A smartcard or other media detects the presence of chemical, biological, radiation, and/or explosive (CBRE) compounds or other items of interest on individuals handling the smartcard or other media. The exposure is stored such that, when the card is presented to a reader, the detection data is transmitted to the reader for appropriate processing by the system. In one embodiment, this invention provides a detection methodology which captures the fact that the holder of the detection device has been in contact with an item of interest without external power. The detector card is then able to alert appropriate authorities of that exposure when the device is presented to a reader in the normal course of the holder's business.