This laboratory, to be called the CBRNE – Forensic Analytical Science Center, is intended as a national resource capable of dealing with, and analysing samples of the most dangerous chemical, biological and radiological substances even when the samples may also contain explosive substances.

The CBRNE – Forensic Analytical Science Center is envisaged as a national resource able to undertake the receipt, analysis and destruction of samples which are either extremely toxic, infectious, radioactive or explosive. The laboratory can also deal with combinations of different hazardous substances. This national resource is intended to support the public authorities in dealing with serious threats and incidents where it is difficult or impossible to make a rapid identification of the contents of a letter or other package. The Safety Laboratory has two reception units located at FOI’s establishments at Grindsjön, (Stockholm) and in Umeå. Samples suspected of containing explosive substances, or a combination of explosives and chemical, biological or radioactive substances, can be received at Grindsjön. The reception unit in Umeå can deal with, and analyse chemical, biological or radiological substances in a safe and secure way.

“Sweden currently does not have integrated resources and procedures for dealing with containers with contents that are not known but which may put lives at risk,” says Anders Norqvist, Head of Division for NBC Defence at FOI. “That is why we are today launching  a concept that we call the CBRNE – Forensic Analytical Science Center, where we are laying the first foundation stone  of a national resource intended to support those bodies whose job it is to deal with threats posed by objects and containers suspected of containing lethal substances”.

Every liquid, envelope, bottle or other container which, for one reason or another, is suspected of containing a potentially lethal substance implies a threat both to the normal functioning of society and to individual persons. Unless correctly dealt with, such an object could also give rise to a hazardous working environment especially, for example, for the emergency services and the police.

“In this way we want to bring our Safety Laboratory concept, as a valuable support resource, to the attention of all who work with these substances,” says Helena Bergman, Head of Division for Weapons and Protection at FOI. “We in Sweden are good at handling explosives, even if some procedures can be improved. What we must do better is to look into the future and develop procedures for dealing with chemical, biological and radiological threats as well, especially where we suspect that a combination of these may be involved”.