CBRN Primer - Gas maskslowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness that descends from the shoulders down...

CBRN Primer

[ Information about the new NIOSH standards ]

Examples of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Hazards

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“...one of the most pressing and disturbingissues of our time — the threat of germweapons used by terrorists. That threat is real.. . .” (Senator Bill Frist, M.D., October 3, 2001)

Selected Agents & ThreatsAgents Indications

Chemical agentsCyanide Rapid breathing, restlessness, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea and vom-

iting, rapid heart rate. Exposure to a large amount of cyanide by any route mayalso cause these other health effects: convulsions, low blood pressure, slowheart rate, loss of consciousness, lung injury, respiratory failure leading todeath.

Mustard (HD) Blistering of the skin and mucous membranes on contact.These symptoms may not occur for 2 to 24 hours:Red and itching skin; irritation, pain, swelling, and tearing in eyes; runny nose,sneezing, hoarseness, bloody nose, sinus pain; abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever,nausea, and vomiting.

Ricin Inhalation: coughing, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, nausea, andaching muscles. Within a few hours, the body’s airways (such as lungs) becomeseverely inflamed (swollen and hot), excess fluid builds up in the lungs, breath-ing becomes even more difficult, and the skin might turn blue.Ingestion: internal bleeding of the stomach and intestines that leads to vomit-ing and bloody diarrhea.

Sarin (GB) Exposure through skin contact or eye contact.Runny nose, watery eyes small, pinpoint pupils, eye pain, blurred vision, drool-ing and excessive sweating, cough, chest tightness, rapid breathing, diarrhea,increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, headache, nausea, vom-iting, and/or abdominal pain, slow or fast heart rate, abnormally low or highblood pressure.

VX Exposure through skin contact, eye contact, or inhalation.Runny nose, watery eyes small, pinpoint pupils, eye pain, blurred vision, drool-ing and excessive sweating, cough, chest tightness, rapid breathing, diarrhea,increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, headache, nausea, vom-iting, and/or abdominal pain, slow or fast heart rate, abnormally low or highblood pressure.

Biological agents Anthrax Inhalational anthrax (most lethal form): sore throat, mild fever, muscle aches

and malaiseCutaneous anthrax: raised bump resembling spider bite within 1-2 days

Botulism Symptoms begin within 6 hours to 2 weeks (most commonly 12 to 36 hours)after eating food that contains the toxins.Double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swal-lowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness that descends from the shoulders downthrough the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc.

Smallpox Fever, malaise, head and body aches, and sometimes vomiting. The fever isusually high, in the range of 101 to 104 degrees F.

Radiological /nuclear threatDirty bomb Radiological Dispersal Devices or “dirty bombs” combine conventional

explosives, such as dynamite, with radioactive materials in the form of powderor pellets.

Characteristics, Comments

Sometimes described as having a “bitter almond” smell, but it does notalways give off an odor, and not everyone can detect this odor.

Not found naturally in the environment, but can be carried long dis-tances by wind.Smells like garlic, onions, or mustard.Color is clear to yellow or brown.

Easy to make. It takes a deliberate act to make ricin and use it to poisonpeople.As few as 500 micrograms can kill an adult.Death comes within 36 to 48 hours

Not found naturally in the environment, but clothing that has come incontact with sarin vapor can release sarin for about 30 minutes after-ward, which can lead to exposure of other people.

Most potent of all nerve agents.Odorless and tasteless.It’s an oily liquid that is amber in color and very slow to evaporate. Itevaporates about as slowly as motor oil.

Not contagious. Prophylactic inoculation available.Spores do not have a characteristic appearance (e.g., color), smell, ortaste.

Not contagious.Caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridiumbotulinum.About 110 cases of botulism are reported yearly in the US.

Contagious. Prophylactic inoculation available.Direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact is required to spreadsmallpox from one person to another. Also can be spread through directcontact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects (bedding,clothing, etc.). Can be carried by air in enclosed settings such as build-ings, buses, and trains.

Radiation cannot be seen, smelled, felt, or tasted by humans.Washing reduces the amount of radioactive contamination on the bodyand thus effectively reduces total exposure. Taking potassium iodide (KI)tablets after an incident involving radioactive materials may limit therisk of ionizing radiation damage to a person’s thyroid gland.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov

A report in The Washington Post links AlQaeda leaders to production of biologicaland chemical weapons, thanks to newlyobtained documentary evidence and interro-gations recently conducted by the U.S. gov-ernment. The bio-chem warfare agentsappear to be the biotoxins botulinum, salmo-nella, and anthrax, and the chemical poisoncyanide. (Barton Gellman, Sunday, March 23,2003; Page A01)

C B R N P R I M E R — I N F O R M A T I O N

A B O U T T H E N E W N I O S H S T A N D A R D S

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Bioterrorism: the intentional use of microor-ganisms, or toxins, derived from living organ-isms, to produce death or disease in humans,animals, or plants.

