HOMELAND DEFENSE

& Security Digest

17 AUGUST 2021

HDIAC collects and publishes articles related to our technical focus areas on the web to share with the DoD community.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Picture of a person handing out fruit to a group of children. The only items visible are the hands of the provider with an orange fruit and the children reaching.

2026 Public Health Tabletop Exercise

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS TRAINING IS A VIRTUAL EVENT THIS YEAR. The training will be held virtually again this year. A number of virtual breakout rooms and one “plenary” room will be created. Prior to the course start, registrants will receive the links to each room.  This training will include scenarios and presentations on novel concepts…

Read More...
A U.S. Army reserve soldier participates in a CBRN exercise, wearing a gas mask and orange helmet.

CBRNe Convergence Knoxville 2026

Join CBRNe Convergence Knoxville 2026 for great speakers and exhibitors. More information to come!

Read More...
A racoon dressed in boots, jeans, and a jacket, strapped with a bomb and standing in front of a red Canadian maple leaf.

CBRNe Convergence Canada 2026

CBRNe Convergence Canada 2026 will be heading to Toronto for the 4th CBRNe Convergence Canada event. This years event will feature expert speakers discussing relevant topics, workshops, capability demo and the largest CBRN/Hazmat exhibition in Canada.  

Read More...

Moshan Kahandawala, Ph. D.

Read More...
A bin filled with plastic bottles.

What is the role of cutinases or esterase activity on biodegradation of man-made structures?

The biodegradation of synthetic polymers is a key element for achieving a circular economy with high material reuse and environmentally friendly waste products.  Laccase enzymes, which play a key role in lignin degradation, have been shown to degrade high-molecular-weight polyethylene (PE) and nylon-66 membranes using a laccase-mediator system.  Additionally, esterases and cutinases are known to…

Read More...
Two U.S. Army soldiers in gas masks with yellow smoke surrounding them in a simulated chemical attack exercise

What are choking agents?

There are three main kinds of choking agents:  (1) ammonia, (2) chlorine gas, and (3) phosgene. Symptoms vary by agent type, severity, dosage, and exposure route (inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eyes) [2]. General symptoms applicable to all choking agents include, but are not limited to, irritation of the airway; difficulty breathing; accumulation of fluid in…

Read More...
A USAF medic applies moulage around the eyes of another medic ahead of a simulated blister agent attack exercise

What are blister agents?

There are three main types of blister agents: (1) sulfur mustard, (2) mustard-lewisite mixture, and (3) lewisite. The onset and severity of symptoms for each blister agent are dose- and route-dependent (inhalation, ingestion, skin, or eyes). General symptoms of blister agents include tissue damage, cell death, DNA damage, shortness of breath, severe cough, lung damage,…

Read More...
HDIAC Primer - Nerve Agents

What are nerve agents?

Nerve agents listed as Schedule 1 agents by the Chemical Weapons Convention include (1) tabun (GA), (2) sarin (GB), (3) soman (GD), (4) VX, and (5) cyclosarin [2]. Each has its own distinct physical properties but produces similar symptoms. Constriction of pupils (miosis), clouded vision, runny nose, tight chest, shortness of breath, headache, salivation, muscle…

Read More...
pngm61-1024×666

What information is available for M61 filter breakthrough times?

The M61 filter canister is fielded to the U.S. military for use with the M50 joint service general purpose mask. The filter canister is designed to receive incremental upgrades as new materials and designs are developed. Since their fielding in the late 2000s, various tests have been conducted to measure the breakthrough time of the…

Read More...
230811-Z-QC464-9083

What information is available regarding resources and training for medics to perform in austere environments and conduct prolonged care?

The Homeland Defense & Security Information Analysis Center (HDIAC) was asked to provide resources and trainings available for medics to perform in austere environments and conduct prolonged care. Military medical professionals must often provide prolonged care in austere environments that have a lack of resources and pose logistical challenges and potential dangers. Therefore, it is…

Read More...

Featured Notable Technical Inquiry

2026 Public Health Tabletop Exercise

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS TRAINING IS A VIRTUAL EVENT THIS YEAR. The training will be held virtually again this year. A number of virtual breakout rooms and one “plenary” room will be created. Prior to the course start, registrants will receive the links to each room.  This training will include scenarios and presentations on novel concepts and research supporting public health and migration crises. Our goal…

CBRNe Convergence Knoxville 2026

Join CBRNe Convergence Knoxville 2026 for great speakers and exhibitors. More information to come!

