-Disaster Prevention in the New Era: Preparing for Invisible Crisis
What is the "CBRNE Disaster?"
While we are often aware of the need to prepare for natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, we are not yet highly aware of certain types of "invisible disasters. A typical example is a group of complex disasters called "CBRNE disasters.
CBRNE is an acronym for the following five disaster categories
C (Chemical)Chemical disaster (leakage or spraying of toxic gases or chemicals)
B (Biological)Biological disasters (infectious diseases, bacterial weapons, etc.)
R (Radiological)Radioactive material disasters (e.g., proliferation of radioactive isotopes)
N (Nuclear)Nuclear disaster (nuclear accident or use of nuclear weapons)
E (Explosive)Explosion hazards (bomb or IED explosions)
Some of these disasters are of natural origin, but there is also the risk of intentional occurrence due to accidents, terrorism, or war. Because of the extremely serious damage they can cause if they occur, they have recently been the focus of attention in the fields of disaster prevention and homeland security.
CBRNE-related disasters and incidents that actually occurred in Japan
CBRNE disasters are by no means an exclusively foreign problem. There have been several serious incidents in Japan as well. These events have taught us that it is not just a matter of "what if" but a real problem that needs to be addressed.
Sarin gas attack on the subway (1995)
The Aum Shinrikyo terrorist attack on the Tokyo subway, in which the highly poisonous nerve agent Sarin was sprayed inside subway cars during commuting hours, resulted in a catastrophe that killed 13 people and injured over 6,000. This was an extremely rare case of the use of chemical weapons in a civilian society, and it exposed the vulnerability of urban life to CBRNE disasters.
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident (2011)
The tsunami generated by the Great East Japan Earthquake severely damaged the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and released a large amount of radioactive materials into the atmosphere and ocean. This is a CBRNE disaster involving both R (radiation) and N (nuclear) elements, and has been accompanied by significant social costs, including long-term evacuation of residents, reputational damage to the agricultural and fishery industries, and prolonged decontamination work.
COVID-19 pandemic (2020-)
The global pandemic caused by the new coronavirus is a serious example of a B (biological disaster). It spread throughout society in the form of an infectious disease, transformed people's lifestyles, and had a tremendous impact on medical care, economic activities, and the flow of people. It is also a case that made us realize once again that pathogens are an element of CBRNE.
The "new risk" of terrorism and war
The risks of CBRNE disasters are expected to become more diverse and sophisticated in the future. In recent years, in addition to tensions between nations, asymmetric warfare and terrorism by non-state armed groups have become more frequent, and the possibility of CBRNE weapons being used against this background cannot be ignored.
As of 2025, the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, and concerns about attacks on nuclear facilities and the use of chemical weapons have surfaced repeatedly in the international community. This "cross-border risk" of war has become a global security issue, not just a European one.
In addition, armed conflict between Israel and the Middle East region has intensified, with CBRNE-related attacks and infrastructure destruction becoming a real concern as fighting in urban areas, including the Gaza Strip, becomes more commonplace.
And in East Asia, the possibility of a Taiwan contingency continues to grow. In the unlikely event of a military conflict with China, a direct impact on Japan is inevitable. The presence of the Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military bases in Japan could even make Japan part of the war zone.
In the face of these geopolitical realities, we are now in a phase where CBRNE disasters are not unexpected, but must be prepared for as a real threat that could happen. Especially with dense urban areas, infrastructure, and event venues as potential targets, there is a strong need for daily protection systems and emergency response capabilities.
CBRNE Disaster Preparedness
CBRNE disasters often cause damage to people through the "air". Toxic gases, biogenic aerosols, radioactive particles, and dust can be taken into the body when they drift through the air and are inhaled.
For this reason, "how to control the air in the space and keep it clean" is an extremely important point in protective measures for CBRNE disasters. In addition to measures such as personal masks and protective clothing, it is essential to take the approach from the facility side of air conditioning and ventilation.
Protect Arts' CBRNE-compliant ventilators
With this background in mind, Protect Arts is developing and selling ventilation equipment designed to respond to CBRNE disasters.
This device is designed to protect the air in indoor spaces by removing airborne chemicals, viruses/fungi, and radioactive particles with a high-performance filter. With its multi-layered filter structure, chemical resistance, and positive pressure maintenance capabilities, it can ensure a safe indoor air environment in the event of a CBRNE disaster. It is expected to be installed in evacuation centers, medical facilities, government agencies, and public infrastructure facilities.
Be prepared for threats you cannot see
CBRNE disasters are the "silent threat" that lurks just around the corner. Their impacts are widespread, severe, and difficult to respond to quickly when they occur.
That is why we must now consider preparedness from a new perspective: air safety. To protect breathing is to protect life. Protectarts' technology is one of the key options to help achieve this.
In the age of CBRNE, "advance preparation" and "awareness of space design" are above all essential to minimize damage.
The first step in this process is to have the right knowledge and to choose the necessary measures.