Preparedness and response to chemical and biological threats: the role of exposure science

• Published in: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Vol. 1378; no. 1; pp. 108 - 117
• Main Authors: Lioy, Paul J., Laskin, Jeffrey D., Georgopoulos, Panos G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.08.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: airborne chemical and biological agents; anthrax; Biological Warfare Agents; Chemical Warfare Agents - toxicity; Civil Defense - methods; Civil Defense - trends; Disaster Planning - methods; Disaster Planning - trends; Emergency preparedness; exposure modeling; hazardous releases; Humans; population exposures; Risk Assessment - methods; Risk Assessment - trends; Science; Terrorism - prevention & control; Terrorism - trends; War Exposure - adverse effects; War Exposure - prevention & control; airborne chemical and biological agents; exposure modeling; population exposures; emergency preparedness; anthrax; hazardous releases
• ISSN: 0077-8923; 1749-6632
• DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13173

There are multiple components to emergency preparedness and the response to chemical and biological threat agents. The 5Rs framework (rescue, reentry, recovery, restoration, and rehabitation) outlines opportunities to apply exposure science in emergency events. Exposure science provides guidance and refined tools for characterizing, assessing, and reducing risks from catastrophic events, such as the release of hazardous airborne chemicals or biological agents. Important challenges to be met include deployment of assets, including medications, before and after an emergency response situation. Assessment of past studies demonstrates the value of integrating exposure science methods into risk analysis and the management of catastrophic events.