The CBRN DEFENSE NRBC glossary defines the essential concepts: CBRN, NRBC, EPI, FFP2, FFP3, contamination, decontamination, containment, stable iodine, clean zone, dirty zone, dosimetry and Hantavirus.
A common vocabulary avoids bad reflexes
NRBC risks are often misunderstood because the words seem similar: exposure, contamination, decontamination, containment, filtration or disinfection. However, each designates a different action.
This glossary serves as a layer of clarification for all CBRN DEFENSE pages. It helps a reader to quickly understand a guide and a safety manager to harmonize an internal document.
The definitions remain deliberately defensive. They explain preventive uses and limits, without entering into dangerous actions.
Use the definitions well in a concrete situation
A technical word only has value if it helps you make a decision. Knowing that an FFP2 filters particles but not gases avoids, for example, giving it protection that it does not have. In the same way, distinguishing exposure and contamination helps to understand why distancing, removing clothing or cleaning do not serve the same objective.
When you read a notice, a safety data sheet or an official message, return to the precise terms rather than commercial expressions. Words like “universal”, “professional” or “high protection” are not enough to describe performance. The standard, the contaminant, the duration of use and the limits must be clearly indicated.
This glossary can also be used as family or professional support. A short reading session, combined with identifying the available material, allows us to speak the same language and reduce hesitation when time is short.
Recommended situations and routes
Understanding the masks
FFP2, FFP3, half-mask and filter do not have the same role. The dedicated page explains the limits.
Find out more: Understand masksUnderstand decontamination
Clean zone, dirty zone and PPE removal are at the heart of defensive scenarios.
Deep: Understanding decontaminationUnderstanding containment
Containment is a shelter instruction, distinct from a evacuation.
Go deeper: Understanding confinement52 essential definitions
52 result(s)
CBRN
English acronym for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear. It designates chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risks.
NRBC
French acronym for Nuclear, Radiological, Biological and Chemical. It covers the same field as CBRN.
EPI
Personal protective equipment worn or held by a person to reduce one or more risks to their health or safety.
FFP2
Filtering mask against certain particles and aerosols. It does not automatically protect against chemical gases or vapors.
FFP3
Filtering mask offering a higher level of particle filtration than FFP2, subject to a good fit to the face.
Aerosol
Suspension of fine particles or droplets in the air, which may concern certain biological or chemical risks depending on the context.
Contamination
Presence of a contaminant on skin, clothing, a surface, an object or in the body.
Decontamination
Set of actions aimed at reducing or avoiding the transfer of a contaminant to a clean area, a person or an object.
Containment
Sheltering in a building or enclosed space, with listening to official instructions and limiting exchanges with the outside world if requested.
Stable iodine
Tablet that may be requested by the authorities in certain nuclear accidents. It must not be taken on one's own initiative.
Clean zone
Area organized to avoid the transfer of contamination, receive uncontaminated people or objects and remove PPE properly.
Dirty zone
Area where contamination is suspected or present, separated from the clean area to limit transfers.
Dosimetry
Measurement or monitoring of a dose of radiation received, generally in a specialized or professional setting.
Safety data sheet
Document of reference to identify the dangers of a chemical product, the recommended protections and the actions to take.
Hantavirus
Family of viruses associated in particular with certain rodents and exposure to dust contaminated by their urine, saliva or excrement.
DAAF
Autonomous smoke alarm detector. It alerts occupants in the event of smoke and must be maintained and tested regularly.
Fire fumes
Dangerous mixture of particles, gas, heat, soot and toxic compounds. An FFP2 or FFP3 mask does not make a fire atmosphere breathable.
Carbon monoxide
Invisible and odorless toxic gas that can be produced during incomplete combustion. Particle masks do not filter it.
Soot
Black deposits from combustion. After a fire, they can contaminate surfaces, textiles, food and objects.
Caulk
Action of limiting the entry of fumes through a door or opening, for example with damp cloths, when the exit is smoked and waiting for emergency services is necessary.
