nerve or blister agent vapor present in the air. The CAM can be held in either hand and operated while
the soldier is dressed in chemical protective clothing. The CAM can be operated day or night.
The CAM is used by ground forces to search out contaminated and clean areas and to search and locate
contamination on personnel, equipment, ship structures, aircraft, land vehicles, buildings, and terrain. It
is also used for monitoring collective protection and to determine the effectiveness of decontamination.
This instrument responds to nerve and blister agent vapors down to the lowest concentrations that could
affect personnel over a short period of time.
The CAM is a monitor and not a detector. Since it is a monitor, it can become contaminated and
overloaded or saturated. This instrument can only report conditions at the front of the inlet probe. It is a
point monitor only and cannot give a realistic assessment of the vapor hazard over an area from one
position.
WARNING
The CAM contains a plated cylinder containing Nickel-63 (BETA
Emitter) which makes it a radiation hazard.
3.
Detection of Biological Contamination.
a. There is currently no device available which will provide immediate identification of a
biological agent attack. You must use your senses to detect a local biological agent attack by observing
the types of weapons and munitions used in any attack and comparing them with the known
characteristics of an enemy biological attack. Attacks are most likely to occur during the period from
one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise. Cloudy or foggy days are also favorable for the
employment of biological agents.
b. A biological attack may be suspected when any of the following conditions are observed:
■ Low-flying aircraft that appear to be producing a mist or spray.
■ The functioning of any type of spray device.
■ The functioning of a munition, such as a bomblet, that appears to have no immediate effect.
2-7
CM 2506
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