectors: photoacoustic infrared

spectroscopy (PIRS) and filter based infrared spectroscopy. These two technologies and

specific detector examples are discussed in the remainder of this section.

3.1.3.1 Photoacoustic Infrared Spectroscopy (PIRS)

Photoacoustic detectors use the photoacoustic effect to identify and detect

chemical agent vapors. When a gas absorbs infrared radiation, its temperature rises and

in turn causes the gas to expand. If the intensity of the infrared radiation is modulated,

the sample will expand and contract. If the modulation frequency is an audible

frequency, a microphone can be used to detect the resulting sound. Photoacoustic gas

detectors use various filters to selectively transmit specific wavelengths of light that are

absorbed by the chemical agent being monitored. The greater number of wavelengths

used to identify the unknown, the fewer interferants will be observed. When no chemical

agent is present in the atmospheric sample, the specific wavelength infrared light is

typically not absorbed and, therefore, no audible signal is detected. When chemical agent

is present in the sample, an audible signal (at the frequency of modulation) is produced

by the absorption of the modulated infrared light. Selectivity can be increased by

sequentially exposing the sample to several wavelengths of light. Chemical agents are

distinguished from interferants by the relative signal produced when several different

wavelengths are sequentially transmitted to the sample. Photoacoustic detectors are

sensitive to external vibration and humidity. However, as long as the detector is

calibrated in each operating environment immediately prior to sampling, selectivity will

be very high. Innova produces two detectors that rely on photoacoustics. A mobile

laboratory unit that utilizes the photoacoustic IR spectroscopy technology is the Innova

Type 1301. A similar portable unit also manufactured by Innova is the Type 1312

detector. Both instruments are shown in Figures 3-2 and 3-3.

Figure 3-2. Innova Type 1301 Multigas Monitor Figure 3-3. Innova Type 1312 Multigas Monitor
17

3.1.3.2 Filter Based Infrared Spectrometry

The filter based infrared spectrometry technology is based upon a series of lenses

and mirrors that directs a narrow bandpass infrared beam in a preselected path through

the sample. The amount of energy absorbed by the sample is measured and stored in

memory. The same sample is examined at as many as four additional wavelengths. This

multiwavelength, multicomponent data is analyzed by the microprocessor utilizing linear

matrix algebra. Concentrations of each component, in each sample, at each station, are

used for compiling time weighted average (TWA) reports and trend displays. The DMCS

retains data for further analysis and longer term storage and retrieval. The Foxboro

Company produces two of these detectors: (1) the Miran SaphIRe, a portable ambient air

analyzer, and (2) the Miran 981B, a multipoint ambient air monitoring system. The

Miran SaphIRe is shown in Figure 3-4.

Figure 3-4. Miran SaphIRe Portable Ambient Air Analyzer

3.1.4 Electrochemistry

Electrochemical detectors monitor a change in electric potential of a solution or thin

film when a chemical agent is absorbed. An example of one type of reaction is the

inhibition of cholinesterase by nerve agents. A solution containing a known amount of

cholinesterase is exposed to an air sample that may contain nerve agent. If nerve agent is

present, a percentage of the cholinesterase will be inhibited from reaction in the next step.

The next step involves adding a solution containing a compound that will react with

uninhibited cholinesterase to produce an electrochemically active product. The resulting

cell potential is related to the concentration of uninhibited cholinesterase, which is related

to the concentration of nerve agent present in the sampled air. Another type of

electrochemical detector monitors the resistance of a thin film that increases as the film

absorbs chemical agent from the air. Electrochemical detectors are selective, however,

they are not as sensitive as technologies such as IMS and flame photometry. Several of the

fielded electrochemical detectors encounter problems when exposed to environmental

extremes. Hot and cold temperatures change the rates of reactions and shift the equilibrium

point of the various reactions, which affects sensitivity and selectivity.
18

3.1.5 Colorimetric or Color Change Chemistry

Detector kits, or tickets, are wet chemistry techniques formulated to indicate the

presence or absence of a chemical agent by a color change resulting from a chemical

reaction involving the suspect agent. These kits are usually used to verify the presence of

a chemical agent after an alarm is received from another monitor. The kits are also used

to test drinking water for contamination. A similar detection method using this

technology is detection paper, which contains a dye that is colorless when crystalline and

colored when dissolved in a chemical agent. Detector papers are generally used for

testing suspect droplets or liquids on a surface. For gaseous or vaporous chemical agents,

colorimetric tubes are also available. These consist of a glass tube that has the reacting

compound sealed inside. Upon use, the tips of the tubes are broken off and a pump is

used to draw the sample across the reacting compound (through the tube). If a chemical

agent is present, a reaction resulting in a color change takes place in the tube. Draeger

manufactures a number of colorimetric tubes. A picture of the Draeger colorimetric tubes

is shown in Figure 3.5.

Figure 3-5. Draeger Tubes

3.1.6 Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW)

Surface acoustic wave detectors consist of piezoelectric crystals coated with a

film designed to absorb chemical agents from the air. SAW detectors use 2 to 6

piezoelectric crystals that are coated with different polymeric films. Each polymeric film

preferentially absorbs a particular class of volatile compound. For example, one

polymeric film will be designed to preferentially absorb water, while other polymer films

are designed to preferentially absorb different types of chemicals such as

trichloroethylene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, or formaldehyde. The piezoelectric crystals

detect the mass of the chemical vapors absorbed into the different, chemically selective

polymeric coatings. The change in mass of the polymeric coatings causes the resonant

frequency of the piezoelectric crystal to change. By monitoring the resonant frequency of

the different piezoelectric crystals, a response pattern of the system for a particular vapor

is generated. This response pattern is then stored in a microprocessor. When the system

is operating, it constantly compares each new response pattern to the stored response
19

pattern for the target vapor. When the response pattern for the target vapor matches the

stored pattern, the system alarm is activated. The selectivity and sensitivity of these

detectors depends on the ability of the film to absorb only the suspect chemical agents

from the sample air. Many SAW devices use preconcentration tubes to reduce

environmental interferences and increase the detection sensitivity. A detector

manufactured by Microsensor Systems, Incorporated that is based upon the SAW

technology is the SAW Minicad II (Figure 3-6).

Figure 3-6. SAW Minicad II

3.1.7 Photo Ionization Detection (PID)

Photo ionization detectors work by exposing a gas stream to an ultraviolet light of

a wavelength with energy sufficient to ionize an agent molecule. If agents are present in

the gas stream, they are ionized. An ion detector then registers a voltage proportional to

the number of ions produced in the gas sample and thus the concentration of the agent.

Specificity of these detectors is a function of how narrow the spectral range of the

exciting radiation is and on how unique that energy is to ionizing only the molecule of

interest. Rae Systems produces the MINIRAE Plus, a handheld detector that utilizes the

PID technology. Another handheld PID detector is the Photovac 2020 manufactured by

Perkin-Elmer. These detectors are shown in Figures 3-7 and 3-8.

Figure 3-7. MINIRAE Plus Figure 3-8. Photovac 2020 PID

Monitor
20

3.1.8 Sensor Array Technology

Sensor array technology (SAT) devices are based upon the use of an array of

several different chemical sensors such as conductive polymer, metal oxide, bulk acoustic

wave (BAW) and SAW devices used simultaneously for real time monitoring. The

various sensors that are used must respond rapidly and reversibly to the chemical vapors

they are exposed to. This technology is used in instruments commonly known as

electronic noses. One mobile laboratory detector that is based upon SAT is the EEV

eNose 5000 Electronic Nose (shown in Figure 3-9).

