The Edgewood Chemical Biological Center provides state-of-the-art science, technology and engineering solutions to meet the rapidly changing needs of the Warfighter. Located at the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., ECBC offers more than 90 years experience in chemical and biological defense research and development.

ECBC fosters research, development, testing, and application of technologies for protecting U.S. Warfighters and our homeland from chemical and biological warfare agents. The first iteration of ECBC was founded in 1917 to serve the U.S. military’s chemical warfare agent requirements. Today, ECBC responds to the full set of challenges posed by the global war on terror, homeland security and the continued evolution of the Warfighter mission—including chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological threats.

ECBC’s laboratories, testing chambers, fabrication facilities, materiel management systems and environmental controls utilize the most advanced technology and equipment. The Center’s infrastructure incorporates more than 1,500,000 square feet, approximately 60 percent of which is laboratory space. The centerpiece of the laboratory complex is the Advanced Chemistry Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that puts many of the Center’s research efforts under one roof.

The new Sample Receipt Facility houses multi-disciplinary teams whose responsibility will be the safe analysis and identification of unknown samples that are potentially contaminated with chemical or biological agents. Operated by its well-trained, experienced workers, ECBC ensures national defense needs are met in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

ECBC personnel couple science with engineering to identify technologies for future development, including CB agent detectors and warning systems, decontamination technologies, and protective masks. Computer-aided design and toxic/environmental test chambers are used to facilitate development and production activities, while rapid prototyping and limited production capabilities speed new product development. The Center provides a full range of chemical surety and biological materiel management services and supports homeland security initiatives through training and its comprehensive preparedness and technical assistance programs. ECBC also has staff dedicated to ensuring the Center’s technological breakthroughs and scientific expertise are transitioned to other government agencies, private industry, and allies throughout the world.

Read more at the official Edgewood Chemical Biological Center site.