Volume 24
June 2018 Edition
WHAT TECHNOLOGIES ARE USED FOR CHEMICAL DE- • They are used to determine if a threat is present and
what class it falls under.
TECTION?
• They are single-use tests and are inexpensive to pro-
cure.
• The multi-gas monitor is a critical personal safety de-
vice.
• It is most commonly used for leak detection of toxic
gases like carbon monoxide or chlorine.
• Some monitors are equipped with photoionization de-
tectors for volatile organic chemical (VOC) detection.
• Gas monitors are sensitive and susceptible to interfer-
ents.
• To download training posters and classroom materials
go to flir.com/primed.
• Each mission differs slightly, meaning no single chem-
ical detection tool will accomplish every task.
• Chemical detectors vary in sensitivity (the ability to de-
tect very low levels of chemicals) and specificity (the
ability to distinguish and identify one target from an-
other).
• While some detectors like colorimetric test kits only in-
dicate the presence of a chemical, others like GC/MS
specifically identify what and how much of the threat
Raman and FTIR are primarily used for bulk samples.
is present.
• It is important to understand the capabilities of each • They can quickly interrogate unknown solids, liquids
and mixtures, including narcotics, explosives, and TICs
technology.
– even through containers.
WHAT ARE THE KEY ADVANTAGES OF EACH CATEGORY • This equipment is lightweight and fast, but not ideal
for trace-level detection.
OF TECHNOLOGY?
Colorimetric test kits are most commonly used for fast IMS is known as a fast and sensitive technology.
presumptive information about a chemical – ranging • While IMS systems provide critical early warning to
responders as to the presence of a chemical threat,
from chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chem-
they are also prone to frequent false positive readings
icals to narcotics.
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