CBRN R&D

The work of the CBRN R&D team is performed in close collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and is based at the Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response in Wiltshire.

This research provides practical answers to often complex questions concerning the potential health effects of toxic chemicals, and provides scientific evidence to support planning and responses to incidents involving the deliberate release of hazardous materials.

A current focus of research involves various aspects of casualty decontamination - the process by which hazardous substances can be removed from a contaminated individual.

These projects utilise a diverse range of experimental techniques such as full body UV fluorescent imaging which allow the effectiveness of decontamination systems to be evaluated, for example during exercises performed in partnership with the Police, Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Services.