BioterrorismDid you know that the first bioterrorism incident against a U.S. community occurredin 1984?

Oregon’s local health authorities closeddown restaurants with salad bars after near-ly 400 people became infected withSalmonella Typhimurium. A total of 751 peo-ple were victims of a bizarre scheme to holddown voter turnout. A religious cult calledthe Rajneeshees grew their own bacteria andintentionally contaminated salad bars.

SmallpoxIn June 200, Oklahoma City suffered a fic-tional smallpox attack during a programcalled “Dark Winter.” Because it’s highly con-tagious, within 13 days the disease “spread”to 25 states and 15 countries.

AnthraxIn October 2001, the testing lab at FortDetrick, Maryland, found that anthrax sporessent to Senator Tom Daschle were extremelypotent. It took months to clear all traces ofthe weapons-grade anthrax from the HartSenate Office Building.

Two postal workers in a mail facility thathandled the anthrax-tainted letters also died.

Mustard GasIn 1996, the Pentagon reportedly confirmeda single case of exposure to Mustard Gas inan Iraqi bunker. But eight years earlier, onwhat’s now known as Bloody Friday, a dead-ly cloud enveloped Halabja in Northern Iraq,killing 5,000 that day. And 65,000 more vic-tims suffer from lingering skin and respirato-ry diseases, elevated rates of cancer, andbirth defects.

Dirty BombsIn November 1995, Chechen Separatists hid a canister ofCesium-137 in a busy Moscow park. They claimed to haveseven more “dirty bombs” just like it. Dirty bombs arecheap, easy to make, and the threat of them spreadspanic in an instant.

Reports of nuclear smuggling raise fears higher. TheChechen’s seven canisters were never found.

According to a United Nations report, Iraq tested adirty bomb device in 1987 but found that the radia-tion levels were too low to cause significant damage.Thus, Iraq abandoned any further use of the device.

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Recent acts of terrorism have created an urgent awareness of domes-tic security and preparedness issues. Municipal, state, and federalresponder groups, particularly those in locations considered potentialtargets, have been developing and modifying response and conse-quence management plans. Since the World Trade Center and anthraxincidents, most emergency response agencies have operated with aheightened appreciation of the potential scope and sustainedresources requirements for coping with such events.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH),along with the U.S. Army Soldier Biological and Chemical Command(SBCCOM), and the National Institute for Standards and Technology(NIST) are continuing their efforts to develop appropriate standardsand test procedures for all classes of respirators that will provide res-piratory protection from Chemical, Biological, Radiological, andNuclear (CBRN) agent inhalation hazards.

The Federal InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization andInteroperability (IAB) has worked to identify personal protectiveequipment that is already available on the market for responders’use. The IAB has identified the development of standards or guide-lines for respiratory protection equipment as a top priority. NIOSH,NIST, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and theOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have enteredinto a Memorandum of Understanding defining each agency or orga-nization’s role in developing, establishing, and enforcing standards orguidelines for responders’ respiratory protective devices. NIST has initi-ated Interagency Agreements with NIOSH and SBCCOM to aid in thedevelopment of appropriate protection standards or guidelines.NIOSH has taken the lead in developing standards or guidelines totest, evaluate, and approve respirators.

In May 1994, a group of govern-ment and military specialistsformed the Chemical AgentSafety and Health Policy ActionCommittee (CASHPAC) toaddress the need for standardsfor appropriate respiratory pro-tection and clothing, and to rec-ommend new or revised chemi-cal agent safety and health poli-cy to the Defense Agency.

These specialists (charteredsafety & health professionalsfrom Army Materiel Commandand the US Army TechnicalCenter for Explosives Safety)gathered to develop criteria forperformance of chemical pro-tective clothing and respiratoryprotection for use under HAZ-WOPPER for the ChemicalStockpile EmergencyPreparedness Program (CSEPP).Specifically, CASHPAC Protocolcovered testing of Sarin (GB),DMMP (Sarin simulant),Hydrogen Cyanide (AC), andCyanogen Chloride (CK).

MSA worked with CASHPAC toidentify test protocol for APRs.Also, MSA conducted independ-ent live-agent testing of MSAmasks and canisters in accor-dance with CASHPAC Protocoland the current thinking forprotection of responders.Testing of MSA’s Advantage®1000 & Millennium® gas masksused with CBA/RCA Canisters

was performed at the USArmy’s Edgewood SBCCom

facility in Maryland andTNO Laboratories(Netherlands).

MSA then used avail-able NIOSH testingand certificationstandards to receiveNIOSH approvals foruse against Riot-Control Agents (O-

Chlorobenzylidene

Malononitrile [OCBM]andChloroacetophenone [CN]) andP100 high-efficiency particu-lates. MSA respirators wereidentified as being effectiveagainst OC (OleoresinCapsicum, the “active” ingredi-ent of OC tear gas).

