The Challenge of Determining the Need for Remediation Following a Wide-Area Biological Release. Commentary

Recovering from a biological attack is a complex process requiring the successful resolution of numerous challenges. The Interagency Biological Restoration Demonstration program is one of the first multiagency efforts to develop strategies and tools that could be effective following a wide-area release of B. anthracis spores. Nevertheless, several key policy issues and associated science and technology issues still need to be addressed. For example, more refined risk assessment and management approaches are needed to help evaluate true public health risk. Once the risk is understood, that information can be considered along with the types of characterization activities deemed necessary to determine whether the cost and time of decontamination are actually warranted. This commentary offers 5 recommendations associated with decision making regarding decontamination and clearance options that should accompany a comprehensive risk analysis leading to more effective risk management decisions and summarizes some of the most important technological gaps that still need to be addressed. Published in Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science, Volume 9, Number 3, p257-261, 2011. The WARRP Program is a joint effort of DOE, DoD, EPA, HHS, and DHS.