Figure 3-9. EEV eNose 5000 Electronic Nose

3.1.9 Thermal and Electrical Conductivity

Thermal and electrical conductivity detectors use metal oxide thermal

conductivity semiconductors that measure the change in heat conductivity that occurs as a

result of gas adsorption on the metal oxide surface. Also, the change in resistance and

electrical conductivity across a metal foil in the system is measured when a gas adsorbs

onto the surface of the metal film. Contaminants in the atmosphere being measured will

result in measurable electrical differences from the “clean” or background atmosphere.

Additionally, different contaminants will have different thermal conductivities and,

therefore, different electrical responses from thermal and electrical conductivity

detectors.

3.1.10 Flame Ionization

A flame ionization detector (FID) is a general-purpose detector used to determine

the presence of volatile carbon-based compounds that are incinerated in a hydrogenoxygen flame. When the carbonaceous compounds burn, an increase in the flame’s

baseline ion current takes place and detection of a compound occurs. FIDs are not

specific and require separation technology for specificity, such as a gas chromatograph.

Identification of compounds is generally determined by comparison of a compound’s

chromatographic retention time to that of a known standard, or to chromatographic

retention indices for a series of known compounds using a standard set of

chromatographic conditions. Perkin-Elmer manufactures a handheld FID, the MicroFID,
21

for the nonspecific determination of flammable and potentially hazardous compounds in

the concentration range of 0.1 to 50,000 ppm. The MicroFID is shown in Figure 3-10.

Figure 3-10. Perkin-Elmer

MicroFID Handheld Detector

3.2 Standoff Detectors (Infrared Spectroscopy)

Standoff detectors are used to give advance warning of a chemical agent cloud.

Standoff detectors typically use optimal spectroscopy and can detect chemical agents at

distances as great as 5 kilometers. Agent-free spectra must be used as a baseline to

compare with freshly measured spectra that may contain chemical agent. Standoff

detectors are generally difficult to operate and usually require the operator to have some

knowledge of spectroscopy in order to interpret results. Available standoff detectors use

infrared spectroscopy with either passive or active sensing.

3.2.1 Passive (Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR))

Passive standoff detectors collect infrared radiation emitted and/or measure

infrared radiation absorbed from the background to detect chemical agent and TIM vapor

clouds. Passive standoff detectors employ one of two infrared spectroscopy technologies:

(1) forward looking infrared (FLIR) imager or (2) Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)

spectrometer in order to collect the infrared radiation. The difference between the two is

how they process the infrared radiation. FLIR spectroscopy uses a series of optical

filters, and FTIR spectroscopy uses an interferometer.

3.2.2 Active (Differential Absorption LIDAR)

Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) is the laser analog to radar. In LIDAR, a

pulsed laser beam is sent out to a target object. Some of the light that is incident on the

target is reflected back to the sender, and the rest is scattered, reflected, transmitted or

absorbed by the medium. The time it takes for the light to travel from the sender to the

target and back to the sender is used to calculate the distance to the target. For studying

clouds in the atmosphere, differential absorption LIDAR can be used to measure both the

range of the cloud and the concentration profile of the cloud. In differential absorption

LIDAR, two laser beams of slightly different frequency are used to analyze the cloud.
22

One of the frequencies is tuned to a molecular absorption of one of the molecules in the

cloud (this requires prior knowledge of cloud composition). The intensity of the reflected

beam is a function of the amount of laser light absorbed by the cloud. This is related to

the concentration of the absorbing molecule in the cloud. The cloud does not absorb the

second frequency. Since its frequency is similar to that of the first laser, it will have a

similar reflection and scatter profile. Thus the difference in the intensity of the two

reflected beams will be due to absorption of the first laser beam by the cloud. The

intensity of the return signal from the second laser beam is used as a baseline for

calculating concentrations in the cloud. The time it takes for the two lasers to reflect

back to the sender is used to calculate the range of the cloud. LIDAR is useful for

tracking a chemical agent cloud once it has been identified but typically can not be used

to identify a chemical agent cloud.

3.3 Analytical Instruments

The analytical instruments described in this section can be used to analyze

samples as small as a few micro liters or milligrams. They are designed to differentiate

between and accurately measure the unique chemical properties of different molecules.

These instruments are quite sophisticated in order to detect and differentiate subtle

differences between trace amounts of different molecules. Accuracy and reliability

requires that only very pure reagents are used and that very rigid protocol and operating

procedures are followed. This typically precludes their use outside of a laboratory

environment that is staffed by technically trained people. However, some analytical

instruments have been developed for field applications. Additionally, the instruments do

not display the measured data in a straightforward manner. Interpretation of the

measured data typically requires a technical background and extensive formal training.

3.3.1 Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Mass spectrometry is a technique that can positively identify a chemical agent at

very low concentrations. In this technique, a volatilized sample is ionized, typically by

an electron beam, which also causes the molecule to fragment into smaller ionized pieces.

The ionized molecules and fragments are then passed into a mass analyzer that uses

electric fields to separate the ions according to the ratio of their mass divided by their

electric charge. The analyzer allows only ions of the same mass over charge ratio to

impinge upon the detector. By scanning the electric potentials in the mass analyzer, all

the different mass/charge ions can be detected. The result is a mass spectrum that shows

the relative amount and the mass of each fragment, and the un-fragmented parent

molecule. Since each molecule forms a unique set of fragments, mass spectroscopy

provides positive identification. To simplify interpretation of the mass spectrum, it is

best to introduce only one compound at a time. This is often achieved by using a gas

chromatograph to separate the components in the sample. The end of the gas

chromatography column is connected directly to the inlet of the mass spectrometer. Two

instruments that use mass spectrometry are the Inficon Hapsite Field Portable System

and the Agilent 6890-5973 GC/MSD shown in Figures 3-11 and 3-12 respectively.
23

Figure 3-11. Inficon Hapsite Field

Portable System

Figure 3-12. Agilent 6890-5973 GC/MSD

3.3.2 Gas Chromatography (GC)

The gas chromatograph uses an inert gas to transport a sample of air through a

long chromatographic column. Each molecule sticks to the column with a different

amount of force and does not travel down the column at the same speed as the carrier gas.

This causes the chemical agents and interferants to come out the end of the column at

different times (called the retention time). Since the retention time is known for the

chemical agents, the signal from an associated detector is only observed for a short period

starting before and ending just after the retention time of the chemical agent. This

eliminates false alarms from similar compounds that have different retention times.

Using a pre-concentrator specific to the analyte can also reduce false alarms caused by

interferants. The pre-concentrator passes air through an absorbent filter that traps agent

molecules. The filter is then isolated from the air and heated to release any chemical

agent that may have been trapped. The released chemical agent is then pumped through

the column and the detector. Two instruments that use gas chromatography are the

Perkin-Elmer Voyager and the Sentex Systems, Incorporated Scentograph Plus II shown

in Figures 3-13 and 3-14 respectively.