Canisters for the Advantage1000 and Millennium respira-tors contain the same type offill as C2A1 military canisters,which are used with the MCU2Pand M40 military gas masks, insmaller amounts. The reducedfill satisfies the smaller sizerequirements of law enforce-ment for riot control and lowlevels of toxic gases.

These compact military-stylemasks became the preferredmask for law enforcement, withtheir right or left cartridgemount on the facepiece, third-party-documented exceptionalface fits, and ability to maintainquality and effectiveness.

These masks quickly becamethe market leaders, due to qual-ity, size, comfort, fit, and excel-lent visibility. Tens of thousandsof masks were sold into lawenforcement and other FirstResponder communitiesbetween 1996 and the present.

Even before September 11, 2001,a growing awareness of increas-ing threats of terrorism includ-ed the threat of chemical or bio-logical weapons. No govern-ment standard for equipmentto protect responders fromthese threats existed.

In March 1999, government andindustry representatives met atNIOSH in Morgantown, WestVirginia, to review the status ofrespiratory protection forDomestic Preparedness, userrequirements, and governmen-tal roadblocks. After collecting

CBRN Respirator Standards Development

BackgroundIntroduction


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information from interestedgroups and agencies, theydetermined how governmentapprovals to certify equipmentcould be structured to meetresponders’ needs while estab-lishing stronger cooperationbetween agencies (CDC, DOJ,OSHA, DOD).

Theorizing that terrorists wereas likely to use toxic industrialmaterials (TIMs) as well aschemical, biological, and radio-logical agents, they discussedhow a protocol for testing andcertification of respiratory pro-tection devices could be devel-oped for industrial chemicals aswell as chemical/biological/radiological exposures.

New NIOSH Standards

As a result of the 1999 confer-ence, the CDC and NPPTL(National Personal ProtectiveTechnology Laboratory) deter-mined to establish new stan-dards for CBRN respiratory pro-tection. After 9/11, the processwas accelerated, and a newagency evolved to coordinateequipment approvals. TheNPPTL was set up in Pittsburgh,Pa., to take on that certificationrole, working with theEdgewood Arsenal to jointly“approve” respiratory protectionand clothing.

The respiratory protectionapproval process was developedto evolve standards about every6 to 9 months, each based onthe earlier findings. The stan-dards are being developedthrough a series of “concept”papers instead of in the tradi-tional standards-settingprocess.

The new NIOSH CBRN Standardfor full-facepiece APRs (gas masks)was issued on March 7, 2003.

Testing

This new standard raises the baron performance. It tests andapproves devices as a system as“CBRN-compliant.” It establish-es very stringent testing andcertification protocols for:* Chemical, Biological,

Radiological, Nuclear agents* Mask permeation &

penetration* Carry & transportation * Use performance* Quality assurance

How Long?

Systems may be approved fordifferent durations, the shortestbeing 15 minutes. This designa-tion specifies that the testingwill be performed at the elevat-ed levels of test agent for 15minutes. The device cannotreach the breakthrough targetduring that time.

Short-duration devices areapproved in 15-minute intervals(of 15, 30, and 45 minutes). Long-duration devices are approvedin 30-minute intervals, startingwith 60 minutes, then 90 and120 minutes. Devices for thislonger duration would likely bemounted on the back or chest,rather than facepiece, due tothe need for large amounts ofcarbon fill, so the standardallows both mask- and back- orchest-mounted canisters.

Where?

The CBRN Standard definesenvironments and identifiesapplications where the masksare to be used, including “warm-zone applications” and “the cri-sis provision.”

Warm-zone applications areactivities which would be doneat a distance from the highestconcentration, where monitor-ing has taken place and it hasbeen determined that the expo-sure levels are stabilized. Thoseoperations would include sup-port, decontamination, and con-trol (possibly long-term use), aswell as rescue and recovery.

The Crisis provision is includedbecause of concern that terror-ists could employ a secondarydevice which would be actuatedas the responders arrive at thescene. Also, this provision con-siders mask performance duringpotential exposure from pocketsof contaminants during recov-ery, during extreme physicaldemands, or above IDLH(escape) conditions.

What Challenge Agents?

The designers of the testing pro-tocol developed their logic fromthe concept of the “most credi-ble event.” One basis for thisconcept is the number and typeof chemicals, particularly indus-trial chemicals, which wouldmost likely encountered. Theyidentified 151 Toxic IndustrialMaterials (TIMs), put them intocategories or families, thenreduced them to a list of “10 TestRepresentative Gases.” The senseis that if you pick the most diffi-cult gas within a family, you canprotect against all of the others.

Thirteen biological and 16 radio-logical contaminants were iden-tified. These contaminants areconsidered “particles” under thisstandard, so there is a require-ment for a P100 filter.

