CBRN and Chemical Research Activities

The CBRN and Chemical Toxicology Research Group is part of the Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division of the Health Protection Agency. The primary role of the Research Group is to provide timely and authoritative advice to Government Departments, Agencies and emergency responders.

This advice helps ensure that the UK is optimally prepared to deal with incidents involving the accidental or deliberate release of harmful substances. The practical expertise and knowledge required to deliver this role is also applied to the assessment of emerging technologies which may have the potential to cause adverse health effects.

The Research Group actively works with a range of Government, industrial and academic partners in the UK and has strong affiliations with organisations across Europe and North America. The knowledge and capabilities provided by the Group fully complement and integrate with other expertise available within the Health Protection Agency in areas such as radiation and microbiology. This cross-Divisional, multidisciplinary working environment supports the role of the Health Protection Agency as an authoritative and comprehensive provider of services regarding public health issues arising from the deliberate or accidental release of hazardous materials.