19 January 2021
This Info Flash will explore the evolution of CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) tasks in the armed forces by focusing on PPE, decontamination, some topics of pharmacology, and logistics. We will view this through the Covid-19 pandemic, to help contextualise the subject in a contemporary setting. We will also consider the EU legal framework and how it relates to CBRN.
The First World War saw the first widespread use of chemical agents as a discrete military weapon, distinct from other arms. This necessitated that military medicine focus on response to chemical weapons casualties on a large scale. Whilst chemical and biological weapons were not used in any meaningful way during the Second World War, they were available to Allied, and Axis forces. They have been used in subsequent conflicts; most notably in the Iran- Iraq conflict from 1980-1988.
Today CBRN threats have become more common, and the danger posed by such have been underscored by the difficulties in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. The term CBRN replaced the Cold War term “NBC” (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical), which itself replaced the previous: “ABC” (Atomic, Biological, and Chemical). In CBRN, Chemical relates to use of chemical agents such as Yperite or Sarin; Biological refers to infectious organic compounds such as Anthrax or Q-Fever; Radiological covers dispersal of radioactive material through non-nuclear explosions (a dirty bomb) or other mechanisms; Nuclear covers the explosion of nuclear weapons or fissile material. In Europe, the European Commission (EC) defines CBRN as issues that harm society through their accidental or deliberate release, dissemination, or impact.
During the 20th century, many soldiers died from infectious diseases, spread through a lack of basic healthcare, hygiene and personal administration rather than conventional weapons such as bombs.[1] Many were wounded or killed in CBRN incidents, notably in the wars mentioned above. Furthermore, many civilians have been targeted through CBRN means. Events such as the 1995 Aum Shumrikio cult’s Sarin gas attack, on the Tokyo subway; or the Anthrax letter campaign immediately after 9/11, show that CBRN is not exclusively restricted to the military realm. However, CBRN research is not presently considered a high priority, even as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic becomes clear. Additionally, recent crisis management activities have highlighted the potential added value of using military assets in complex environments, or specific situations, to which CBRN capabilities can be brought to bear.
In legal terms, the European Union has not adopted any solid legislation governing CBRN issues. However, in 2009, the European Commission launched the first EU Action Plan on CBRN security. This aimed at strengthening CBRN security in the EU by introducing threat reduction measures. In 2018 the Council adopted batch of 17 projects under the PESCO framework. Although none explicitly focussed on CBRN response, several foci on CBRN challenges; for example, there is a proposal for developing a CBRN surveillance system combining manned, and unmanned elements, for operational deployment across the aerial, ground, and maritime domains.
In CBRN healthcare, there is a strong focus on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This refers to items personnel wear in CBRN environments. The primary protective equipment against radiological agents consists of respiratory protection in the form of a mask; and with skin coverage provided by overalls, gloves, and boots. Whilst useful, PPE should also be used in conjunction with other protective methods such as exposure control procedures, and equipment.
In response to CBRN threats, the United Kingdom (UK) has created the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART). This provides medical interventions through PPE equipped, and CBRN trained teams. The United States, focussing on equipment, has the Critical Care Decontamination System, an innovative system designed to sanitise medical masks for reuse which fits in a cargo container. This highlights the types of innovation that could inspire EU nations in efforts to reduce CBRN threats.
Following the concept of decontamination, new methods of removing chemical agents have been created. The Canadian and US militaries have jointly developed a “Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion” (RSDL), designed to remove or neutralise chemical agents and T-2 fungal toxins from the skin. When exposed to these agents, the user simply wipes the exposed skin with the lotion, thus neutralising the toxic agents.
The civil aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic have highlighted a need for decontamination of ambulances and hospital entrances which can become vectors for contaminant infiltration. To deal with these threats, several sophisticated electronic decontamination tools have appeared in conjunction with other novel means of decontamination, such as those produced by Cristanini in Italy or Steris in the US.
From a pharmacological perspective, militaries must possess medication for treatment of chemical and biological agents and other drugs for allergic reaction to such agents. In general, these are in possession of the military, both in the field and at home bases; however, civilian hospitals may have access. For example, due to their use in terrorism, civilian hospitals have used several agents to combat anthrax and botulinum toxin. In the USA, the Biological Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is developing the Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria programme to test drugs for use against multiple CBRN threats.
CBRN’s logistical aspects are also critical; the Covid-19 pandemic has shown how the CBRN logistical system was a foundation for the early response to this crisis. Urgently needed equipment for medical responders was provided from military CBRN stores. This bought valuable time, and undoubtedly saved lives, not to mention protecting precious medical personnel in the initial stages of the pandemic.
In a military CBRN emergency, there will be an additional requirement for equipment and clean water. To this end, there is scope for innovation and blue-sky thinking. For example, British producer Icon Lifesaver has created an innovative, energy-efficient, graphene-based, water purification tool. This could be useful considering the water demands for chemical and biological decontamination of vehicles, facilities, personnel and equipment. This system, allowing the reuse of wastewater, would reduce the logistical burden of crisis managers.
Considering the threats and responses in the CBRN field, this brief paper should underline the fact that modern responses to CBRN threats require serious international cooperation. The EU and international organisations such as NATO are ideally suited to this. As noted, the US investment in BARDA, the European Union investment in Horizon 2020 projects and the European Defence Industrial Development Program offer scope for significant collaboration. Meanwhile, the Covid-19 pandemic and the search for a vaccine should provide impetus to implementing new CBRN research.
Written by Christian DI MENNA, Legal Researcher at Finabel – European Army Interoperability Centre
Sources
Dan Kaszeta (2020), Equipping Medical Responders for CBRN scenarios. Available at: https://euro-sd.com/2020/09/headline/18848/equipping-medical-responders-for-cbrn-scenarios/
European Commission, Directorate-General Home Affairs (2016), CBRN glossary. Available at : https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/crisis-and-terrorism/securing-dangerous-material/docs/cbrn_glossary_en.pdf
FDA, (2003), FDA Clears Skin Lotion for Military to Protect Against Chemical Burns. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/bioterrorism-and-drug-preparedness/fda-clears-skin-lotion-military-protect-against-chemical-burns
Lyudmila Simeonova, Čestmír Hylak (2015), Personal protective equipment (PPE) in CBRN incidents, The Science for Population Protection.
