The Marine Chemical and Biological Response Force (MCBRF) responds to chemical and biological incidents worldwide. They support local civilian agencies by providing expert medical advice and assistance as well as consequence management. MCBRF can counter the growing threat of biological/chemical terrorist attacks.
One type is the NBC Warning and Reporting System. It utilizes a variety of communication links in order to transmit information about a chemical agent.
The Material Safety Data Sheet is a legal document that lists the health and flammability of a chemical. The MSDS often lists the substance's reactiveness. It also contains zoning restrictions. This document can be used to guide emergency responders.
Quantitative dose-response relationships are a relationship between a dose of a substance, and its adverse effects. This is critical for public safety, as it allows you to estimate the likelihood that a specific effect will occur.
The National Contingency Plan is a federal law that establishes three levels of response to incidents involving hazardous substances. Each level has a set of responsibilities. The responsibilities include creating an inventory of potentially hazardous substances within a facility, performing a Hazard Identification, and developing an Emergency Plan. These functions are performed by the Area Emergency Management Coordinator and the Branch Office that serves the area in question.
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, also known as SARA, is the reauthorization of Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act. SARA's goal is to reduce the likelihood of exposure to dangerous substances. Title III adds new authorities to toxic chemicals release reporting. These new authorities include Community Right-to-Know reporting.
The CDC, a national agency for health, provides education and investigates, and tracks disease trends. It is the country's lead agency in protecting the health of Americans. It funds around 35,000 research projects in the United States.
Any responder must obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This document consists of a description of the substance, its reactivity and flammability, its zoning regulations, and its safe use directions. After completion, the MSDS should be submitted at the SERC.
There are many legal and regulatory authorities that can be used to regulate the handling of hazardous chemicals. For instance, the Geneva Protocol was signed by the United States in 1925 and ratified by Congress in 1975. This treaty forbids the use or any bacteriological method of warfare in conflict. While the protocol has helped to curb the use of these agents in the field, it does not prevent other nations from developing chemical weapons.
Another important entity is the National Institutes of Health. NIH provides funding to research and test innovative technologies, and it also helps protect the health of the American people. It also runs the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC implements illness control measures, such as surveillance, prevention, and treatment.