Written for emergency workers and others responsible for the safe response to and management of unknown hazardous materials, Emergency Characterization of Unknown Materials providesreadily applicable strategies for implementing a fluid concept of risk analysis based on hazard characterization in emergency situations where definitive identification of the material may be impractical or impossible. Using a hands-on approach, the author discusses strategies to identify threats and vulnerabilities, ascertain exposure, and reduce or eliminate impact. He looks at types of hazards presented by chemical compounds and mixtures, radiation sources, weapons of mass destruction, illegal drugs, explosive substances, biological hazards, and other material and discusses the merits of approximately 63 portable detection technologies.