New NIOSH CBRN Standard for Full-Facepiece APRs (aka Gas Masks)

Test matrixThe test matrix defines testingfor each critical dimension ofrespiratory protection and thehuman interface, including:

1. Both traditional flow (64 Lpm) and high flow (100 Lpm) that could beexperienced during escape.

2. Particulate testing, doneunder normal conditions andwith hot, cold, and hydrocar-bon-laden air to ensure con-sistency of performance effi-ciency.

3. Permeation and penetrationprotocols.

4.Fit testing—LaboratoryRespiratory Protection Level(LRPL) “Fit Factor”1) with the device asdesigned, using the standardLos Alamos panel; and 2) to simulate the devicebeing used with a differentcanister, with a panel of 8

individuals with a weightedcanister—to meet the maxi-mum requirements of thestandard.

5. A lens-abrasion test (opticalhaze) to ensure that theuser’s ability to see is notimpaired because of wearand tear during storage orcarry.

6.A communications test(modified Rhyme test) toensure adequate communi-cation between the wearerand others around him/her.

7. A field of view test to deter-mine to what extent vision isreduced by wearing thedevice.

8. A fogging test for cold-tem-perature operations.

9.A carbon dioxide test toensure proper air exchangewithin the facepiece.

10. A specific test for a hydra-tion device, if applicable.

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CBRN Standard for Gas Masks (cont.)

Mustard (HD), which easily per-meates materials, and Sarin(GB), which can find even thesmallest opening, were pickedto be representative of theother Chemical Warfare Agents.

Service Life Testing

Service life testing (at both tra-ditional- and high-flow levelsfor a minimum of 15 minutes) isperformed under various condi-tions to simulate many possibil-ities of exposure, such as hotand cold conditions, differentlevels of humidity, vibration dur-ing transportation, and drop-ping. Also crucial is a maximumbreathing resistance require-ment to ensure that users arenot over-stressed by their respi-rator.

The 10 representative testchemical agents are listed in atable below, with concentra-tions and breakthrough levels.

The levels remain the same forany duration of canister. Theduration is increased to gain thelonger length of approval.

No strict logic governs how thelevels were chosen. They havechanged a number of timesthrough the concept develop-ment. These test levels andbreakthrough concentrationsare stipulated in the final stan-dard.

Particulate Testing

The particulate efficiency test-ing conditions include: hot andcold, humidity, vibration duringtransportation, dropping, andmaximum breathing resistance,plus DOP penetration. (Initially,a mechanical P100 filter wasrequired, and the use of electro-static filters was excluded.Because of improved electro-static performance, they arenow included in this standard,

with additional performancerequirements for the filters,including an exposure to organ-ic vapors and a follow-up effi-ciency test.)

Permeation & Penetration

The first test calls for the respi-rator system to be mounted ona “Smartman” tester and thenbe exposed to the challenges.The system is first tested withDOP to insure a good fit to pre-vent contamination of theequipment by live agents. Thechamber is then filled to a con-centration of 50 mg/m3 ofMustard. The test proceeds for 6 hours; at the 7th hour, .43 to.86 ml droplets of liquidMustard are placed on varioussurfaces of the mask to simu-late a splash. The monitoringcontinues for 2 more hours. As avery invasive chemical, Mustardis used to test for material per-meation. The second test expos-es the system to 210 mg of Sarinfor 8 hours. Sarin is a very pene-trating chemical that will findeven the smallest opening.

These are very aggressive tests.It is clear that a gas mask willneed to be made of either Hycarrubber, butyl, or possibly EPDM,or have a butyl hood “secondskin” to cover the elastomer. It isvery doubtful that all gas maskswill pass this test.

MSA has tested our Millennium®Gas Mask to these require-ments, and found that theMillennium system exceeds the8-hour performance require-ments for both Mustard andSarin.

Fit Testing—LRPL

What has traditionally beencalled “fit factor” is nowdescribed as LaboratoryRespiratory Protection Level(LRPL).

A full facepiece is traditionallyassigned a fit factor of 50 ifquantitative fit testing has beenperformed. Most agencies lookfor a minimum of 500 as theyperform the tests. The CBRNstandard’s requirement for aLRPL of 2000 may prevent someexisting masks from beingapproved. Another requirementinvolves performing a modifiedLRPL with a smaller panel of 8 individuals using the manu-facturer’s canister, but weightedto 500 grams. The facepiecemust achieve a fit factor of2000.

A minimum of 22 test subjectsis required for the LRPL, and 36to 53 trials are required. Theexercises are the same as usedin traditional fit testing, plussighting a rifle, reaching for thefloor and ceiling, getting onhands and knees, turning headfrom side to side, and “facialexpressions.”

