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 85 years of 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. Army’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.  Construction of a new Advanced Chemistry Laboratory began during 2003, a development that will centralize many of the Center’s research efforts in a thoroughly modern and adaptable structure.  Operated by its well-trained, experienced workers, ECBC ensures that 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 that the Center’s technological breakthroughs and scientific expertise are transitioned to other Governmental agencies, private industry, and allies throughout the world.

A video showcasing ECBC’s work on an advanced concept technology demonstration for chemical and radiological detection can be found here.