Figure 3-13. Perkin-Elmer Voyager Figure 3-14. Sentex Systems, Incorporated

Scentograph Plus II
24

3.3.3 High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

High performance liquid chromatography is most useful in the detection and

identification of larger molecular weight chemical agents such as BZ or LSD, and in the

detection and identification of biological agents. With HPLC, those compounds that do not

easily volatilize can be analyzed without undergoing chemical derivatization. HPLC

instrumentation is available from a variety of vendors such as Hewlett Packard, Perkin-Elmer,

Shimadzu, and Varian, and is shown in Figures 3-15, 3-16, 3-17, and 3-18. As with GCs,

HPLC instruments can be equipped with a variety of detectors such as ultraviolet–visible

(uV-Vis) spectrometers, mass spectrometers, fluorescence spectrometers, and electrochemical

detectors. Two limitations to the fielding of HPLCs and their detectors are the need for power

requirements (120V house current) and high purity solvents. Currently there is no portable

HPLC unit available.

Figure 3-15. Hewlett Packard HP1000

HPLC System

Figure 3-16. Perkin-Elmer Turbo LC Plus

HPLC System

Figure 3-17. Shimadzu LC-10

HPLC System

Figure 3-18. Varian ProStar Analytical

HPLC System

3.3.4 Ion Chromatography (IC)

Closely related to HPLC is a chromatographic technique known as ion chromatography

(IC) where ionic species can be separated, detected and identified. IC instruments are available

from Dionex and Brinkmann. Both instruments are shown in Figures 3-19 and 3-20

respectively. IC has been successfully used in the U.S. Army Materiel Command’s Treaty

Verification Laboratory in the analysis of several chemical nerve agents and their degradation

products. As with HPLC, IC instruments require power requirements (120V house current),

high purity water, and high purity chemical reagents for the preparation of buffering solutions.
25

Like HPLC, IC instruments can use uV-Vis spectrometers, mass spectrometers, and

electrochemical detectors.

Figure 3-19. Dionex DX-500 IC System Figure 3-20. Brinkmann Metrohm

Model 1761 IC System

3.3.5 Capillary Zone Electrophoresis

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE or CE) is a chromatographic technique that

can be thought of as a hybridization of gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and

ion chromatography. Rather than using a temperature gradient or a solvent gradient (as

in GC or HPLC, respectively), a mobile phase containing an ionic buffer is used (as in

ion chromatography). A high voltage electric field (either fixed potential or a gradient) is

applied across a fused silica column similar to capillary columns used in GC.

Hewlett Packard manufactures the model HP3D CZE System, Beckman-Coulter

manufactures the model P/ACE 5000 CZE System, and Bio-Rad manufactures the

BioFocus 2000 CZE System. CZE instruments are typically configured with either a uVVis spectrometer or an electrochemical detector, but it can be interfaced to a mass

spectrometer. Capillary zone electrophoresis instrumentation shares the same electrical

requirements as HPLC and IC instruments. However, the need for high purity water and

chemical reagents is still there but in much smaller quantities. These systems are shown

in Figures 3-21, 3-22, and 3-23.

Figure 3-21. Hewlett-Packard HP3D

CZE System

Figure 3-22. Beckman-Coulter P/ACE

5000 CZE System
26

Figure 3-23. Bio-Rad BioFocus 2000 CZE System
27

SECTION 4.0

SELECTION FACTORS

Section 4.0 provides a discussion of sixteen selection factors that are

recommended for consideration by the emergency first responder community when

selecting and purchasing chemical agent and TIM detection equipment. These factors

were compiled by a panel of experienced scientists and engineers with multiple years of

experience in chemical agent and TIM detection and analysis, domestic preparedness,

and identification of emergency first responder needs. The factors have also been shared

with the emergency first responder community in order to obtain their thoughts and

comments.

It is anticipated that, as additional input is received from the emergency first

responder community, additional factors may be added or existing factors may be

modified. These factors were developed so that chemical agent and TIM detection

equipment could be compared and contrasted in order to assist with the selection and

purchase of the most appropriate equipment. It is important to note that the evaluation

conducted using the sixteen selection factors was based upon vendor-supplied data and

no independent evaluation of equipment was conducted in the development of this guide.

The vendor-supplied data can be found in its entirety in Volume II. The results of the

evaluation of the detection equipment against the sixteen selection factors are provided in

section 5.0. The remainder of this section defines each of the selection factors. Details

on the manner in which the selection factors were used to assess the detectors are

presented in Table 4-1.

4.1 Chemical Agents Detected

This factor describes the ability of the equipment to detect chemical agents.

Chemical agents, when referred to in this guide, refer to nerve and blister agents only.

Blood agents and choking agents are included within the list of TIMs. Nerve agents

primarily consist of GB and VX. Other nerve agents include GA, GD, and GF. Blister

agents are primarily limited to mustard (H). Other blister agents considered in this guide

include HD, HN, and L.

4.2 TIMs Detected

This factor describes the ability of the equipment to detect TIMs. TIMs

considered in the development of this guide are discussed in section 2.2 and identified in

one of three hazard indices (Table 2-4).

4.3 Sensitivity

Sensitivity is the lowest concentration a chemical agent or TIM can be detected at

by a detector or instrument. This is also referred to as the detection limit. Detection limits

may be dependent upon the chemical agent or TIM, the environmental conditions, or

operational conditions.
28

Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) is defined as the concentration

at which self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or respirators must be worn or

immediate life threatening effects will occur. The purpose of establishing an IDLH

exposure level is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated

environment in the event of a failure of the respiratory protection equipment. IDLH

values for the chemical agents and most of the 98 TIMs that are listed are provided in

Volume II, Appendix D.

This guide bases its assessment of the sensitivity evaluation factors on the IDLH

of chemical agents and TIMs versus the detection range of a detector. This factor does

not apply to M8 and M9 paper since they require liquid contact to determine the presence

of chemical agents or TIMs.

4.4 Resistance to Interferants

An interferant is a compound that causes a detector to either false alarm or fail to

alarm. This factor describes the ability of a detector or instrument to resist the effects of

interferants.

4.5 Response Time

Response time is defined as the time it takes for an instrument to collect a sample,

analyze the sample, determine if an agent is present, and provide feedback.

4.6 Start-up Time

The start-up time is the time required for setting up and initiating sampling with

an instrument.

4.7 Detection States

This factor indicates the sample states that an instrument can detect. The sample

states include vapor, aerosol, and liquid.

4.8 Alarm Capability

This factor indicates if an instrument has an audible, visible, or audible/visible

alarm.

4.9 Portability

Portability is the ability of the equipment to be transported including any support

equipment required to operate the device. Two important things to consider under

portability are the equipment dimensions and its weight. They determine if a single

person can transport the equipment or if the equipment requires vehicular transport.
29

4.10 Power Capabilities

Power capabilities indicate whether specific equipment components can operate

on a battery and/or AC electrical power.

4.11 Battery Needs

Battery power is the ability of the equipment to be powered by batteries with an

operating life capable of sustaining activities throughout an incident. The number of

batteries required for operation is also an important consideration.

4.12 Operational Environment

This factor describes the type of environment required by the equipment to

operate optimally. For example, some equipment is designed to operate in the field under

common outdoor weather conditions and climates, i.e., extreme temperatures, humidity,

rain, snow, fog, etc. However, other equipment may require more climate controlled

conditions such as a laboratory environment.

4.13 Durability

The durability of a piece of equipment describes how rugged the equipment is,

i.e., how well can the equipment withstand rough handling and still operate.

4.14 Procurement Costs

Unit cost is the cost of the piece of equipment including the cost of all support

equipment and consumables.

4.15 Operator Skill Level

Operator skill level refers to the skill level and training required for the operation

of an instrument.

