Defence Research and Development Canada
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Biological Aerosol Facilities at DRDC Suffield
Technology Development
Scientific staff at DRDC Suffield has spent the past 25 years developing knowledge and technology in bioaerosol generation and measurement for point and standoff detection. The development of the Fluorescence Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (FLAPS) has allowed measurement of particles that are biological in origin by screening for fluorescence that is intrinsic in biomolecules. The FLAPS was incorporated into the Canadian Integrated Biochemical Agent Detection System (CIBADS) and used as a system for detection of bio-warfare terrorism at the Asia Pacific Economic Conference in 1997.
Research staff are also working on a system of bioaerosol standoff detection. The Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system uses scanning laser radar to generate a three-dimensional map of concentration in an aerosol cloud and will contribute to the development of early-warning systems.
With the development of these technologies, DRDC Suffield has accumulated substantial knowledge and capability in aerosol detection in chamber and field environments. This effort is now expanding to include T&E of commercial equipment available to military and civilian first responders. The ability to generate reliable and scientifically valid data on personal and collective protection, as well as detection and identification devices is critical with the variety of products now available to responders.
Facilities
Bioaerosol Chamber
Recent upgrades to this chamber provide a reliable state-of-the-art system for generating and measuring aerosols. The chamber:
This configuration provides the opportunity for:
T&E Areas
PPE
The current facility at DRDC Suffield offers the opportunity to test Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for military and civilian first responders within the Bioaerosol and CBplus Chambers. New focus areas include developing standardized methods and a best practices approach for testing PPE against bioaerosols.
Scientifically valid data generated through application of standard methods allows comparison of various PPE ensembles and evaluation of the ensembles against their desired use, instilling confidence in those using the equipment.
Detection
Testing of biological aerosol detection equipment is conducted under a variety of conditions to best characterize the capabilities and limitations of the equipment. This type of testing is possible using a field aerosol site and/or a bioaerosol chamber. Chamber testing provides more control over experimental parameters, while field trials allow for evaluation of field worthiness and system-level testing, including the user-technology interface. A BSL-3 containment lab is also available for testing identification subsystems. Validation of these technologies is facilitated through the use of reference instruments, incorporation of interferents in the testing plan, and application of internationally recognized T&E procedures.
| Recent bioterrorism
events and hoaxes have increased attention and concern over biological
warfare agents. Many organizations, including Public Safety and Emergency
Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
are focusing on biological agents as high priority threats to public
security and global health. Knowledge gaps and non-standardized protocols have triggered the need for a standard and more scientifically robust approach to applied bioaerosol research and test and evaluation (T&E). DRDC Suffield is addressing these challenges through continued development of bioaerosol knowledge in the research program and facilities upgrades that will allow a consistent approach to T&E. These are both supported by a number of unique testing facilities that allow the characterization of static and dynamic bioaerosol clouds and T&E of protection, detection, collection, and identification equipment. |
 |
Technology Development
Scientific staff at DRDC Suffield has spent the past 25 years developing knowledge and technology in bioaerosol generation and measurement for point and standoff detection. The development of the Fluorescence Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (FLAPS) has allowed measurement of particles that are biological in origin by screening for fluorescence that is intrinsic in biomolecules. The FLAPS was incorporated into the Canadian Integrated Biochemical Agent Detection System (CIBADS) and used as a system for detection of bio-warfare terrorism at the Asia Pacific Economic Conference in 1997.
Research staff are also working on a system of bioaerosol standoff detection. The Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system uses scanning laser radar to generate a three-dimensional map of concentration in an aerosol cloud and will contribute to the development of early-warning systems.
With the development of these technologies, DRDC Suffield has accumulated substantial knowledge and capability in aerosol detection in chamber and field environments. This effort is now expanding to include T&E of commercial equipment available to military and civilian first responders. The ability to generate reliable and scientifically valid data on personal and collective protection, as well as detection and identification devices is critical with the variety of products now available to responders.
Facilities
Bioaerosol Chamber
Recent upgrades to this chamber provide a reliable state-of-the-art system for generating and measuring aerosols. The chamber:
- generates a dynamic aerosol cloud using various simulants (Bacillus atrophaeus [formerly globigii], Erwinia herbicola, Male Specific Coliphage (MS2), Newcastle Disease vaccine, and ovalbumin)
- generates reference data using a slit sampler array and AGIs
uses Aerodynamic Particle Sizers (APSs) to obtain high-resolution distribution of particles ranging from 0.5 µm to 15 µm, and - allows increased capability in background aerosol characterization
CBplus Chamber
See separate fact sheet
Open Air Field Site
The field site testing area is equipped with:
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 |
This configuration provides the opportunity for:
- Field assessment of point and standoff biological aerosol detection and identification systems
- Training of personnel, and
- Testing field logistics
T&E Areas
PPE
The current facility at DRDC Suffield offers the opportunity to test Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for military and civilian first responders within the Bioaerosol and CBplus Chambers. New focus areas include developing standardized methods and a best practices approach for testing PPE against bioaerosols.
Scientifically valid data generated through application of standard methods allows comparison of various PPE ensembles and evaluation of the ensembles against their desired use, instilling confidence in those using the equipment.
Detection
Testing of biological aerosol detection equipment is conducted under a variety of conditions to best characterize the capabilities and limitations of the equipment. This type of testing is possible using a field aerosol site and/or a bioaerosol chamber. Chamber testing provides more control over experimental parameters, while field trials allow for evaluation of field worthiness and system-level testing, including the user-technology interface. A BSL-3 containment lab is also available for testing identification subsystems. Validation of these technologies is facilitated through the use of reference instruments, incorporation of interferents in the testing plan, and application of internationally recognized T&E procedures.
