news digest
New radiation app reports on traces on food and surfaces
A first-generation smartphone application for a radiation detector has been launched unveiled by Universal Detection Technology’s RadSmart Device. Designed to detect radiation levels on
surfaces and in food and to automatically send the collected data to a smartphone, RadSmart is being developed in collaboration with Honeywell India (a unit of Honeywell International). It has a cesium iodide (CsI) scintillator for the detection of gamma rays, and with a planned detection range of 0.001 to 9.999 µSv/h, the device is expected to be capable of detecting traces of radiation on surfaces, clothing and, in particular, food contamination.
The smartphone application will enable the device to be used for detecting contamination in food or on surfaces, log
The RadSmart smartphone app for radiation detection
the readings and share the accumulated readings with other users and databases through its social networking features. The application has been designed with the everyday user in mind with easily navigable menu options and options for sharing the data through Facebook, Twitter
and radiation mapping databases. It is also being brought out as an additional detection tool to trace radioactivity from Fukushima. A study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics states that the disaster released about 36,000 terabecquerels of cesium-137 – more than twice the 15,000 terabecquerels Japanese authorities estimated — and around 42% as much radioactivity as Chernobyl. The accumulation of cesium-137 on farmland has led the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture mandating that 5 cm of topsoil should be removed prior to any farming activity. The company says that RadSmart will
be able to geo-locate the particular test surface and compare data before and after decontamination.
bio-research: new rules now apply
From late March new rules from the US National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put under greater scrutiny government-funded research which has potential bioweapons applications. The dangers of civilian research being used for BW was recognised when a Federal biodefence panel called for the withholding of data by two scientific journals about to publish the results of two avian influenza studies in 2011. Following a current CDC mechanism which assesses internal
studies, the new rules would cover “dual- use research of concern” within US- financed research carried out, or proposed, by academic and other nongovernmental organisations which could incorporate any of 15 “high-consequence” biological agents and substances – including the avian flu virus. The organisations have 60 days to inform the White House on projects involving of the 15 biological materials of concern, and 90 days to disclose how many projects require extra scrutiny. Studies appearing to pose a security risk require a “risk mitigation plan” developed by the funder, the research organisation and the project leader. The assessments would consider changing the research methodology and recommend relocation to higher-security facilities. However, none of this applies to non-
government-funded or privately funded independent work, or extremists – who can use cheaper and easier methods to try to make aerosolised agents for bioterrorism. And trying to stifle publication of research results is no guarantee it won’t end up in the wrong hands.
08 | CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WARFARE | 2012/01
AVON EASES BUDGETS WITH LEASE PLAN
Cuts in government spending are affecting many industries and procurement authorities, not least for defence and CBRN. To help ease capital budget management, Avon Protection is offering a new lease purchase finance plan to US law enforcement and emergency service departments that are currently unable to purchase or upgrade safety-critical respiratory protection for their dedicated teams. The aim is to offer an affordable means of bridging budget shortfalls. Avon says its Lease Purchase Financing Plan, which it developed with Community Leasing Partners (a division of Community 1st National Bank), will make the process of re-equipping simple and cost effective, while trying to ensure that vital public emergency services and personnel safety standards are maintained. The aim is to offer a means to beat inflation by purchasing new equipment in advance and to take advantage of the low interest rates currently available to qualified municipal organisations.
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