Adapting Chem-Bio Protection For U.S. Domestic Security. (Tech Talk).A chemical-biological mask used extensively by the U.S. military now is available to domestic emergency personnel who might have to respond to acts of terrorism. The Millennium Chemical-Biological Mask--produced by the Pittsburgh-based Mine Safety Appliances Mine Safety Appliances, or MSA, is a maker of sophisticated safety products that help protect workers who may be exposed to a variety of hazardous conditions. The company’s product line includes gas monitoring and detection instruments, filter-type respirators, gas masks, Company--is an air-purifying respirator respirator /res·pi·ra·tor/ (res´pi-ra?ter) ventilator (2). cuirass respirator see under ventilator. , which provides protection against biological agents, such as anthrax, botulinum toxin and ricin ricin /ri·cin/ (ri´sin) a phytotoxin in the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), used in the synthesis of immunotoxins. ri·cin n. , and chemical agents, including nerve gas, mustard gas and Lewisite lewisite (l  `əsīt'), liquid chemical compound used as a poison gas. Like mustard gas and nitrogen mustard, it is a blistering agent; when inhaled, it is a powerful respiratory , explained Ken Bobetich, the firm's
product manager for air-purifying respirators.
"Most of the experts say it is not a question of 'if,' but 'when' chemical-biological agents are used in a terrorist act against American targets," Bobetich said. "The availability of the Millennium Mask will help protect our people and give them greater confidence in their safety when responding to a potential chemical-bio logical event." The mask is a domestic variation of the MCU-2/P version used by the Air Force during Gulf War. It provides a wide field of vision and weapon sighting from either shoulder. It is constructed of Hycar rubber to prevent dermal dermal /der·mal/ (der´mal) pertaining to the dermis or to the skin. der·mal or der·mic adj. Of or relating to the skin or dermis. contamination through the face piece. Lens fogging is prevent by an internal nosecup, which deflects air from the-[INCOMPLETE] |
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