Field of View

The new NIOSH CBRN gas maskstandard requires a effectivefield of vision of not less than90%. Using an AmericanMedical Association testmethod for determining visionimpairment, the panel mustachieve a score of 90. Typically abinocular facepiece will barelyexceed 90, whereas a full-visionfacepiece will have a score near100 on a scale of 110. This is sowith MSA’s Millennium GasMask, which has an effectivefield of view of 99%, thus fulfill-ing both the standard’s require-

Canister Test Challenge and Test Breakthrough Concentrations*

Concentration (ppm)Test Breakthrough

Ammonia 2500 12.5Cyanogen chloride 300 2Cyclohexane 2600 10Formaldehyde 500 1Hydrogen cyanide 940 4.7 1

Hydrogen sulfide 1000 5Nitrogen dioxide 200 1 ppm NO 2

or 25 ppm NO 2

Phosgene 250 1.25Phosphine 300 0.3Sulfur dioxide 1500 5

1 Sum of HCN and C2N2.2 Nitrogen Dioxide breakthrough is monitored for both NO2 and NO. The break-through is determined by which quantity, NO2 or NO, reaches breakthrough first.

* Table 3 from “Statement of Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, andNuclear (CBRN) Full Facepiece Air Purifying Respirator (APR),” revision 1; March 17, 2003.


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ments and users’ pleas for opti-mum vision.

Another important measure ofvisibility (part of the AMA test) isthe overlapped field of view, thearea that can be seen with botheyes. The higher the number is,the better. For example, MSA’sMillennium overlap is 81.6%,compared to only 46.1% foranother binocular-style mask.

Interoperability

Among issues that FirstResponders to the OklahomaCity, World Trade Center, andPentagon disasters have identi-fied as crucial to address isreadiness (including caches ofstandardized equipment avail-able for immediate use, trainingand proper fitting of protectiveequipment, and compatibility ofequipment among neighboringgroups of responders).

Another issue is interoperability.Because the CBRN Gas Maskstandard has established com-mon specifications for canisterand facepiece threads, gaskets,and resistance, the “inter-changeability” of manufactur-ers’ NIOSH-approved CBRNgas mask canisters withother facepieces is possi-ble. It’s important to notethat this concept doesNOT promote mixingmanufacturers’ com-ponents during regu-lar use, and NIOSHtesting is done withONLY the manufactur-er’s own system com-ponents. The cautions

and warnings specifically indi-cate that the users should neverinterchange componentsamong manufacturers.

Timetable for implementation

After public meetings and com-ments on the concept draft inlate 2002, the final NIOSH CBRNFull-Facepiece APR Standardwas published on March 7, 2003,released to manufacturers onMarch 11, and made effectiveimmediately. NIOSH told manu-facturers that it would begin toaccept applications for testingand approval on March 24,2003.

NIOSH approval time is com-monly 90 to 120 days, and thefirst approvals of CBRN gasmasks are expected in the thirdquarter of 2003. �

• The mask connector and can-ister thread must be 40 mmor EN 148.1. Military threadssuch as those on MSA’sMillennium and M40 gasmasks are accepted.

• The canister can be mountedto the facepiece on the mid-dle or either side. The gasketmaterial is specified as EPDM(known for good permeationresistance), but a manufac-turer can use another materi-al with performance docu-mentation. The diameter(both ID and OD), thickness,and hardness (of 65 +/- 10Shore A) are specified.

• Bayonet or other proprietaryconnectors, adapters, or twincartridges are not permitted.

• The system resistance includ-ing facepiece and canistercannot exceed 65 mm ofwater. The maximum canis-ter resistance is 50 mm.

• Maximum canister weightcannot exceed 500 grams,and the widest part of thecanister cannot exceed 5” toenable interchangeability ofmanufacturers’ canisters andto ensure visibility.

Did you know?Over 7 million MSA Gas Masks,including the M17, M23, andM40 Series, have protected USmilitary forces throughout thepast century.

The new CBRN Standard promotes the objective of “interoperability,” using these specifications.

CyanideAuthorities can only speculatewhat Joseph Konopka had inmind for a cache of cyanide andother chemicals he’d hidden in aChicago subway tunnel. Theycharged him with possession of achemical weapon in March 2002.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the New NIOSH Standard

Q: What does “CBRN” mean?

A: CBRN is an acronym for“Chemical, Biological,Radiological, and Nuclear” usu-ally followed by a word like“agents,”“weapons,” or “war-fare.” The CBRN Standardincludes a full spectrum ofpotential and non-traditionalthreats from terrorism.

Q: What is the differencebetween “radiological” and“nuclear” agents?

A: A number of radiologicalagents are described within thestandard. Classical nuclear haz-ards are associated with theaftermath of nuclear devices.Radiological hazards can occurfrom nuclear devices as well asa “dirty bomb” which disbursesradiological hazards by meansof a non-nuclear device.

Q: What’s the differencebetween “chemical” and “bio-logical” agents?

A: “Chemical” agents are typi-cally man-made compounds.These gaseous or vapor hazardsinclude Toxic IndustrialMaterials (TIMs) and militarychemical weapons.

Examples: Some chemicalagents, like Sarin and VX, attackthe nervous system, disablingthe body’s “off switch,” causingmuscles and organs to workthemselves to death. MustardGas is a blistering agent thatattacks the skin and mucousmembranes on contact.

