Filters, usually made of activated charcoal, must block particles larger than one micron. Overgarments are also advisable to protect against contact with open wounds or otherwise broken skin. Best if a closed room, ideally insulated with plastic or some other nonpermeable material and ventilated with filtered air. Such traditional disinfectants as formaldehyde are effective for sterilizing surfaces. Must be for specific agent.
Some agents require several inoculations over an extended period before immunity is conferred.
For many agents, no vaccine is available. Only rudimentary field units currently available for a few specific agents. Research is under way to expand the number of agents that can be detected in battlefield situations or elsewhere.