Chemical contamination indicates situations where chemicals are either present where they should not be, or are at higher concentrations than they would naturally have occurred while Biological contamination involves the intentional release or dissemination of biological agents such as microbes to causedisease, illnesses and death. Radioactive contamination, also called radiological contamination, occurs when radioactive substances are deposited or are present on surfaces or within solids, liquids or gases (including the human body), where their presence is unintended or undesirable. Chemical contamination can arise from some chemical accidents, natural disasters, sabotage activities, wars, terrorism, mining, industrial and agricultural discharges, Chemical emergencies can result in fire, explosion, and/or toxic release. Decontamination Decontamination is the process of removing or neutralizing a surface hazard resulting from an environmental pollution or a chemical and/or biological attack. It is also the reduction or removal of chemical agents as well as cleaning up radiological contamination.
Owing to the violence, threats, terrorism, insurgency and accidental discharge of harmful industrial materials in
the country and in line with the requirements of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), the National Research
Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) has established a Chemical, Biological & Radiological Decontamination
Laboratory that would have facilities for training professionals in Disaster Preparedness & Response and
Environmental Security as well as provide Integrated Medical Management of Casualties in Chemical, Biological
and Radiological Agent Events. This Laboratory will handle both natural and man-made disasters.
The Facility is also expected to:
i. Develop the manpower with requisite knowledge and skills to mitigate the effects of domestic and international
terrorism.
ii. Make available skilled personnel for quick response to emergencies and disasters management.
iii.Serve as a Centre of Excellence and reference point for detection & analysis of Chemical, Biological &
Radiological contamination and subsequent decontamination procedures.
iv. Enhance the prevention, protection and response to all hazards.
v. Ensure prudent management of chemicals and related Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) using global best practices.