CBRNe Convergence Canada 2026

CBRNe Convergence Canada 2026 will be heading to Toronto for the 4th CBRNe Convergence Canada event. This years event will feature expert speakers discussing relevant topics, workshops, capability demo and the largest CBRN/Hazmat exhibition in Canada.  

Moshan Kahandawala, Ph. D.

What is the role of cutinases or esterase activity on biodegradation of man-made structures?

The biodegradation of synthetic polymers is a key element for achieving a circular economy with high material reuse and environmentally friendly waste products.  Laccase enzymes, which play a key role in lignin degradation, have been shown to degrade high-molecular-weight polyethylene (PE) and nylon-66 membranes using a laccase-mediator system.  Additionally, esterases and cutinases are known to depolymerize polyester-based plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (known as PET)…

What are choking agents?

There are three main kinds of choking agents:  (1) ammonia, (2) chlorine gas, and (3) phosgene. Symptoms vary by agent type, severity, dosage, and exposure route (inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eyes) [2]. General symptoms applicable to all choking agents include, but are not limited to, irritation of the airway; difficulty breathing; accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema); nausea; vomiting; severe secretions from the…

What are blister agents?

There are three main types of blister agents: (1) sulfur mustard, (2) mustard-lewisite mixture, and (3) lewisite. The onset and severity of symptoms for each blister agent are dose- and route-dependent (inhalation, ingestion, skin, or eyes). General symptoms of blister agents include tissue damage, cell death, DNA damage, shortness of breath, severe cough, lung damage, stinging and burning of the eyes, sinus pain, nose bleeds,…

What are nerve agents?

Nerve agents listed as Schedule 1 agents by the Chemical Weapons Convention include (1) tabun (GA), (2) sarin (GB), (3) soman (GD), (4) VX, and (5) cyclosarin [2]. Each has its own distinct physical properties but produces similar symptoms. Constriction of pupils (miosis), clouded vision, runny nose, tight chest, shortness of breath, headache, salivation, muscle spasms, sweating, vomiting, heavy fatigue, interim lack of breathing (apnea),…

What information is available for M61 filter breakthrough times?

The M61 filter canister is fielded to the U.S. military for use with the M50 joint service general purpose mask. The filter canister is designed to receive incremental upgrades as new materials and designs are developed. Since their fielding in the late 2000s, various tests have been conducted to measure the breakthrough time of the filter canisters against various chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial…

What information is available regarding resources and training for medics to perform in austere environments and conduct prolonged care?

The Homeland Defense & Security Information Analysis Center (HDIAC) was asked to provide resources and trainings available for medics to perform in austere environments and conduct prolonged care. Military medical professionals must often provide prolonged care in austere environments that have a lack of resources and pose logistical challenges and potential dangers. Therefore, it is important for military medical personnel working in these environments to…

UPCOMING WEBINAR

Picture of a person handing out fruit to a group of children. The only items visible are the hands of the provider with an orange fruit and the children reaching.

2026 Public Health Tabletop Exercise

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS TRAINING IS A VIRTUAL EVENT THIS YEAR. The training will be held virtually again this year. A number of virtual breakout rooms and one “plenary” room will be created. Prior to the course start, registrants will receive the links to each room.  This training will include scenarios and presentations on novel concepts…

Read More...
A U.S. Army reserve soldier participates in a CBRN exercise, wearing a gas mask and orange helmet.

CBRNe Convergence Knoxville 2026

Join CBRNe Convergence Knoxville 2026 for great speakers and exhibitors. More information to come!

Read More...
A racoon dressed in boots, jeans, and a jacket, strapped with a bomb and standing in front of a red Canadian maple leaf.

CBRNe Convergence Canada 2026

CBRNe Convergence Canada 2026 will be heading to Toronto for the 4th CBRNe Convergence Canada event. This years event will feature expert speakers discussing relevant topics, workshops, capability demo and the largest CBRN/Hazmat exhibition in Canada.  

Read More...

Moshan Kahandawala, Ph. D.

Read More...
A bin filled with plastic bottles.

What is the role of cutinases or esterase activity on biodegradation of man-made structures?

The biodegradation of synthetic polymers is a key element for achieving a circular economy with high material reuse and environmentally friendly waste products.  Laccase enzymes, which play a key role in lignin degradation, have been shown to degrade high-molecular-weight polyethylene (PE) and nylon-66 membranes using a laccase-mediator system.  Additionally, esterases and cutinases are known to…

Read More...
Two U.S. Army soldiers in gas masks with yellow smoke surrounding them in a simulated chemical attack exercise

What are choking agents?

