Ion Mobility Spectrometry as a Part of a System for Rapid Detection of Toxic Chemicals

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this paper is to present ion mobility spectrometry as a method for the local detection of chemical contaminants. Introduction: According to the doctrine currently in force in the Military Forces of the Republic of Poland, contamination reconnaissance is the action aimed at identifying the occurrence of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incidents or the presence of a CBRN agent in the environment. It involves observation, detection and specific contamination reconnaissance. Observation is the systematic tracking of the airspace, ground areas, people, animals and materials. Devices of visual, sound, electronic and photographic observation or other devices enabling the identification of a CBRN incident or the presence of a CBRN agent in the environment are used for that purpose. Detection is the action aimed at confirming the occurrence of a CBRN incident or the presence of a CBRN agent in the environment while specific reconnaissance is the action taken to specify the type and level of contaminants in the area once the occurrence of a CBRN incident or the presence of a CBRN agent in the environment is confirmed. Contamination reconnaissance should be prepared and performed as appropriate to the threat level. Moreover, the equipment and operating procedures employed to that end should ensure immediate alerts on the presence of CBRN agents. The current technological advancement of equipment used by fire brigades requires that fire and rescue operations take into account the careful identification of threats which may be present during the operation. The necessity for carrying out reconnaissance results from the nature of buildings under fire. While preparing measures for fighting fires of dangerous chemicals present at a given location and their properties, one should take into account chemical weapon agents (CWAs), toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), explosives, gases creating flammable or self-igniting mixtures, radioactive sources, etc. Conclusions: Contamination threats in the territory of the Republic of Poland are on an upward trend. The entities included in the National System of Contamination Detection and Alerting should be prepared, in both technical and procedural terms, for conducting reconnaissance and initial identification of contaminants at the place of their occurrence. The system is equipped with devices using ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). According to global trends, these devices should be successively replaced with solutions characterised by better sensitivity and selectivity. New devices could be based on differential mobility spectrometry (DMS). This solution should apply to portable and transportable instruments. The application of new technical solutions should be accompanied by the unification of the system in the area of contamination reconnaissance and the creation of cooperation plans, and this would have a significant impact on the safety of people and infrastructure.