Evacuation
Organized exit from a dangerous place to a safe place. In the event of a fire, it depends on the practicability of the path and emergency instructions.
Brush clearance
Reduction of combustible vegetation around a building in areas exposed to forest fires, according to applicable local rules.
Danger
Intrinsic property of an agent, a product or a situation likely to cause damage.
Risk
Combination of the probability of exposure to a hazard and the possible severity of its consequences.
Exposure
Situation in which a person is subjected to a dangerous agent by inhalation, contact, ingestion, radiation or other means.
Cross contamination
Involuntary transfer of a contaminant from a person, surface or object to an initially clean area.
APR
Respiratory protection device. This family includes filtering face pieces, half masks, full masks and insulating devices.
Facial document
Part of a respiratory device which covers all or part of the face and ensures the passage of filtered or supplied air.
Water filter particles
Element designed to retain certain solid or liquid particles. It does not automatically protect against gases and vapors.
Anti-gas cartridge
Filter intended for certain families of identified gases or vapors. Its type, capacity and limits must correspond to the product and the task.
Adjustment
Quality of the seal between respiratory protection and the face. Beard, unsuitable size or poor positioning can create leaks.
Test adjustment
Qualitative or quantitative method used to verify that a model of respiratory protection is suitable for its user's face.
Permeation
Passage of a chemical product through the material of a glove or clothing at the molecular level, without necessarily visible degradation.
Transit time
Duration measured before a chemical passes through a material under defined test conditions. It does not in itself constitute a universal duration of use.
Disinfection
Operation aimed at reducing or inactivating micro-organisms on a surface according to a determined product, concentration and contact time.
Biocide
Product intended to destroy, repel or render harmless certain harmful organisms. Its use must respect the label and authorized uses.
Zoonosis
Disease or infection naturally transmissible between vertebrate animals and human beings.
Vector
Living organism, for example a mosquito or a tick, capable of transmitting an agent infectious from one host to another.
Absorbed dose
Quantity of energy deposited by ionizing radiation in a mass of material, expressed in gray in the international system.
Dose rate
Dose received or measured per unit of time. Its interpretation requires context, the appropriate device and appropriate skills.
Irradiation
Exposure of a person or an object to ionizing radiation. It does not necessarily mean that radioactive contamination is present.
FR-Alert
French alert system which broadcasts notifications to telephones present in an area faced with serious or imminent danger.
DICRIM
Communal information document on major risks. It presents the risks of the municipality and the prevention and safeguarding measures.
PPI
Special intervention plan prepared by public authorities around certain installations or structures presenting particular risks.
PPMS
Special security plan used in educational establishments in the face of a major risk or threat.
ICPE
Installation classified for environmental protection, subject to an administrative regime depending on the dangers or nuisances it may present.
Seveso site
Industrial establishment subject to reinforced major accident prevention requirements due to the dangerous substances present.
PPRN
Prevention plan for foreseeable natural risks regulating the use of land in areas exposed to certain natural hazards.
Radon
Natural radioactive gas originating from the ground, which can accumulate in buildings. Reducing exposure is based in particular on measurement, ventilation and appropriate work.
Shelter
Action of joining a building or a protected area and remaining there according to instructions, in order to reduce exposure to an external danger.
Feedback
Structured analysis of an exercise or event aimed at identifying effective points, difficulties and improvements to be integrated.
PCA
Business continuity plan defining how to maintain or resume essential functions when an event disrupts usual resources.
FAQ Glossary NRBC
Quick responses to compare uses, limits and protection priorities.
Do NRBC and CBRN mean the same thing?
Yes, in common usage. CBRN is the English order, NRBC the French order.
Why is an FFP2 not enough against gas?
An FFP2 filters particles. Gases and vapors require filters or cartridges adapted to the contaminant.
What is the difference between exposure and contamination?
Exposure refers to contact with a danger. Contamination refers to the presence of the contaminant on a person, an object, a surface or in the body.
Is a trade name enough to choose PPE?
No. It is necessary to check the standard, the instructions, the intended use, compatibility with the identified danger and the actual wearing conditions.