4.16 Training Requirements

Training requirements is the amount of time required to instruct the operator to

become proficient in the operation of the instrument. For example, higher end equipment

such as ion mobility spectrometers or SAW device requires more in-depth training such

as specialized classes for operation, maintenance, and calibration of the equipment.
Table 4-1. Selection Factor Key For Chemical Detection Equipment

May 2000

Chemical Agents 

Detected

TIMs Detected

Sensitivity

Resistance to 

Interferents

Response Time

Start-Up Time

Detection StatesAlarm Capability

Portability

Battery NeedsPower Capabilities

EnvironmentDurab

u Detects all 

nerve and 

blister agents

Detects all of 

the TIMs listed

Detects at onetenth IDLH for 

all detectable 

chemicals

Responds 

only to 

chemical 

agents and 

TIMs

Less than 10 

seconds

Less than 30 

seconds

Detects 

chemicals in 

all three states

Audible and 

Visible alarm

Less than 2 

pounds and 

handheld

Operates on 

standard, 

inexpensive, 

and readily 

available 

batteries for 

eight hours of 

continuous 

use

Battery or AC 

Powered

Operates in all 

expected 

environments

Able to 

operate with 

rough 

handling

p Detects 

multiple TIMs

Detects at onetenth IDLH for 

one or more 

detectable 

chemicals

Has a few noncritical 

interferants

Between 10 

and 60 

seconds

Between 30 

and 60 

seconds

Detects 

chemicals in 

two states

Audible alarm 

only

Between 2 and 

5 pounds and 

handheld

Battery 

Powered

k

Detects either 

the nerve or 

blister agent 

class

Detects one 

TIM

Detects at 

IDLH for all 

detectable 

chemicals

Between 1 and 

5 minutes

Detects 

chemicals in 

one state

Visible alarm 

only

Between 5 and 

10 pounds

Operates on 

standard, 

inexpensive, 

and readily 

available 

batteries for 

two hours of 

continuous 

use

Operates in 

most 

environments

Able to 

operate after 

being moved 

but not after 

rough 

handling

f

Detects at 

IDLH for one 

or more 

detectable 

chemicals

Has many 

interferants

Between 60 

seconds and 2 

minutes

Between 5 and 

30 minutes

Between 10 

and 50 pounds

Vehicle or AC 

Powered

a Detects none 

of the nerve or 

blister agents

Detects none 

of the TIMs 

listed

Does not 

detect IDLH 

levels

Does not 

discriminate 

between 

chemical 

agents/TIMs 

and 

interferants

Greater than 2 

minutes

More than 30 

minutes No capability No capability Greater than 

50 pounds

Operates on 

special order 

and expensive 

batteries

AC Powered

Operation is 

restricted to 

certain 

environments

Must remain 

stationary

The gray cells designate that the symbol is not applicable for the selection factor.

A duplicate of this table is provided for quick reference (as Table 5-13).

30
31

SECTION 5.0

EQUIPMENT EVALUATION

The market survey (refer to section 2.0 of volume II) conducted for chemical

agent and TIM detection equipment identified 148 different pieces of detection

equipment. The details of the market survey to include data on each piece of equipment

are provided in Volume II of this guide. Section 5.0 documents the results of evaluating

each equipment item versus the sixteen selection factors. Section 5.1 defines the

equipment usage categories and section 5.2 discusses the evaluation results.

5.1 Equipment Usage Categories

In order to display the evaluation results in a meaningful format, the detection

equipment was grouped into six categories based on the prospective manner of usage by

the emergency first responder community. These usage categories included the

following:

• handheld-portable

• handheld-stationary

• vehicle mounted

• fixed-site analytical

• fixed-site detection system

• standoff

The definitions for the six usage categories were extracted from the Final Report

on Chemical Detection Equipment Market Survey for Emergency Responders. (See

detailed reference in Appendix B). The definitions for each of the usage categories are as

follows:

• Handheld-Portable. Equipment defined as being human portable for mobile

operations in the field. The instrument is light enough to be carried by an

emergency first responder and operated while moving through a building.

• Handheld-Stationary. Equipment defined as being human portable for

stationary operations. The instrument is light enough to be carried by an

emergency first responder but can only be operated while stationary.

• Vehicle-Mounted. Equipment defined as being used in or from a mobile

vehicle and generally uses vehicle battery for power requirements. The

equipment is designed for monitoring inside or within the general vicinity of a

vehicle.

• Fixed-Site Detection Systems. Equipment defined as stand-alone detection

systems specifically designed to operate inside a building. The duration of

operation for these instruments is indefinite, and the power requirements are

met through the building infrastructure. Consumables required for continuous
32

operation of the detection instruments would need to be provided by the

building management (i.e., compressed gas cylinders).

• Fixed-Site Analytical Systems. Equipment defined as stand-alone detection

systems requiring a means of delivering a sample to the equipment for

analysis. This equipment generally requires a trained technical operator as

well as extensive labor to assemble and disassemble inside a building for short

duration monitoring of an area. This equipment typically performs low level

monitoring of an area but has not been specifically designed for use outside a

laboratory.

• Standoff Detector Systems. Equipment specifically designed to monitor the

presence of chemical agents and TIMs that may be present in the atmosphere

up to three miles away. These systems typically require one or two

individuals for monitoring operations. Depending on the technique employed

and the environmental conditions, these detectors can have high or low

selectivity. Standoff detectors usually require vehicle transport and special

setup.

The results of categorizing the chemical agent (CA) and TIM detection equipment

are detailed in Table 5-1. Equipment was also categorized by its detection capability

(chemical agents, TIMs, or both).

Table 5-1. Detection Equipment Usage Categories

Detection Capability

Detector Type Chemical

Agents

TIMs Both Total

Handheld-Portable 12 52 5 69

Handheld-Stationary 15 12 12 39

Vehicle-Mounted 5005

Fixed-Site Detection Systems 8 0 0 8

Fixed-Site Analytical 23 0 0 23

Standoff Detectors 4 0 0 4

Total 67 64 17 148

5.2 Evaluation Results

The evaluation results for the chemical agent and TIM detection equipment are

presented in tabular format for the 148 pieces of detection equipment identified at the time

of the writing of this guide. A table is presented for each of the six usage categories with

the handheld-portable and handheld-stationary detectors subdivided by detection capability.

Each table includes the specific equipment and the symbol that corresponds to how the

equipment item was characterized based upon each of the selection factor definitions. If

data was not available to characterize a specific selection factor, the acronym ‘TBD’ is

displayed in the appropriate cell. If a selection factor is not appropriate for a specific

equipment item, the acronym ‘NA’ is used to characterize that selection factor. Table 5-2

provides the table number and associated table pages for each of the usage categories.
33

Table 5-2. Evaluation Results Reference Table

Table Name Table Number Page(s)

Handheld-Portable (CAs) 5-3 35-36

Handheld-Portable (TIMs) 5-4 37-43

Handheld-Portable (Both) 5-5 44

Handheld -Stationary (CAs) 5-6 45-46

Handheld -Stationary (TIMs) 5-7 47-48

Handheld -Stationary (Both) 5-8 49-50

Vehicle-Mounted 5-9 51

Fixed-Site Detection Systems 5-10 52

Fixed-Site Analytical 5-11 53-55

Standoff Detectors 5-12 56

Selection Factor Key 5-13 57

5.2.1 Handheld-Portable Detection Equipment.

There were 69 handheld-portable detectors identified in the development of this

guide. These 69 detectors were further divided into three subcategories identifying their

detection capability. There were 12 handheld-portable detectors capable of detecting

chemical agents only. There were 52 handheld-portable detectors capable of detecting

one or more of the 98 TIMs. There were 5 handheld-portable detectors capable of

detecting both chemical agents and TIMs. Tables 5-3, 5-4, and 5-5 detail the evaluation

results for all three of these subcategories respectively.

