Biological and Chemical Threat Detection in Commercial Buildings: A DHS Perspective

High profile targets for biological and chemical attack are relatively easy to identify and thus provide appropriate protection. However, a low but real risk is present for many other commercial buildings, particularly those that have large numbers of occupants (so called soft targets). The low probability of such an event, combined with the high cost of sensors capable of confirming the presence of hazardous agents are problematic for widespread adoption. Consequently, DHS is studying technology that could both detect hazardous agents in buildings and improve the performance of existing life safety systems, at minimal additional cost to the building owner.