CBRN

CBRN denotes chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats and hazards. The term is used by military, public safety, and emergency management communities to describe risks involving hazardous agents or devices, and to guide prevention, detection, protection, and response.

Chemical threats involve toxic chemicals and chemical warfare agents. Examples include nerve agents (sarin), blister agents (mustard), choking agents (chlorine). Effects range from eye and skin irritation to severe systemic toxicity and death. Response emphasizes detection, personal protective equipment, rapid decontamination, antidotes, and medical care.

Biological threats involve pathogens or toxins, potentially released intentionally. Examples: bacteria or viruses such as Bacillus anthracis, variola virus, botulinum toxin. Impacts include disease outbreaks or mass casualties. Response includes medical treatment, diagnostics, vaccination where available, isolation, contact tracing, and environmental decontamination.

Radiological threats involve dispersed radioactive material; nuclear threats involve release of large quantities of ionizing radiation from nuclear devices or reactors. Effects depend on exposure level and can include acute radiation syndromes and long-term cancer risk. Response requires radiation detection, contamination control, evacuation or sheltering, decontamination, and medical management.

CBRN defense encompasses prevention, detection, protection, and response. It relies on equipment like protective clothing and detectors, trained responders, and interagency coordination. Internationally, treaties such as the Chemical Weapons Convention and Biological Weapons Convention aim to prohibit development and use of CBRN agents.

The field emphasizes risk assessment, rapid decision making, and information sharing to mitigate civilian and military impacts, and is continually updated to address dual-use materials and evolving threat scenarios.