“Biological” agents are bacteriaor viruses that are dangerous tothe life and/or health of biologi-cal organisms, specificallyhuman beings.

Examples: Anthrax is an infec-tious disease that kills by multi-plying inside the body andreleasing toxins into the blood.Botulism is a muscle-paralyzingdisease caused by a toxin madeoutside the body. Smallpox is aviral infection that can be spreadby human-to-human contact.

Note: See selected chemical andbiological agents on pages 2 & 3of this primer.

Q: What is a NIOSH approval?

A: NIOSH is the NationalInstitute for Safety and Health,a part of the Centers for DiseaseControl (CDC). NIOSH has beenthe product-certification agencyof Respiratory ProtectiveDevices for use in accordancewith the requirements of theOccupational Health and SafetyAct (OSHAct). Certified productsmust meet stringent govern-ment standards developed andestablished by NIOSH scientistsalong with industry experts. Aproduct which bears a NIOSHcertification label assures theuser that the product has beentested by an independentagency and is consistently man-ufactured in accordance with aconsistent and audited qualityplan.

Q: Why do we need a NIOSHstandard for a CBRN respirator?

A: NIOSH has traditionallyestablished performancerequirements for industrial res-pirators. The Military has tradi-tionally established perform-ance requirements for respirato-ry devices for the Military. TheCBRN standards bridge thesetwo jurisdictions to establishperformance criteria for devicesfor people who respond topotential chemical, biological, orradiological incidents.

Q: Why do we have to buyNIOSH-approved CBRN gasmasks?

A: The OSHA standards statethat NIOSH-certified devicesmust be used when specifiedand where available. Until now,there has not been a specificapproval for devices to be usedin this sort of environment.Some government agencies arenot required to comply withOSHA. Some states have localOSHA plans which supersedethe Federal requirements. It isimportant to read and under-stand the local requirements aswell as to assess the potentialhazards. A CBRN-certified devicewill provide a broader range ofchemical protection than eventhe standard military canisterand the reassurance of third-party certification. Even if youdo not require CBRN compli-ance, you must still use aNIOSH-approved device whereone exists.

Q: What’s wrong with themasks we are wearing now?

A: Prior to March 7, 2003, therewas no standard against whichmanufacturers could submittheir respiratory devices andobtain a NIOSH certification forchemical or biological agentprotection. Because of that,MSA did independent testingagainst the CASHPAC protocoland NIOSH testing against riot-control agents. Those masks arestill NIOSH-certified and willprovide the protection for whichthey were purchased.

Q: Where can we buy NIOSH-approved CBRN masks?

A: Because the standard wasjust issued on March 7, 2003, nomanufacturer currently hasNIOSH-certified CBRN air-puri-fying devices. NIOSH beganaccepting applications for CBRNcertification on March 24, 2003.They expect the first CBRNapprovals for gas masks to beissued during the third quarterof 2003.

Q: Can we upgrade our currentgas masks so that they meetthe new CBRN standard?

A: The SCBA standard for CBRNdevices provides for retrofit kitsto make certain existing SCBAdevices CBRN-compliant. Weexpect that the air-purifyingrespirator standard will alsoprovide for retrofitting. MSA hasdone preliminary testing of ourMillennium® Facepiece in accordance with the require-ments of the standard, and wefeel confident that it will meetthe performance requirementsof the standard. There will prob-ably be a requirement for mark-ing the facepieces, which is notyet known.

Q: Can we use our currentmasks for some other use?

A: Recent terrorist events havecalled attention to the need forall aspects of “Readiness” inorder to facilitate the bestactions of “Response, Rescue,and Recovery.” General respira-tory protection is an importantpart of “Being Ready.” Mostmasks are approved with a vari-ety of filters and cartridgeswhich would be appropriate fortoxic materials other thanchemical warfare agents. Most


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government agencies are incor-porating existing devices intotheir overall Readiness plan.

Q: Is there a shelf life for CBRNcanisters?

A: Canisters are typically sealedin a bag or container that pro-tects them from the environ-ment. This is important sinceenvironmental exposure toambient chemicals and mois-ture will affect the performanceof the filter element.Provided that the integrity ofthe canister has not been violat-ed, CBRN canisters can sit on ashelf, unused, for 4 or 5 years.Complete details are included inthe instructions with each can-ister and gas mask.

Q: Will the new NIOSH-approved CBRN gas masks costmore than the current masks?

A: The canisters will certainly belarger than the traditional riot-control canisters. They will addi-tionally require more extensiveQA testing. However, costs willprobably be only slightly higherthan traditional canisters.

Q: How long will it take for MSAto have a NIOSH-approvedCBRN gas mask?

A: MSA’s extensive experience inthe manufacture of gas masksand canisters for the military isa notable advantage; we haveapplied to submit a product toNIOSH so that we can achievecertification as quickly as possi-ble. The NIOSH certificationprocess traditionally takes 90 to120 days. Because of NIOSH’sextensive testing requirementsfor these devices, we expectthat you will see approved MSAproducts available during thethird quarter of 2003.

