Low Cost Chemical Agent Detection
Monitoring equipment currently used to detect nerve agents and toxic chemicals are expensive, high maintenance, and require specialized training. Safety Solutions of Boynton Beach, FL has developed the HazMat Smart-Strip, a badge that changes color when exposed to toxic agents. It is being sold to law enforcers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
"The HazMat Smart Strip is a low cost, easy-to-use chemical classifier that was designed by first responders for first responders," commented John Molenda, CFO for Safety Solutions Inc. Keeping the product low cost and low tech was the greatest challenge. Mike Reimer, VP developed the idea of using an identifying badge. Reimer worked closely with the National Technology Transfer Center in Wheeling, WV. The NTTC is funding by NASA and FEMA, and provided valuable development and testing of what became the HazMat Smart- Strip.
The badge consists of 8 reagent squares. Each square detects the presence of a corresponding chemical by changing color. The strip can detect chemicals such as chlorine, fluoride, nerve agents, oxidizers, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, and cyanide, in both liquid and aerosol form. Reimer explained that the HazMat Safety Strip is an alternative to the current method in which users attach pieces of pH paper and M-8 paper to their clothing.
Safety Solutions integrates the reactive components directly within the layer, mainly to eliminate the need to apply additional strips of reagents or buffer solution. This enables the HazMat Smart-Strip to compete with electronic chemical-detecting monitors that are priced between $2,000 and $50,000, carry high maintenance costs, and require comprehensive training. The HazMat Smart Strip is priced at just $20 per unit and requires no formal training. The eight reagents are self-contained and are activated by removing the protective cover. The activated strip can be operational for 12 hours or until it is exposed to one of the eight substances.
The identifying strip has been purchased by the U.S. Secret Service's White House security detail, the New York City Fire Department, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and some overseas clients as well.
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