Abstract
Fear of Terrorist Attacks Increases Concerns over Building Security
Much of the development effort in chemical and biological detection systems has been devoted to portable or mobile devices that can be employed by the first responders to suspected terrorist strikes. However, since the horrific events of September 11 and the subsequent anthrax scare, building security is drawing much needed attention. Similar to the Beslan school tragedy, many of the potential targets for attacks are fixed sites, and this has prompted security firms to design and market chemical and biological detection systems specifically meant for buildings. These developers of chemical detection systems are increasingly using wireless technology and Internet Protocols to transmit data and secure building infrastructure.
This Technical Insights research studies key markets and applications for chemical and biological detection in buildings along with upcoming technologies. It also identifies leading companies and developers in this field and mentions drivers as well as obstacles in the way of commercial success.
Government Funding Boosts Development of Detection Systems for Buildings
The U.S. Government, through the technical support working group of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is funding major developments in the field of chemical and biological detection systems for buildings. A key driver for this move is the dread about chemical agents being released through heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Such concerns have led to the development of an array of products based on different detection mechanisms. However, these systems, in principle, provide continuous ambient air monitoring for chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) which DHS authorities fear could be turned into a weapon by terrorists.
"A major limitation of fixed site chemical agent detectors is that they must be able to detect a variety of threats," notes the analyst of this research. "This is being addressed with systems that have a library of detectable threats and with further technological advances and economies of scale, prices of such systems may also decline."
On the biological front, among numerous product developments, a California firm, Universal Detection Technology, has adapted a spore detection technology originally used by NASA to monitor bacterial growth on spacecraft. The system functions like a smoke detector and autonomously monitors the air for anthrax spores. Since terrorists have access to a range of bio-weapons, the ability of biological detection systems to monitor different strains of pathogens with varied characteristics is crucial. Due to this, the uptake of biological detection systems for buildings may be slower than chemical systems. Nevertheless, the actual use of anthrax has spurred their adoption, most significantly, by the U.S. Postal Service. The military is another likely customer for such technologies, particularly in parts of the world that are under increased terrorist attacks.
System Integration is Key for Efficient Incorporation of Building Security
As the level of vulnerability against biological terrorist attacks remains high, security agencies are offering advanced detection products such as the ThraxVac・anthrax decontamination and Mini-Raman Lidar・chemical detection technologies.
With numerous products still at the developmental stage, accuracy and deployability are vital. "No matter which detection technology is used to protect buildings, its findings must be integrated with new or existing security systems to alert emergency managers," says the analyst. "Some of the most promising system integrators rely on Internet protocol or wireless technology to link multiple sensors to computers in control rooms as well as remote command posts, in order to transmit their data as quickly as possible."
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