A new line of concern has arisen for building owners and managers following the terrorist events in New York at the beginning of the 21st century: Responsibility for the safety of occupants in the event of a chemical, biological, or radiological attack (also known as CBR).

All types of buildings must now be safeguarded against these threats.  A building's ventilation and air distribution system can play a vital role in protecting occupants from airborne chemical, biological and radiological agents.

Due to the limited exchange of air between indoors and outdoors, air contaminants can become concentrated and last longer in indoor environments.  HVAC systems are the most vulnerable point of entry and a potentially potent distribution system, and responsible building management will consider how to mitigate that risk.

In addition, buildings may be safeguarded against many potential hazards that originate outdoors even without special protective systems.  EBS can assess facilities to identify the potential risks, analyze airflow, and contaminant transport in multi-zone building systems, and help owners and manager develop building-specific strategies for occupant protection from airborne CBR attacks.