Operational Response to Fourth Generation Agents

Read this whitepaper written by Christina Baxter Ph.D., to prepare responders with commercially available solutions to detect, identify, decontaminate, destroy, and confirm the destruction of the A-series agents.

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The poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in 2019 highlighted the global concerns about Fourth Generation Agents (FGAs), such as the Novichok series, which are highly toxic chemical agents. This document provides guidance for first responders on detecting, identifying, decontaminating, and destroying these agents using commercially available technologies. FGAs pose serious health risks, primarily through dermal exposure, but can also be absorbed via inhalation or ingestion. Detection technologies like Raman, FTIR, and colorimetric methods are inadequate for FGAs due to their high limits of detection. The MX908 from 908 Devices is the only portable device capable of identifying trace levels of A-series agents with high sensitivity. For decontamination, a hybrid approach is recommended, combining Fibertect wipes, Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion (RSDL), and Dahlgren Decon, along with the use of detection devices to ensure complete removal of the threat.