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TICs are industrial chemicals that are manufactured, stored, transported, and used throughout the world. They are classified as hazardous chemicals in the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals and as 2.3 Toxic Gases and Class 6.1 Toxic Substances in the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations.

Many of them are essential to modern industries, like ammonia for fertilizers, chlorine for water treatment, hydrogen sulfide in oil refining, and phosgene in plastics manufacturing, just to name a few.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ITF-25 report identified 98 priority TICs that represent the highest hazards due to their high toxicity and widespread production. Unlike CWAs, which are rare but catastrophic, TIC incidents occur regularly—often disguised as “routine” industrial events.

Operational Risks for HAZMAT Teams

What makes TICs particularly dangerous is not only their toxicity but also their unpredictability in real-world environments.

High toxicity at low doses: Many TICs can cause lethal effects even at parts per million (ppm) concentrations.

Volatility and dispersal: Depending on their vapor density, some TICs accumulate in low-lying areas while others rise quickly, changing the dynamics of response. In our webinar at 10:50 min, you can see our test on hydrogen sulfide. Our AP4C detector, thanks to its high sensitivity, can detect vapors when the sensor is near the substance.

Threat States: TICs are in gas, vapor, aerosol, liquid, and solid forms. Gaseous threats are easily detected; others form the most challenging detection. For vapor detection, operators need to have highly sensitive detectors, much more so for oily threats. Additional tools, such as sampling solutions, headspace samplers, and no-filter sensors, may be required.

These tools must be easily accessible and have the potential to be misused maliciously.

Why TIC Preparedness Matters

TICs are a high-frequency, high-risk reality. That’s why preparation for TICs is not optional—it is essential.

Training: Scenarios must include TIC releases. Exercises should prepare teams for industrial-scale hazards that could arise in urban, rural, or transportation environments.

Detection equipment: No single instrument can cover all threats. Teams need versatile, highly sensitive detectors capable of detecting gases, vapors, aerosols, and even liquids and solids. Instruments like Proengin’s AP4C and AP4C+, combined with complementary tools, enable rapid detection and categorization of TICs. Stay connected; the next blog will arrive soon!

Operational integration: Detection must feed directly into decision-making, establishing exclusion zones, confirming decontamination, and guiding PPE choices. A clear, reliable data flow means fewer delays and better protection for responders and the public.

Explore More with Proengin.

At Proengin Academy, we provide training, webinars, and operational insights to help your teams master TIC and CBRN detection. Learn to maximize your AP4C and AP4C+ potential and integrate them effectively into your TIC response plans.

Contact us for more information or to request a demo with your team.