5.2.2 Handheld-Stationary Detection Equipment.

There were 39 handheld-stationary detectors identified in the development of this

guide. These 39 detectors were further divided into three subcategories identifying their

detection capability. There were 15 handheld-stationary detectors capable of detecting

chemical agents only. There were 12 detectors capable of detecting one or more of the

98 TIMs. There were 12 detectors capable of detecting both chemical agents and TIMs.

Tables 5-6, 5-7, and 5-8 detail the evaluation results for all three of these subcategories.

5.2.3 Vehicle-Mounted Detection Equipment.

There were 5 vehicle-mounted detection equipment items identified in the

development of this guide. Table 5-9 details the results of the vehicle-mounted

equipment evaluation.

5.2.4 Fixed-Site Detection Systems.

There were 8 fixed-site detection systems identified in the development of this

guide. Table 5-10 details the results of the fixed-site detection system evaluation.
34

5.2.5 Fixed-Site Analytical Laboratory Systems.

There were 23 fixed-site analytical equipment items identified in the development

of this guide. Nine of the 23 pieces of equipment identified in this category have very

little vendor data available. Most of the data fields are labeled with ‘TBD’. It is

anticipated that this data will be available in the next revision to this guide. Table 5-11

details the results of the fixed-site analytical equipment evaluation.

5.2.6 Standoff Detection Systems.

There were 4 standoff detectors identified in the development of this guide. Table

5-12 details the results of the standoff detector evaluation.
Table 5-3. Handheld Portable Detection Equipment (CA)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response Time

Start-Up TimeDetection States

Alarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power CapabilitiesEnvironmenD

3 Chemical Agent Monitor 

(CAM), Ion Mobility 

Spectrometry u a f f p k k u p u p u TBD 

5 Improved Chemical Agent 

Monitor-Advanced 

Portable Detector (ICAMAPD) u a f f p f k u f u u u TBD 

8 M90-D1 Chemical Warfare 

Agent Detector IMS 

u a p f p f p u f u u TBD TBD 

11 APACC Chemical Control 

Alarm Portable Apparatus 

(Model M266 E 10 002) u a p f u k u u p u u TBD TBD 

16 Automatic Liquid Agent 

Detector (ALAD) System 

u a TBD f p TBD k u k u u TBD TBD 

27 SAW Minicad II Surface 

Acoustic Wave

u a a p p k p u u u p k TBD 

28 Photovac Microtip 

Handheld Air 

Monitor/Photoionization 

Detector u TBD p f u f k p TBD u p TBD TBD 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions. 

35
Table 5-3. Handheld Portable Detection Equipment (CA)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response Time

Start-Up TimeDetection States

Alarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power CapabilitiesEnvironmenD

30 MiniRae 2000

u TBD a TBD u k k u u u p k TBD 

60 AP2C Chemical Agent 

Detector

u a p f u u p u k u p u u 

77 MSA Passport II PID 

Monitor

k TBD a TBD TBD TBD k TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 

84 Advanced Portable 

Detector (APD ) 2000

u a f f p k k u k u p u TBD 

154 DET INDIV Individual 

Nerve Agent Detector

k a p p a f k a TBD NA NA u u 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions. 

36
Table 5-4. Handheld Portable Detection Equipment (TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection States

Alarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power CapabilitiesEnvironmenD

39 (SCX) SXC-20 VOC 

Monitor Thermal and 

Electrical Conductivity a p a u p u k u p u u TBD TBD 

63 Kitagawa Gas Detector 

Tubes

a p p p p u k a u NA NA u u 

64 Sensidyne Gas Detection 

Tubes

a p p TBD TBD u k a TBD NA NA u u 

78 MicroFID Handheld 

Detector

a TBD a a u k k u k u p k u 

81 Chrom Air Badges

a p TBD TBD f u k k u NA NA TBD u 

82 SureSpot Badges

a p p p f u k k u NA NA k TBD 

95 ToxiRae Plus Personal 

Gas Monitor

a p p f a TBD k u u u p k u 

100 Neotox-XL Single Gas 

Monitor

a p f f TBD TBD k u u u p u u 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

37
Table 5-4. Handheld Portable Detection Equipment (TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection States

Alarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power CapabilitiesEnvironmenD

103 Omni-4000 Gas Detector

a p p f p TBD k u p u p k u 

104 AutoStep Plus 

a p p p p k k p k u p k u 

108 Spectrum 

Electrochemistry

a p k f p TBD k p u u p k u 

109 Logic 400 series (Model 

450) Personal Air Monitor

a p p f TBD TBD k u u u p k TBD 

112 TLV Panther Gas Detector

a p k TBD p p k u k u p k u 

113 FoxTox Personal MultiGas Monitor

a p p f a TBD k u u u p k u 

114 Pac III Single Gas 

Detector

a p p f TBD TBD k u u u p k u 

115 LTX312 Gas Monitor

a p k f p u k u u u p k u 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

38
Table 5-4. Handheld Portable Detection Equipment (TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection States

Alarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power CapabilitiesEnvironmenD

116 PortaSens II Gas Detector

a p k f p TBD k u k u p k u 

117 MultiRae Plus Gas 

Detector

a p p f a TBD k u u u p k u 

118 Bodyguard 4 Personal 

Monitor

a p k f p u k u u u p k u 

119 PhD2 Personal Gas 

Detector

a p TWA f TBD TBD k u p u p TBD u 

120 Haz-Alert Gas Detector

a p TBD f TBD k k u p k p TBD u 

121 Tox-Array 1000 Gas 

Detector

a p TBD f p TBD k u u u p k u 

122 AMC Series 1100 Portable 

Gas Detector

a p k p p p k u u u p k u 

123 MultiLog 2000 Multi-Gas 

Monitor

a p p f f p k u u u p k u 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

39
Table 5-4. Handheld Portable Detection Equipment (TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection States

Alarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power CapabilitiesEnvironmenD

124 IQ-250 Single Gas 

Detector

a p TBD f p TBD k u u u p k u 

126 MiniGas-XL Multi-gas 

Monitor

a p k f TBD TBD k u u u p k u 

127 Toxibee Personal Gas 

Alarm

a p k f u TBD k u u TBD TBD k TBD 

128 MicroPac Personal Gas 

Alarm

a p k f p f k u u u p k u 

129 Toxi Gas Detector

a p TBD f TBD TBD k u u u p TBD u 

130 Toxi Plus Gas Detector

a p TBD f TBD TBD k u u u p TBD u 

131 Toxi Ultra Gas Detector

a p TBD f TBD TBD k u u u p TBD u 

132 TMX412 Multi-Gas 

Monitor

a p k f p p k u u u p k u 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

40
Table 5-4. Handheld Portable Detection Equipment (TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection States

Alarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power CapabilitiesEnvironmenD

133 ATX 612 Multi-Gas 

Aspirated Monitor

a p k f p p k u p u p k u 

134 T80 Single Gas Monitor

a p p f p u k u u u p k u 

135 Gas Badge Personal Gas 

Alarm

a p k f u u k u u u p k u 

136 Unimax Personal Single 

Gas Detector

a p p f TBD TBD k u u u p k u 

137 MicroMax Multigas 

Monitor

a p k f TBD TBD k p u u p k u 

138 MiniWarn Gas Detector

a p p f TBD TBD k u u u p k u 

139 Multiwarn II Gas Detector

a p p f TBD TBD k u p u p k u 

140 Smart Logger Gas 

Detector

a p p f TBD TBD k u u u p k u 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

