Research Highlights

Technology Performance Summary for
Chemical Detection Instruments

All Hazards Receipt Facilities (AHRFs) were developed to prescreen for chemical, radiochemical, and explosive hazards in samples collected during suspected terrorist attacks. The technologies (i.e., instruments) used in AHRFs are intended to screen samples prior to a full analysis, helping protect responders, laboratory workers, and others from potential injury.

Evaluations of these technologies are summarized in two technology evaluation reports:

1. Testing of Screening Technologies for Detection of Chemical Warfare Agents in All Hazards Receipt Facilities (CWAs)
2. Testing of Screening Technologies for Detection of Toxic Industrial Chemicals in All Hazards Receipt Facilities (TICs)

The chemicals included in the reports were chosen because they might be used during, or develop as a by-product from, a terrorist attack. The screening technologies are intended:

• To be rapid and qualitative
• To be simple to use and of relatively low cost
• To indicate if samples contain hazardous chemicals of concern.

Not all of the technologies evaluated were deemed suitable for the AHRF, although they might be useful for on scene responders. The screening technologies tested were chosen based on a review of commercially available detection devices. From the variety of detection instruments reviewed, 16 screening technologies were selected for testing based on their suitability for use in AHRFs.

The 16 technologies ranged from simple test papers, kits, and color-indicating tubes to hand-held electronic detectors based on ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), photoionization detection (PID), and flame spectrophotometry (FSP). Each technology was tested with three replicate samples for each matrix (vapor, liquid, or on a surface) containing either a CWA or TIC. CWAs and TICs were tested at concentrations known to be hazardous to humans within a few minutes of exposure (e.g., AEGL = Acute Exposure Guide Level).

The following performance parameters were evaluated for each technology:

• Identifying the number of false positives/false negatives and the repeatability of test results
• Time in which the instrument detected the presence of a chemical (i.e., response time)
• Operational information including ease of use and response indication (e.g., color change indicating chemical detection)
• Cost including initial, sample, and continuing operating costs.

For an overall summary of the performance parameters evaluated for each of the 16 technologies, view the Technology Performance Summary for Chemical Detection Instruments (PDF) (8 pp, 329 KB) (EPA/600/S-09/015) January 2009. In addition, research highlights on the individual technologies and the full reports are viewable on the Technology performance summaries for detection instruments page.

Contact: Eric Koglin

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