Q: What’s the differencebetween MSA’s current maskand the new one?

A: The Millennium® Gas Mask isa commercial version of theMilitary mask that MSA sells tothe US Air Force and Navy. Wehave done extensive preliminarytesting and believe that themask will exceed the perform-ance requirements of the CBRNStandard. There may be a mark-ing requirement that is not onthe current mask. We expectthat to be addressed withupgrade kits. The facepiece partof the mask should remain thesame, but it would require anew, larger canister.

Q: What about MSA’sAdvantage® 1000 Gas Mask?

A: While the Advantage 1000Gas Mask is very closely relatedto the Millennium, the newCBRN Standard mandates a 40 mm threaded filter, and thatcannot be achieved through theuse of an adapter. As a result,the Advantage 1000, which usesa bayonet mounting system,cannot meet this requirementof the standard. However, theAdvantage 1000 is stillapproved for use with theCBA/RCA cartridge as well as afull line of chemical and particu-late filters.

Q: What other protection isneeded from CBRN agents?

A: Besides respiratory protec-tion, you will need completebody protection, such as total-encapsulating suits, gloves,boots, hoods, etc. Check withyour MSA distributor for protec-tive clothing information.

CyanideA London plot to release cyanidegas on the Underground tubenetwork was foiled with thearrest of three reported to havelinks to Al Quaeda.

Chemical suits found in Iraq“London, England — British military officials said Thursday [March 27,2003] they found chemical weapons protection suits when Iraqiinfantry abandoned a headquarters facility in the oil fields of south-ern Iraq. . . . British Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon . . . said the discov-ery of the protective suits showed ‘categorically’ that Iraqi troopswere prepared for the use of such ‘horrific weapons.’ ” (CNN)

10

“The first responders to an event,whether it’s a natural disaster or. . . September 11th, are yourneighbors: The policemen andfiremen and that ambulancedriver that you go to churchwith, you work with, you playsoftball with. . . . We [will] . . .train and equip these firstresponders.” (Tom Ridge to JimLehrer, December 12, 2001)

About MSA

MSA (Mine Safety Appliances Company)

was founded in 1914 by two mining engi-

neers who fought underground mine

fires, rescued trapped miners, and devel-

oped or improved safety, rescue, and pro-

tective gear.

MSA has sold gas masks for military (and

industrial) use since World War I, so we

understand the demands placed on this

crucial protective equipment.

We have always helped First

Responders before, during,

and after emergencies. We

assisted those on duty after

terrorists attacked New

York City, the Pentagon,

and Oklahoma City.

MSA has been a global company for

decades, protecting millions of peo-

ple around the world who work in

almost every industry with our res-

piratory protection, instruments,

complete head protection, fall pro-

tection, thermal imaging cameras, and

mining & emergency equipment.


For almost 90 years, MSA hasbeen committed to pioneeringsolutions for the ever-evolvingproblems faced by human beingsat work and war. With terrorismnow an inescapable reality, youcan rely on MSA’s many resourcesfor help with your homelandsecurity priorities.

This primer will help answeryour questions about the newCBRN standards and why respi-ratory protection designs arechanging to meet them.

Making your respiratory protection is just part ofMSA’s mission. Wecan also help youwith fit-testing andtraining. You cancount on MSA’sHomeland SecurityStrike Team for sup-port and solutions and .. . helping YOU get READY!

Homeland Security. It’s a newchallenge for a new time.

For more help from MSA,call 1-800-MSA-2222.

Confused about CBRN protection? You’re NOT alone.

11


NIOSH adopted a new voluntarystandard on December 28, 2001,for the testing and evaluation ofself-contained breathing appa-ratus (SCBA) for use againstChemical, Biological,Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN)agents. This voluntary standardhas been adopted so that FirstResponders and others whowear SCBA can be assured ofthe very best available respira-tory protection in the event ofacts involving CBRN agents.

Q: What is a NIOSH-approvedCBRN SCBA?

A: A NIOSH CBRN approval is avoluntary, add-on approval tothe current NIOSH SCBAapproval. Testing requirementsfor the CBRN SCBA approval arethe same as for non-CBNR SCBA(42 CFR Part 84 and NFPA-1981,2002 or 1997 edition) with oneimportant difference: CBNRSCBA must also pass specialtests under NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84.63.

Q: What are the advantages ofa CBRN SCBA?

A: CBRN SCBA provide FirstResponders with reliable, effec-tive, and tested (supplied-air)respiratory protection againstunknown CBRN agents and theirsubsequent concentrations.CBRN approval assures firefight-ers that maximum crediblethreat concentrations of CBRNagents will not permeate or pen-etrate the SCBA and enter theirbreathing zone. Threat agentsand concentrations are deter-mined by NIOSH and SBCCOM.

filled with a uniform challengeaerosol (corn oil) for 15 minutes.Twenty-five trained, sized, andfitted subjects properly don res-pirators, enter the chamber, andperform a routine of exercisesdesigned to stress the face-to-facepiece seal. Leakage is deter-mined by continuous samplingof the challenge aerosol insidethe facepiece.

