Air Monitoring Devices and Bioterrorism, Research Paper Example

The anthrax terroristic attack in 2001 increased both government and public awareness to the possible bioterrorism risks. Since 2001, the federal government has implemented a system designed to increase detection of bioterrorism. Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rewritten procedures to prepare against biological weapons used in an attack, as well as detect early warning signs of pathogen release with the implementation of the BioWatch Program. (Federation of American Scientists, 2013) The current paper discusses the BioWatch Program and its role in specific air monitoring and detection devices in terrorist related hazardous materials incidents.

The BioWatch program is a surveillance system that was created in order to detect the planned discharge of aerosol type biological harmful agents. The system is organized and maintained through the Department of Homeland Security. The DHS has also involved health professionals and agencies within the government in order for the system to run appropriately in a collaborative effort. (DHS, 2013) There are three different components within the BioWatch Program, consisting of sampling, analysis and response. Different Federal agencies are in charge of these components. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains sampling of airborne particles collected from sensors. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzes the laboratory testing of the samplings and the local law enforcement agencies are in charge of the public health response to any positive results or findings. In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) acts as the lead agency for response to a terroristic attack. (Federation of American Scientists, 2013)

The BioWatch air sampling system has devices installed in more 30 major U.S. metropolitan areas. Samples collected from the system are analyzed daily for biological agents. The air samples are gathered from aerosol samplers that have been structured on preexisting EPA air quality monitoring stations. The original purpose of the air quality monitoring stations was for air quality measures per EPA standards and measures. The filters used for BioWatch program are collected and reported at 24-hour periods and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory methods. The DHS reports that the laboratory testing of the filters can detect pathogens that cause anthrax, plague, tularemia, and smallpox. The entire list of harmful pathogens is not available to the public. (Federation of American Scientists, 2013)

In the event that a result is positive and the presence of genetic material matches that of a biological agent used in bioterrorism, a signal is generated. The signal is referred to as a BioWatch Actionable Result (BAR). In addition, there is a two-pronged first response initiated. The state and public health agencies responsible for epidemic investigations are notified, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for law enforcement issues. In addition, the FBI conducts a threat assessment with the mentioned agencies and HAZMAT personnel. The HAZMAT unit investigates for evidence of the presence of chemicals or radiological materials. (CDC, 2013)

The purpose of the monitors is to serve as an early detection to biological attacks. The devices were first employed in 2003 and currently require a manual collection and a daily sampling for each monitor. In June 2013, the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council, provided a suggestion for an alternative system that meets the same requirements for the BioWatch program, but produced automated results and more quickly. (Institute of Medicine, 2013) Overall, the use of the monitors can serve as a preventative measure on a daily basis. In addition, the monitors can be installed at various gatherings where government officials feel possible biological threats could occur. More research and investigation into the most effective and timely detection are still in development; however, the current system is routinely maintained and monitored through the Department of Homeland Security.

References

CDC. (2013). Bioterrorism Information for First Responders. Retrieved from: http://emergency.cdc.gov/bioterrorism/responders.asp

DHS. (2013). Health Threats Resilience Division. Retrieved from: http://www.dhs.gov/health-threats-resilience-division

Federation of American Scientists. (2013). The BioWatch Program: Detection of Bioterrorism. Retrieved from: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/RL32152.html

Institute of Medicine. (2013). Technologies to Enable Autonomous Detection for BioWatch: Ensuring Timely and Accurate Information for Public Health Officials – Workshop Summary. Retrieved from: http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2013/Technologies-to-Enable-Autonomous-Detection-for-BioWatch.aspx

National Academy of Sciences. (2010). BioWatch and Public Health SurveillanceEvaluating Systems for the Early Detection of Biological Threats. http://iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2009/BioWatch-Public-Health-Surveillance/Biowatch%202010%20Report%20Brief.pdf