Author(s)

D. Chudová

Abstract

This study deals with the potential possibilities of dispersion and spreading of a concentrated chemical substance (Sarin) indoors during a terrorist attack. The consequences can be seen by using a software program, CONTAM 2.4. Keywords: air handling systems, Sarin, CBR substances, terrorism, CONTAM. 1 Introduction The beginning of the 21st century, together with increasing industrial growth, is bringing a higher risk of negative effects due to potentially dangerous substances in buildings or other enclosed areas. Reasons for this can be due to human or mechanical error, e.g. spreading of dangerous substances from industrial firms due to leaks, fires or other unintentional means. The bigger concern today though is the intentional attack on property and/or people as a terrorist act. The contaminant would normally be in the form of smoke during fires, chemical spills or use of CBR substances. Since in all cases the substances are dangerous, and can seriously damage people’s health, it is not possible to use these substances for actual testing. One possibility is to exchange the dangerous substance tested with a similar substance that has no dangerous effects. Another, which is thought to be the better possibility, is to use one of the model software programs. This test is then virtual and poses no threat to people, animals or the environment. Today this is the preferred method and the software is being utilized more and more. This software is easily accessible and in certain cases available at no cost and downloadable. In addition the software can be used anywhere. This study simulates the spreading of Sarin, a dangerous substance, throughout a buildings interior. The most probable spreading of Sarin in a building is through the ventilation system.

Keywords

air handling systems, Sarin, CBR substances, terrorism, CONTAM.