Analysis of aerosolized opioids and chemical warfare agents in the field using handheld mass spectrometry

Matthew J. Aernecke; Scott E. Miller; Robert L. Green; Anthony Liepert; Christian H. Weber; Christopher D. Brown

doi:10.1117/12.2664044

27 June 2023 Analysis of aerosolized opioids and chemical warfare agents in the field using handheld mass spectrometry

Matthew J. Aernecke, Scott E. Miller, Robert L. Green, Anthony Liepert, Christian H. Weber, Christopher D. Brown

Proceedings Volume 12541, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XXIV; 125410O (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2664044
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2023, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

An ongoing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threat is the aerosolization of low-volatility chemical weapons agents (CWAs) such as the V-series nerve agents, Novichoks [1], and pharmaceutical-based agents (PBAs) e.g. fentanyl and other high-potency opioids [2]. These materials are liquids or solids at room temperature and generally have extremely low vapor pressures, rendering them difficult, if not impossible, to detect with conventional vapor-only detection systems. If these materials are aerosolized, they can disperse over broad geographical areas posing an immediate risk to individuals encountering them while airborne. Upon settling, a wide swath of persistent agent contamination may be left behind, posing an on-going surface contact threat or re-aerosolization risk. Field detection of toxic aerosols remains a significant challenge for chemical detectors. Most of the existing hand-held chemical detection technologies are not equipped to screen ambient air samples for the presence of aerosolized threats, leaving a capability gap among the most widely deployed point sensing technologies. Recently, 908 Devices released an aerosol module (the ‘Aero’) that is compatible with the MX908 handheld mass spectrometer. The combination of the aerosol module with portable mass spectrometry enables the detection of aerosolized threats within seconds at concentration levels that enable warfighters and first responders to take protective action quickly and minimize the impact from this alternative threat class.

Citation Download Citation

Matthew J. Aernecke, Scott E. Miller, Robert L. Green, Anthony Liepert, Christian H. Weber, and Christopher D. Brown "Analysis of aerosolized opioids and chemical warfare agents in the field using handheld mass spectrometry", Proc. SPIE 12541, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XXIV, 125410O (27 June 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2664044

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KEYWORDS

Aerosols

Atmospheric particles

Mass spectrometry

Chemical analysis

Spectroscopy

Chemical weapons

Nerve agents

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