Global Security Newswire

Australian authorities next week plan to release a harmless gas at three subway stops in Melbourne to help determine how a biological or chemical agent might disperse during a terrorism incident, the Age newspaper reported (see GSN, Oct. 20, 2010).

Sulfur hexafluoride will be discharged on Wednesday and Thursday at the Parliament, Melbourne Central and Flagstaff stops of the City Loop. Air testing equipment will track the movement and levels of the material.

''The whole purpose of the trial is to study where the sulfur hexafluoride travels to,'' said Chris Watt, assistant chief officer with the city fire brigade. ''We want to understand potential areas of risk if a chemical or biological release occurred in an underground transport system.''

The test is being managed by the Victoria state Transport Department with assistance from the fire brigade and a number of organizations, according to a press release. The department said there would be no threat to human health from the gas, which has been used widely in testing of other cities' subway lines.

The assessment could also help determine how oxygen or gases might move during a blaze or gas release, according to the report (Clay Lucas, The Age, Sept. 14).