Structural contamination events are numerous in number. Late discovery (decomposition) and tear gas exposures are, by far, the top two more intrusive contamination events capable of creating Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) hazards. The multi-phase process to effectively and safely decontaminate a structure exposed to tear gas residue is complex, labor-intensive and fraught with risk.

In the course of an apprehension, tear gas ordnance, also referred to as Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile (CS) or Chloroacetophenone (CN), may be deployed into a structure by law enforcement.

Tear gas is often used in excess to overwhelm the occupant(s) of a structure. CS and CN are pulmonary, ocular and skin irritant. This irritant can cause serious and sustained health hazards, to include death in rare instances. These compounds are designed to disable humans, making residue recovery hazardous and challenging.

Ordnance is typically launched into soffit and gable vents, windows, and crawl spaces to disperse tear gas into attics, basements, garages and living spaces.

High velocity ordnance can damage walls, window glass and frames, doors and floors. In some cases structure and content has been known to ignite and catch fire.

Tear gas fumes and residue are commonly drawn into a running HVAC system, contaminating the system and air ducts. Air flowing through the system will often broadcast the gas and residue into spaces in which ordnance was not deployed. Additionally, the residue and gas can absorb into attic and wall installation, in turn, creating unique and complex decontamination challenges.

Flash bang ordnance and breaching charges may be used in combination with tear gas ordnance, creating additional structural damage and further complicating the residue recovery, cleanup and decontamination operation. It is not uncommon to find unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the course of decontaminating a structure creating explosive hazards. Extreme care must be exercised when UXO is discovered during a tear gas residue recovery operation.

Advanced BioRecovery Solutions utilizes avant-guard proprietary decontamination technologies to recover and neutralize tear gas contamination efficiently and effectively. With these state-of-the-art technologies employed, labor costs and time frames to complete decontamination are significantly reduced.

All operations are conducted in accordance with ABRA, NIDS, IICRC, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Florida Department of Health (FL DOH), US Department of Transportation (US DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, standards and regulations.

Sealed HAZMAT suits, nitrile gloves, cooling vests and pressurized powered air purifying respirators are donned to safeguard ABS technicians during the tear gas residue recover and decontamination operation.