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Published on: October 3, 2016
The national framework and consequence management guidance following a biological attack
Ellen Raber1, Wilthea J Hibbard, Robert Greenwalt
1Counterterrorism Program, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551, USA. raber1@llnl.gov
Summary
Managing Bacillus anthracis spore releases demands technical expertise. A new national framework guides risk-based remediation and cleanup decisions for effective response and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science and Public Health
- Biodefense and Emergency Response
Background:
- Aerosolized Bacillus anthracis spore releases necessitate advanced technical knowledge for effective consequence management.
- Existing national policies address preparedness and organization but lack specific remediation guidance for responders.
- Critical factors include defining cleaning scope, assessing health risks, prioritizing cleanup, and selecting decontamination technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a national-level framework for guiding risk-based decision-making in Bacillus anthracis spore release remediation.
- To inform technical personnel on best practices for activities leading to facility and area restoration.
- To outline a phased approach for response and recovery following a biological attack.
Main Methods:
- Development of a national-level framework based on interagency consensus and approval.
- Creation of detailed decision flowcharts for each of the 6 response and recovery phases.
- Identification of key questions to be addressed from initial detection to final reoccupancy.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive, risk-based framework has been established to guide remediation efforts.
- The framework details best practices for technical personnel throughout the response and recovery process.
- A 6-phase structure, supported by decision flowcharts, provides a clear roadmap for managing Bacillus anthracis incidents.
Conclusions:
- The developed framework provides essential guidance for effective consequence management of Bacillus anthracis spore releases.
- Implementation of this risk-based approach facilitates informed decision-making and efficient restoration of affected areas.
- The phased guidance ensures a systematic return to normal functions post-incident.
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