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Chemical and Biological Agent Incident Response and Decision Process for Civilian and Public Sector Facilities
Author(s) -
Raber Ellen,
Hirabayashi Joy M.,
Mancieri Saverio P.,
Jin Alfred L.,
Folks Karen J.,
Carlsen Tina M.,
Estacio Pete
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
risk analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.972
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1539-6924
pISSN - 0272-4332
DOI - 10.1111/0272-4332.00026
Subject(s) - risk analysis (engineering) , process (computing) , biological warfare , chemical warfare agents , identification (biology) , flowchart , event (particle physics) , computer science , computer security , key (lock) , management science , process management , engineering , business , biochemical engineering , systems engineering , political science , botany , physics , quantum mechanics , law , biology , operating system
In the event of a terrorist attack or catastrophic release involving potential chemical and/or biological warfare agents, decisionmakers will need to make timely and informed choices about whether, or how, to respond. The objective of this article is to provide a decision framework to specify initial and follow‐up actions, including possible decontamination, and to address long‐term health and environmental issues. This decision framework consists of four phases, beginning with the identification of an incident and ending with verification that cleanup and remediation criteria have been met. The flowchart takes into account both differences and similarities among potential agents or toxins at key points in the decision‐making process. Risk evaluation and communication of information to the public must be done throughout the process to ensure a successful effort.