There are three main kinds of choking agents:  (1) ammonia, (2) chlorine gas, and (3) phosgene. Symptoms vary by agent type, severity, dosage, and exposure route (inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eyes) [2]. General symptoms applicable to all choking agents include, but are not limited to, irritation of the airway; difficulty breathing; accumulation of fluid in…

Read More...
A USAF medic applies moulage around the eyes of another medic ahead of a simulated blister agent attack exercise

What are blister agents?

There are three main types of blister agents: (1) sulfur mustard, (2) mustard-lewisite mixture, and (3) lewisite. The onset and severity of symptoms for each blister agent are dose- and route-dependent (inhalation, ingestion, skin, or eyes). General symptoms of blister agents include tissue damage, cell death, DNA damage, shortness of breath, severe cough, lung damage,…

Read More...
HDIAC Primer - Nerve Agents

What are nerve agents?

Nerve agents listed as Schedule 1 agents by the Chemical Weapons Convention include (1) tabun (GA), (2) sarin (GB), (3) soman (GD), (4) VX, and (5) cyclosarin [2]. Each has its own distinct physical properties but produces similar symptoms. Constriction of pupils (miosis), clouded vision, runny nose, tight chest, shortness of breath, headache, salivation, muscle…

Read More...
pngm61-1024×666

What information is available for M61 filter breakthrough times?

The M61 filter canister is fielded to the U.S. military for use with the M50 joint service general purpose mask. The filter canister is designed to receive incremental upgrades as new materials and designs are developed. Since their fielding in the late 2000s, various tests have been conducted to measure the breakthrough time of the…

Read More...
230811-Z-QC464-9083

What information is available regarding resources and training for medics to perform in austere environments and conduct prolonged care?

The Homeland Defense & Security Information Analysis Center (HDIAC) was asked to provide resources and trainings available for medics to perform in austere environments and conduct prolonged care. Military medical professionals must often provide prolonged care in austere environments that have a lack of resources and pose logistical challenges and potential dangers. Therefore, it is…

Read More...

UPCOMING EVENTS

2026 Public Health Tabletop Exercise

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS TRAINING IS A VIRTUAL EVENT THIS YEAR. The training will be held virtually again this year. A number of virtual breakout rooms and one “plenary” room will be created. Prior to the…

CBRNe Convergence Knoxville 2026

Join CBRNe Convergence Knoxville 2026 for great speakers and exhibitors. More information to come!

CBRNe Convergence Canada 2026

CBRNe Convergence Canada 2026 will be heading to Toronto for the 4th CBRNe Convergence Canada event. This years event will feature expert speakers discussing relevant topics, workshops, capability demo and the largest CBRN/Hazmat exhibition in…

Moshan Kahandawala, Ph. D.

What is the role of cutinases or esterase activity on biodegradation of man-made structures?

The biodegradation of synthetic polymers is a key element for achieving a circular economy with high material reuse and environmentally friendly waste products.  Laccase enzymes, which play a key role in lignin degradation, have been…

What are choking agents?

There are three main kinds of choking agents:  (1) ammonia, (2) chlorine gas, and (3) phosgene. Symptoms vary by agent type, severity, dosage, and exposure route (inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eyes) [2]. General symptoms applicable…

What are blister agents?

There are three main types of blister agents: (1) sulfur mustard, (2) mustard-lewisite mixture, and (3) lewisite. The onset and severity of symptoms for each blister agent are dose- and route-dependent (inhalation, ingestion, skin, or…

What are nerve agents?

Nerve agents listed as Schedule 1 agents by the Chemical Weapons Convention include (1) tabun (GA), (2) sarin (GB), (3) soman (GD), (4) VX, and (5) cyclosarin [2]. Each has its own distinct physical properties…

What information is available for M61 filter breakthrough times?

The M61 filter canister is fielded to the U.S. military for use with the M50 joint service general purpose mask. The filter canister is designed to receive incremental upgrades as new materials and designs are…

What information is available regarding resources and training for medics to perform in austere environments and conduct prolonged care?

The Homeland Defense & Security Information Analysis Center (HDIAC) was asked to provide resources and trainings available for medics to perform in austere environments and conduct prolonged care. Military medical professionals must often provide prolonged…

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