Compliance occurs when 24 of25 test panel subjects achieve aminimum fit factor of 500 andaccomplish at least 95% of theexercise requirements. For acomplete description of the pro-cedure, go tohttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/scba-attach-c.pdf.

MSA: fully committed to meet-ing the NIOSH CBRN standard

MSA’s Ultralite® and Custom4500® MMR Air Masks withnew CBRN enhancements havebeen submitted for certificationto the new standard, and theyhave successfully completed allof the required testing. Weexpect that the documentationprocess will be completed short-ly, after which MSA will receiveour certification, possibly mak-ing MSA the first manufacturerto receive a SCBA that is bothcertified to the CBRN Standardand compliant with the NFPA1981-2002 Edition.

Our work does not stop there.

The CBRN Special Tests underNIOSH 42 CFR 84.63

Live-Agent Testing (LAT) testsfor resistance to permeationand penetration of Sarin (GB)and Distilled Sulfur Mustard(HD). The CBRN SCBA facepieceis installed on a head-and-upper-torso manikin calledSmartman. The Smartmantester is enclosed in an airtightchamber and exposed to Sarinvapor and distilled SulfurMustard. A breather pump sim-ulates a breathing person.

For Sarin tests, the chamber isfilled to a concentration of 2000mg/m3 of Sarin for 30 minutes.Mustard gas penetration ismeasured by placing 43 20-microliter droplets at strate-gic points on the facepiece andassociated hardware. Samplingports and detection systemsinside the Smartman testerdetect the presence of chemicalagents in the breathing zone.

To pass, positive-pressure, open-circuit SCBAs with componentsand accessories (less cylinder)must resist HD and GB chemicalagents when operating at anair-flow rate of 40 liters perminute for a minimum of 6 hours. For a complete descrip-tion of the procedure, go tohttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/scba-attach-b.pdf.

Laboratory RespiratorProtection Level Tests (LRPL)ensure that CBRN SCBA havegood fit characteristics over awide variety of face shapes andsizes. A special test chamber is

MSA is in the process of makinga third CBRN submission toNIOSH to approve our compre-hensive range of accessories. Thefinal step will be to submit toNIOSH’s protocol for the exten-sion of approval applications forthe evaluation of componentsand procedures to upgrade pre-viously field-deployed NIOSH-approved SCBA to CBRN-approved configurations. Thiswill permit the upgrading ofSCBA currently in use. �

CBRN Standard for SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)

RicinEvidence indicates that the inter-national terrorists behind theMillennium Bomb Plot wereplanning simultaneous ricinattacks in Europe and the U.S.Though a deadly poison, ricin is alightweight compared toanthrax. To match the killingpower of one kilogram ofanthrax, a terrorist would needfour metric tons of ricin. Butthere is no treatment for ricinpoisoning.

In 1978, Bulgarian author GeorgiMarkov died after getting hitwith a ricin-filled dart whilewalking in London.

SarinOn a Monday morning in March1995, Aum Shinrikyo cultistsreleased a cloud of impure Saringas in a crowded Tokyo subway.Even in dilute form, the chemicalkilled 12 and sickened thousands.Though they posed no threat inthe U.S., the cult had an office inNew York City, just a few blocksfrom the Times Square subwaystation.

Note: This Bulletin contains only ageneral description of the productsshown. While uses and performancecapabilities are described, under nocircumstances shall the products be used by untrained or unqualifiedindividuals and not until the product instructions including any warnings or cautions provided have been thoroughly read andunderstood. Only they contain thecomplete and detailedinformation concerningproper use and care ofthese products.

ID 5555-180-MC /April 2003© MSA 2002 Printed in U.S.A.

fax: (858) 488-6320

World Leaders in Defense Technology

NBC Safety

tel: (858)488-3300

[email protected]

References

• Federal Register: September 27, 2002(Volume 67, Number 188, Notices,page 61108)

• “Protecting EmergencyResponders—Lessons Learned fromTerrorist Attacks” (The Rand Report,a report of the December 2001 con-ference sponsored by NIOSH)

• Centers for Disease Control andPrevention www.cdc.gov

• “Publication of the Statement ofStandard for Chemical, Biological,Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN)Full-Facepiece Air-PurifyingRespirator (APR)” www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/aprstdsite.html

• “Approval of Self-ContainedBreathing Respirators for EmergencyWorkers in Terrorist Attacks”www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/scbasite.html

• Images of Smallpox and Anthraxcourtesy of CDC.

• CNN online www.cnn.com

Note: This document covers various ele-ments of the NIOSH CBRN Standards.However, it is not intended to serve asa substitute for the NIOSH documentsthemselves, which are available onlineat www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/

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