College of Engineering
The Center for Energy Research and Technology
BUILDING VULNERABILITY AND PROTECTION AGAINST CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS
Development of Materials for the Education of Building Professionals
The threat posed by Chemical and Biological Agent (CBA) Attacks is complex and hence there is a need to educate people on this threat. Recent studies on terrorist activities involving the use of CBA suggests that increasingly the general civilian population is being targeted. It has become explicitly clear, especially, after the 9/11 terrorists attacks and the subsequent anthrax incidents, that the U.S. finds itself involved in "asymmetrical warfare". The geographical isolation of the U.S. is no more a sufficient barrier for preventing attacks on its citizens and cities.
In response to this threat, in February 2005 the US EPA awarded a project to NC A&T State University to develop educational materials for building professionals related to protecting buildings against Chemical and Biological Agent (CBA) Attacks.
The objectives of the project are to:
- Provide tools, techniques, technologies, and guidance needed to minimize the impact of CB attack on building occupants
- Provide tools to minimize spread of CB contaminants after an attack
- Provide tools, techniques, technologies, and guidance needed to decontaminate buildings and dispose of contaminated materials
- Provide training to building professionals to ensure that results of research are widely available
