The extreme hazards associated with materials that could be used in terrorist attacks has prompted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to:
1) regulate who can be a first responder at hazmat/WMD incidents.
2) recommend that only APRs be used during hazmat/WMD incidents.
3) adopt standards for respiratory equipment to protect responders at hazmat/WMD incidents.
4) mandate that first responders at all hazmat/WMD incidents be certified to the Technician level.