Sunport Gets Bio Detection

A bio weapons attack against an airport has dire consequences – not only for the airport itself, but for the international community as well.  Without even passing through a security checkpoint, a terrorist could release a bio aerosol threat that would quickly spread throughout the airport complex.  Within 2-4 hours, that threat will make its way to a major airport hub.  Within 24 hours, it is possible for trace levels of the bio threat to make its way around the globe.  With ThreatSense from FLIR, facilities like the Albuquerque International Sunport, are able to mitigate the effect of a bio threat.
ThreatSense is a “detect-to-protect” system to counter aerosolized threats as well as the movement of radioactive sources. By customizing the system and its concept of operations, affordable and effective CBRN threat detection and mitigation is achievable.  In the unlikely event of an intentional biological event, ThreatSense can enable a more rapid response which can reduce injury to people, damage to assets and disruption to operations.
As a part of ongoing security upgrades, the Albuquerque International Sunport installed the bio detection component of the ThreatSense system.  This deployment included a number of our IBAC and other bio detectors which work like bio hazard “smoke alarms” throughout the facility.  Once an alert is raised, the IBAC can simultaneously initiate low regret responses such as the shutdown of air handling systems and trigger secondary air samplers, also manufactured by FLIR.  By tying ThreatSense into HVAC systems, the bio threat can be localized and the effects of a bioterror attack minimized.
No two buildings share the same vulnerabilities and usage patterns.  As a result, FLIR employs a layered approach to facility security that emphasizes the use of widely distributed low-cost detectors (like IBAC) combined with a smaller number of samplers and identifiers.  These sensors are strategically located, allowing rapid detection independent from the location of the release.  Upon detecting a threat, sensors send an alert directly to monitoring personnel who investigate conditions and oversee confirmation testing.
When installing a system such as ThreatSense, the most important step in the system deployment is to understand how air moves throughout the facility.  FLIR has a unique capability within the industry to perform tracer testing that results in a deep understanding of air movement or lack thereof.  This capability enables the precise deployment of detectors, samplers, and identifiers for the most cost effective system deployment.
By active control of a building’s ventilation and access control systems, it is possible to significantly reduce the spread of the agent and limit exposures to a bio threat.  This approach, which is intrinsic to all ThreatSense deployments, provides the ability to distinguish hoaxes from real events and can prevent disruption, while maximizing protection of occupants and physical assets.  This ability is of utmost importance at a facility such as the Albuquerque International Sunport, which welcomes over 6.5 million travelers per year.