After September 11 and the anthrax attacks of 2001, the real danger of a large-scale biological terrorist attack was realized. This invaluable volume brings together the latest information on the environmental sampling element of the response to a biological attack. Resulting from a national conference of first responders, scientists, and industry representatives, Sampling for Biological Agents in the Environment presents best practices that will help standardize procedures and technology to properly sample for biological threat agents. The sampling issues, techniques, and equipment are explained for professionals involved in sampling and testing of hazardous materials. Additionally, this volume will help facilitate cooperation and effective communication between various federal, state, and local entities that often have different procedures and methodologies when responding to weapons of mass destruction incidents. This volume clearly articulates best practices, common mistakes, basic principles, and future developments in comprehensible and concise language that can be easily understood by a non-technical audience but appreciated by the scientific community. By using real-world incidents, this volume thoroughly explains how to establish a containment area, structure a sampling operation, and acquire samples of the biological threat agent. The authors of individual chapters span the range of expertise across the biological sampling community. From government policy experts and first responders to hazmat personnel and leading scientists, this publication unites expertise from across the sampling community to combine this disparate knowledge into a clear, accessible resource. This volume is the first of its kind and presents novel ideas to address the diverse needs within the biological sampling field. Key Features * Focuses on all aspects of acquiring, packaging, and transporting a representative biological sample from the environment * Uses real-world examples and experiences to show lessons learned and best practices * Emphasizes key topics through the use of graphics, photographs, and real-world examples * Provides a much-needed resource of best practices and references * Presents detailed information in clear and concise language that can be appreciated by a technical audience and understood by non-technical readers * Standardizes procedures, responses, and techniques by covering multiple sampling types (air, water, and surfaces) * Incorporates contributions written by experts across the sampling community * Consolidates all the critical information in realistic examples for professionals * Includes text boxes, chapter appendixes, a summary of biological agents, and a glossary