41
Table 5-4. Handheld Portable Detection Equipment (TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection States

Alarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power CapabilitiesEnvironmenD

142 Target Gas Detector

a p k f p TBD k u u u p k u 

143 Quadrant Portable Gas 

Detector

a p k f p TBD k u u u p TBD u 

144 VRAE Hand Held 5 Gas 

Surveyor (Model 7800 

Monitor) a p p f TBD TBD k u u u p k u 

147 GT Series Portable Gas 

Monitor

a p p f a TBD k u p u p k u 

148 Genesis Portable Gas 

Monitor

a p k f p TBD k u u u p k u 

149 95 Series Single Gas 

Monitor

a p k f p TBD k u u u p k u 

150 MultiCheck 2000 MultiGas Monitor

a p p f p p k u u u p k u 

153 TX-2000 Toxic Gas 

Detector

a p k f TBD TBD k u u u p k u 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

42
Table 5-4. Handheld Portable Detection Equipment (TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection States

Alarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power CapabilitiesEnvironmenD

157 ProtectAir Personal MultiGas Monitor Model 8570

a p TBD TBD TBD u k u u u p k u 

160 GasAlertMax

a p k TBD p u k u u u p p u 

161 BW Defender

a p k TBD p u k u u u p p u 

162 GasAlert 

a p k TBD p u k u u u p p u 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

43
Table 5-5. Handheld Portable Detection Equipment (CA and TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection StatesAlarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery NeedsPower CapabilitiesEnvironmentDurabilityU

4 Rapid Alarm & 

Identification Device1(RAID-1) u p p f p f u u k u u u TBD a 

13 Individual (Improved) 

B35Chemical Agent 

Detector (ICAD) u p f p f u p u u u p k u k 

65 MSA Gas Detection 

Tubes

u p p u u p p p u u p u k TBD 

80 Photovac 2020 PID 

Monitor

TBD TBD a a p p k u u u p k u k 

159 Lightweight Chemical 

Detector (LCD-2)

u p f p u u p u u u p k u a 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

44
Table 5-6. Handheld Stationary Detection Equipment (CA)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection StatesAlarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery NeedsPower CapabilitiesEnvironm

2 M8A1 Automatic 

Chemical Agent Alarm

k a f f f f k u f u u k u 

9 Phemtochem Ion Mobility 

Spectrometer, Model 110

u a TBD f f a p p f TBD u k T

17 ABC-M8 VGH Chemical 

Agent Detector Paper

u a TBD f p u k k u NA NA k u 

18 M9 Chemical Agent 

Detector Paper

u a TBD f p u k k u NA NA k u 

19 3-Way Paper, Chemical 

Agent Liquid Detectors

u a TBD f u u k k u NA NA u u 

24 Nerve Agent Vapor 

Detector (NAVD)

u a f f u u k k u NA NA TBD T

25 No. 1 Mark 1 Detector Kit

u a p p TBD k p k u NA NA TBD T

32 Scentograph Plus II Gas 

Chromatography

u a f TBD f a u TBD f TBD p TBD T

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

45
Table 5-6. Handheld Stationary Detection Equipment (CA)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection StatesAlarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery NeedsPower CapabilitiesEnvironm

50 Photovac Snapshot Hand 

Held Gas Chromatograph

u a p TBD a f p k f TBD p TBD T

51 Scentoscreen (Gas 

Chromatography) with 

Argon Ionization 

Detector/ GC WITH MS u TBD f a f f u TBD a TBD p TBD T

57 Gas Chromatograph with 

4100 Vapor Detector

k a TBD u p f k u f NA a k T

58 Gas Chromatograph with 

7100 Vapor Detector

k a TBD u p f k u f NA a k T

59 Century TVA-1000 Toxic 

Vapor Analyzer, 

Photoionization u TBD a TBD u TBD p TBD f u p TBD T

75 Hapsite Gas 

Chromatography with 

Mass Spectrometry u TBD TBD u a a k p f k u k u 

83 Innova Type 1312 

Multigas Monitor 

Photoacoustic Infrared 

Spectroscopy u TBD f u p f p p f u u k T

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

46
Table 5-7. Handheld Stationary Detection Equipment (TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection StatesAlarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery NeedsPower CapabilitiesEnvironm

34 Portable Odor Monitor 

a p f a f u k a u u p k u 

62 5-Step Field Identification 

Kit 8 Model 2000

a TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD k TBD u NA NA TBD T

74 Voyager Gas 

Chromatography

a p f p a f k u f TBD p k u 

76 Electronic Reader Color 

Change Chemistry

a k p TBD f f k TBD TBD NA a TBD T

99 Chemkey TLD Toxic Gas 

Monitor

a p p TBD p p k u k u u k T

101 Gas Beacon/Gas Leader

a p f f TBD TBD k u f u p k u 

102 Model 7100 Gas Monitor 

(Color Change Monitor)

a p k TBD k TBD k u a NA a k k 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

47
Table 5-7. Handheld Stationary Detection Equipment (TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection StatesAlarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery NeedsPower CapabilitiesEnvironm

110 SAFEYE Model 400 Gas 

Detection System

a p f p u k k k k u p k u 

111 7000 Series Data Logging 

Compact Portable Gas 

Detector a p p f p u k u p u p k u 

125 CM4 Gas Monitor (Color 

Change Chemistry)

a p p TBD f TBD k u a NA a k T

145 Gasman Portable Multiple 

Toxic Gas Monitor

a p TBD TBD TBD TBD k TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD T

146 Model 680EZ Portable 

Photoionization Detector

a TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD k TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD T

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

48
Table 5-8. Handheld Stationary Detection Equipment (CA and TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs Detected

SensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response Time

Start-Up Time

Detection States

Alarm Capability

Portability

Battery Needs

Power Capabilities

Environment

Du

1 IMS 2000

u p p p f k k u f u u TBD TBD 

6 Chemical Agent Monitor-2 

(CAM-2) Ion Mobility 

Spectrometry u p p p u u p u p u u u u 

20 Chemical Agent Detector 

Kit

u p p TBD a k TBD NA u NA NA u u 

21 M18A2 Chemical Agent 

Detector Kit

u p f f a u u k p NA NA u u 

22 M256A1 Kit Color Change 

Chemistry

u p f f a u p k u NA NA u u 

23 M272 Water Kit Color 

Change 

u k p p a u k k p NA NA u u 

26 Draeger CDS Kit

u p f TBD a k p a u NA NA k k 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

49
Table 5-8. Handheld Stationary Detection Equipment (CA and TIMs)

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs Detected

SensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response Time

Start-Up Time

Detection States

Alarm Capability

Portability

Battery Needs

Power Capabilities

Environment

Du

29 IS-101 Photoionization

u p f TBD u u k u f TBD p TBD u 

35 Miran SaphIRe Portable 

Ambient Air Analyzer

u p k TBD p k p k f TBD p TBD u 

155 KDTC Color Change 

Chemistry

u p p f a f p NA p TBD p TBD u 

156 RAPID I (Remote Air 

Pollution Infrared 

Detector)* u p f p p k p TBD f u u TBD u 

160 ppbRae 

u p a TBD u k k u u u p k TBD 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

