Unlocking Research on Nuclear and Radiological Threats

By John Ohab

This blog post was shared with us by the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Information Analysis Center (CBRNIAC).

The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) history of the United States exists in sealed documents and gated buildings. Part of The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Information Analysis Center’s (CBRNIAC) goal is cataloging historical CBRN research for future use. Although most people are not familiar with the exact studies that occur at CBRN labs, you may be familiar with some of the sites.

Einstein buffs may be aware of the famed Trinity site, home to the first nuclear explosion. Other sites, like the One-Million-Liter Test Sphere, played a major role in biodefense experimentation during the Cold War. Or perhaps you’re familiar with the Air Force Weapons Lab Transmission Line Aircraft Simulator, which was used to test aircraft against electromagnetic pulses to simulate nuclear detonations.

CBRNIAC takes studies, conducted at sites similar to these, and catalogues the work to increase its accessibility across the DoD and government agencies. We are one of ten IACs that work with the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC). Like the other IACs, we track and analyze research that has been conducted specific to our technical focus area (for us, CBRN defense); our staff of subject matter experts makes this research accessible to those who may not have the time to sift through the mountains of data themselves, and is available to provide answers to specific questions.

This capability is particularly important when world events necessitate a quick response to a complex problem. The current situation in Japan is one example. CBRNIAC has developed a diverse collection of data on radiological threats, including our own original research as well as studies conducted by others with expertise across government, industry, and academia. DoD and government agencies interested in past CBRN research have access to the reports directly through DTIC, or can call our experts for assistance. If applicable studies cannot be found, we have the capability to perform new research ourselves. Agencies may be interested in viewing studies on the radioactive nuclear fallout on ships, methods to properly measure radioactive fallout in the air, and testing on protective equipment used in nuclear facilities.

The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Information Analysis Center (CBRNIAC) is one of ten Information Analysis Centers (IACs) chartered by DOD and managed by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC). CBRNIAC is the DOD Center of Excellence responsible for acquiring, archiving, analyzing, synthesizing, and disseminating scientific and technical information related to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense.