ABSTRACT

Since the very rst response to an explosion or bomb scene, rst responders and investigators have been acutely aware of the hazards associated with these scenes. e risks of re, structural collapse, presence of explosives, and secondary devices are evident. As the number of incidents and scale of destruction have increased through the years, so have the hazards. Some were always possible, but due to the lack of adequate technology, science, and understanding, they were not recognized. ese include disease associated with the blood and bodily uids of the victims, gases resulting from explosions, industrial chemicals, and suspended particulate matter in the form of asbestos.