50
Table 5-9. Vehicle-Mounted Detection Equipment

April 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response Time

Start-Up TimeDetection States

Alarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power CapabilitiesEnvironmenD

36 Chemical Biological Mass 

Spectrometer (CBMS)

u a f u u f u u a u f u u 

68 HP 6890 Series II GC with 

MS

u TBD TBD TBD a TBD k TBD a NA a TBD a 

69 MM-1 Mobile Mass 

Spectrometer Military

u a f p a a u TBD a u p TBD TBD 

70 EM-640 Mobile Mass 

Spectrometer Military

u p TBD u a f u TBD a u u k u 

79 eNOSE 5000 Electronic 

Nose Thermal and 

Electrical Conductivity TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD k u TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

51
Table 5-10. Fixed-Site Detection Systems

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents Detected

TIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection StatesAlarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power Capabilities

EnvironmentDura

7 GID-3, Chemical Agent 

Detection System Ion 

Mobility Spectrometry u p p p u k p u k u u u u 

56 CW Sentry Surface 

Acoustic Wave, 

Microsensor Systems, 

Inc.

u p k p f k p u a u p k a 

61 ADLIF System/ Flame 

Photometry Military

u a p f u a p u a u p TBD u 

66 Miran 981B Multipoint, 

Ambient Air Monitoring 

System, Infrared 

Spectroscopy 

a TBD p TBD p TBD k u a TBD TBD TBD TBD 

67 Automatic Continuous 

Environmental Monitor 

(ACEM) 900 GC u a u p a a k a a NA a u a 

105 Model TS400 Toxic Gas 

Detector Electrochemistry

a p p f f a k a a u p u u 

151 Fixed Site/Remote 

Chemical Agent Detector, 

Ion Mobility Spectrometry u a TBD p TBD TBD p p a TBD TBD TBD TBD 

158 GID-2A Chemical Detector

u p p p u k p u f NA a k u 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

52
Table 5-11. Fixed-Site Analytical Laboratory Systems

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs Detected

Sensitivity

Resistance to 

Interferents

Response Time

Start-Up Time

Detection States

Alarm Capability

Portability

Battery Needs

Power Capabilities

Environment

Du

31 Miniature Chemical Agent 

Monitor (MINICAM)

u a p f a TBD p u f NA a TBD TBD 

33 Miniature Air Sampling 

System (MASS)

u k NA NA a NA p TBD f p u TBD TBD 

44 Kodiak 1200 Mass 

Spectrometry

u TBD TBD TBD p f u u a NA a k TBD 

45 API 365 Mass 

Spectrometry (Pe Sciex)

u TBD TBD TBD u f u TBD a NA a TBD TBD 

46 Agilent 6890-5973, 

GC/MSD 

u TBD TBD u a a u u a NA a a u 

47 HP 6890 GC/Flame 

Photometry

u TBD u TBD a a p p a NA a k TBD 

48 Automatic Continuous Air 

Monitoring System 

(ACAMS) GC/Flame 

Photometry

u a p f a a p u a NA a TBD u 

49 Dual-Flame Photometric 

Detector GC/Flame 

Photometry a TBD TBD f a f u u a NA a TBD TBD 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

53
Table 5-11. Fixed-Site Analytical Laboratory Systems

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs Detected

Sensitivity

Resistance to 

Interferents

Response Time

Start-Up Time

Detection States

Alarm Capability

Portability

Battery Needs

Power Capabilities

Environment

Du

52 Saturn 2000 GC with Mass 

Spectrometry

u TBD TBD p a a u TBD a NA a TBD TBD 

53 HP 2350 Atomic Emission 

Detector Gas 

Chromatography with 

Mass Spectrometry u TBD TBD TBD a a u u a NA a TBD TBD 

54 Infrared Detector for Gas 

Chromatograph

u TBD TBD u TBD a u k a NA a TBD TBD 

71 Viking 573 GC with Mass 

Spectrometry

u p TBD u a f p TBD a u u k u 

72 Trace Ultra High 

Sensitivity GC with FTIR 

u TBD p TBD a f u TBD TBD NA a a TBD 

73 Innova Gas Analyzer Type 

1301 Photoacoustic 

Infrared Spectroscopy u TBD p u f f p k a u u k TBD 

86 Hewlett Packard HP1000 

HPLC System

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD u TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 

87 Perkin-Elmer Turbo LC 

Plus HPLC System

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

54
Table 5-11. Fixed-Site Analytical Laboratory Systems

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs Detected

Sensitivity

Resistance to 

Interferents

Response Time

Start-Up Time

Detection States

Alarm Capability

Portability

Battery Needs

Power Capabilities

Environment

Du

88 Shimadzu LC-10 HPLC 

System

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 

89 Varian ProStar Analytical 

HPLC System

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 

90 Dionex DX-500 IC System 

(Ion Chromatography)

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 

91 Brinkmann Metrohm 

Model 1761 IC System

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD p TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 

92 Hewlett-Packard HP3D 

CZE System (Capillary 

Zone Electrophoresis) TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD p TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 

93 Beckman-Coulter P/ACE 

5000 CZE System

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD u TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 

94 Bio-Rad BioFocus 2000 

System CZE

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

55
Table 5-12. Stand-Off Detection Systems

May 2000

ID #Detector Name

Chemical 

Agents DetectedTIMs DetectedSensitivityResistance to 

Interferents

Response TimeStart-Up TimeDetection States

Alarm CapabilityPortabilityBattery Needs

Power CapabilitiesEnvironmenD

40 M21 Automatic Chemical 

Agent Alarm/ FTIR 

(Remote Standoff CA 

Alarm and Sensor) u a a f p f k u a TBD TBD u u 

41 AN/KAS-1/AN/KAS-1A 

Chemical Warfare 

Directional Detector 

Infrared Spectroscopy p a TBD f TBD f k k f NA a k u 

42 Air Sentry-FTIR Infrared 

Spectroscopy

u a TBD TBD p u p TBD a NA a TBD TBD 

43 Laser Remote Detector 

(LIDAR) Military

p a a a p f k u a TBD u TBD TBD 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 5-13 for selection factor definitions.

