BROOM sweeps out contamination.

A software application, called building restoration operations optimization model, or BROOM, has been developed to help decision-makers clean-up contaminated buildings, subways, airports and other facilities.

The tool, which was perfected by engineers at Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, Calif., was initially aimed at remediating bio-terrorism incidents, but it was found to have a much wider environmental potential.

BROOM, an official asserts "improves the efficiency of clean-up operations, minimizes facility downtime and provides a transparent basis for reopening."

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