Building 470

Building 470, ca. 1953.

Building 470, also known as "Lab 470," was a pivotal facility located at the Fort Detrick site in Frederick, Maryland, USA. This building played a significant role in the United States' biological warfare (BW) research program during the mid-20th century. Its construction was completed in 1954, marking the beginning of an era of advanced research in the field of microbiology and infectious diseases. The facility was part of the U.S. Army's Medical Unit (USAMU) and later the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), which focused on developing defensive measures against potential biological threats.

History

The inception of Building 470 was driven by the escalating needs of the Cold War era, where biological warfare became a significant concern for national security. The facility was designed to house high-containment laboratories capable of safely studying highly infectious pathogens. These pathogens included various viruses, bacteria, and toxins, some of which could be weaponized for warfare purposes. Building 470 was equipped with state-of-the-art biosafety level 3 and 4 laboratories, making it one of the few places in the world where such dangerous organisms could be studied under secure conditions.

Throughout its operational years, Building 470 was at the forefront of several groundbreaking research projects. These projects aimed at understanding the mechanisms of infectious diseases, developing vaccines, and creating antidotes for toxins. The facility's research contributed significantly to the field of virology, bacteriology, and immunology.

Closure and Decommissioning

Despite its contributions to science and national defense, the ethical concerns and the end of the Cold War led to a reevaluation of the necessity of such facilities. Building 470 was officially closed in 1990, and its operations were gradually phased out. The decommissioning and decontamination process of the building were complex, given the hazardous materials that had been handled within its laboratories. The building was eventually demolished in 2003, marking the end of an era in biological warfare research in the United States.

Legacy

The legacy of Building 470 lives on through the advancements in medical science and biodefense it helped foster. The research conducted within its walls has contributed to the development of vaccines and treatments for various diseases, enhancing public health and safety. Moreover, the operational standards and safety protocols developed for Building 470 have set benchmarks for modern high-containment laboratories around the world.

See Also

• Biological warfare
• Biosafety level
• Fort Detrick
• USAMRIID