56
Table 5-13. Selection Factor Key For Chemical Detection Equipment

May 2000

Chemical Agents 

Detected

TIMs Detected

Sensitivity

Resistance to 

Interferents

Response Time

Start-Up Time

Detection StatesAlarm Capability

Portability

Battery NeedsPower Capabilities

EnvironmentDurab

u Detects all 

nerve and 

blister agents

Detects all of 

the TIMs listed

Detects at onetenth IDLH for 

all detectable 

chemicals

Responds 

only to 

chemical 

agents and 

TIMs

Less than 10 

seconds

Less than 30 

seconds

Detects 

chemicals in 

all three states

Audible and 

Visible alarm

Less than 2 

pounds and 

handheld

Operates on 

standard, 

inexpensive, 

and readily 

available 

batteries for 

eight hours of 

continuous 

use

Battery or AC 

Powered

Operates in all 

expected 

environments

Able to 

operate with 

rough 

handling

p Detects 

multiple TIMs

Detects at onetenth IDLH for 

one or more 

detectable 

chemicals

Has a few noncritical 

interferants

Between 10 

and 60 

seconds

Between 30 

and 60 

seconds

Detects 

chemicals in 

two states

Audible alarm 

only

Between 2 and 

5 pounds and 

handheld

Battery 

Powered

k

Detects either 

the nerve or 

blister agent 

class

Detects one 

TIM

Detects at 

IDLH for all 

detectable 

chemicals

Between 1 and 

5 minutes

Detects 

chemicals in 

one state

Visible alarm 

only

Between 5 and 

10 pounds

Operates on 

standard, 

inexpensive, 

and readily 

available 

batteries for 

two hours of 

continuous 

use

Operates in 

most 

environments

Able to 

operate after 

being moved 

but not after 

rough 

handling

f

Detects at 

IDLH for one 

or more 

detectable 

chemicals

Has many 

interferants

Between 60 

seconds and 2 

minutes

Between 5 and 

30 minutes

Between 10 

and 50 pounds

Vehicle or AC 

Powered

a Detects none 

of the nerve or 

blister agents

Detects none 

of the TIMs 

listed

Does not 

detect IDLH 

levels

Does not 

discriminate 

between 

chemical 

agents/TIMs 

and 

interferants

Greater than 2 

minutes

More than 30 

minutes No capability No capability Greater than 

50 pounds

Operates on 

special order 

and expensive 

batteries

AC Powered

Operation is 

restricted to 

certain 

environments

Must remain 

stationary

The gray cells designate that the symbol is not applicable for the selection factor.

57
APPENDIX A

RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS ON DETECTORS
A-1

Recommended Questions on Detectors

Buying detection, protection, and decontamination equipment to respond to the

threatened terrorist use of chemical or biological warfare agents may be new for Public Safety

Agencies. To help procurement officials obtain the best value for their domestic preparedness

dollar, the staff of the Center for Domestic Preparedness (Fort McClellan, AL), Military

Chemical/Biological Units, the National Institute of Justice, and members of a federal

Interagency Board (that includes representatives from the state and local law enforcement,

medical, and fire communities) have compiled a series of questions. These questions should

assist officials in selecting products from the large number in the present day marketplace.

Requesting vendors to provide written responses to your specific questions may also be helpful in

the decision process.

1. What agents has the equipment been tested against?

2. Who conducted the tests? Have the test results been verified by an independent laboratory or

only by the manufacturer? What were the results of those tests?

3. What common substances cause a ‘false positive’ reading or interference?

4. Is the test data available? Where?

5. What types of tests were conducted? Have any engineering changes or manufacturing process

changes been implemented since the testing? If so, what were the changes?

6. Can the equipment detect both large and small agent concentrations?

7. Are there audible and visual alarms? What are their set points and how hard is it to change them?

Are the alarm set points easily set to regulatory or physiologically significant values?

8. How quickly does the detector respond to a spike in the agent concentration? How quickly does

the detector clear when taken to a clean area? What is the response time of the detector to a spike

in the agent? How much time does the detector take to clear when taken to a clean area?

9. How long does it take to put the equipment into operation? Can it be efficiently operated by

someone in a Level A suit?

10. How long do the batteries last? How long does it take to replace batteries or recharge? What is

the cost of new batteries? Are the expended batteries HAZMAT and what is the cost of disposal

of batteries?

11. How long has the company/manufacturer been involved with the Chem-Bio-Nuc and first

responder industries? You may also ask for references.

12. Is the company currently supplying its product(s) to similar agencies? If so, who? Ask for names

and phone numbers of departments currently using the company’s equipment. Ask to follow-up

on the phone any written testimonials.

13. What additional items are required to operate/maintain the equipment? At what cost? What

training materials are provided – manuals, videotapes, CD ROMs? What is the cost of training

materials?

14. What type of warranty/maintenance support is offered? Cost?

15. What is the return rate on the equipment under warranty? What are the top five reasons for failure?

16. What are the required on-hand logistical support and costs? How often does the equipment need

to be sent back to the manufacturer for maintenance?

17. How often does the equipment require calibration? Does calibration require returning the

equipment to the manufacturer? Does the calibration involve hazardous materials?

18. What special licenses/permits/registrations are required to own/operate the equipment?

19. What similar companies’products has this product been tested against? What were the results of

the tests? Compare it in cost and performance to M-8/M-9 paper.

20. What is the shelf life of the equipment? (open exposed, open unexposed, closed exposed, closed

unexposed)
A-2

21. What is required to decontaminate the equipment if taken into the Hot Zone?

22. What capability does this equipment give me that I do not currently possess? What equipment

can I do away with if I purchase this? Is it only used for military chemicals?

23. Does this equipment require any hazardous materials for cleaning? If yes, what are they?

24. Taking weight and size into consideration, what procedures/process are needed to employ down

range? How hard is it to decontaminate to get it out of the Hot Zone? What procedures/process

are employed to decontaminate to remove from Hot Zone?

25. What is the theory of operation? Surface acoustic wave (SAW) photo ionization, flame

ionization, etc.

26. What are the environmental limitations – high temperature, low temperature, humidity,

sand/dust?

27. What are the storage requirements? (i.e., refrigerators, cool room, or no special requirements)

28. What training is required to use the equipment and interpret the results? Does the company

provide this training, and what is the cost? How often is refresher training required?

Chemical/Biological Equipment Questions for Procurement Officials in Public Safety Agencies.
APPENDIX B

REFERENCES
B-1

REFERENCES

1. Bowen, Gregory W; Chemical Warfare (CW)/ Biological Warfare (BW) Agent Sensor

Technology Survey, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, AD-B172264,

January 29, 1993.

2. Brletich, Nancy; Waters, Mary Jo; Bowen, Gregory; Tracy, Mary Frances; Worldwide

Chemical Detection Equipment Handbook, Chemical Warfare/Chemical and

Biological Defense Information Analysis Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD,

AD-D754461, ISBN 1-888727-00-4, October 1995.

3. Longworth, Terri L; Cajigas, Juan C; Barnhouse, Jacob L; Ong, Kwok Y; Procell,

Suzanne A; Testing of Commercially Available Detectors Against Chemical Warfare

Agents: Summary Report, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving

Ground, MD, AD-A364123, ECBC-TR-033, February 1999.

4. Stuempfle, A.K.; Howells, D.J.; Armour, S.J.; Boulet, C.A.; International Task Force 25:

Hazard From Industrial Chemicals Final Report, Edgewood Research Development and

Engineering Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, AD-B236562, ERDEC-SP-061,

April 1998.

5. Widder, Jeffrey (PhD); Janus, Michael; Golly, Scott; Ewing, Kenneth (PhD); Barrett,

John; CSEPP Chemical Detection Equipment Assessment Volume I, July 1998.

6. Widder, Jeffrey (PhD); Janus, Michael; Golly, Scott; Ewing, Kenneth (PhD), Barrett,

John; CSEPP Chemical Detection Equipment Assessment Volume II, July 1998.

7. Widder, Jeffrey (PhD); Saubier, Leo; Janus, Michael; Jackson, William; Golly, Scott;

Final Report on Chemical Detection Equipment Market Survey for Emergency

Responders, September 23, 1998.

8. Potential Military Chemical/Biological Agents and Compounds, FM 3-9, AFR 355-7;

NAVFAC P-467, Army Chemical School, Fort, McClellan, AL, December 12, 1990.
U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

810 Seventh Street N.W.

Washington, DC 20531

Janet Reno

Attorney General

Daniel Marcus

Acting Associate Attorney General

Mary Lou Leary

Acting Assistant Attorney General

Julie E. Samuels

Acting Director, National Institute of Justice

For grant and funding information, contact:

Department of Justice Response Center

800-421-6770

Office of Justice Programs National Institute of Justice

World Wide Web Site: World Wide Web Site:

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij