Civilian Adoption of Detection Systems Necessitates Development of More User-Friendly Equipment.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Moving out of the battlefield, detection equipment is rapidly deployed into civilian routines and applications such as mass transit systems, government buildings, and public events in North America.

Public pressure, triggered by terrorist attacks and instances such as the 2001 anthrax mailings, is forcing authorities to deploy effective security measures that help provide a secure environment for citizens.

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"The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DoD) are funding the large-scale development of chemical and biological detection technologies that will allow first responders such as fire fighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, and hazardous material teams (hazmats), to detect unseen threats," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Michael Valenti.

These technically superior devices should be adapted for easy maneuverability by non-scientist frontline users.

The equipment's capability to minimize false positives is another priority since false alarms can lead to complacency among civilians who may not pay attention to a real alert or could cause unwanted panic. Thus, most current research and development (R&D) teams in detection equipment are focusing on reducing the instances of false positive readings.

Detection speed is vital to enable emergency personnel to contain risks while dealing with lethal toxins, which could endanger a large number within minutes.

"The faster authorities can determine the exact nature of a threat, such as anthrax versus bubonic plague, or Sarin gas versus VX, the swifter they can formulate an appropriate response to mitigate its effects," says Valenti. "This includes initiating the optimal evacuation plans, administering the correct vaccines, and identifying the most at-risk population."

Recent developments include the portable distributed sampling unit (DSU) and innovative environmental monitoring systems, which consistently test air samples to recognize biological threats.

In order to enforce the speed, accuracy and ease of the development and deployment of systems, authorities need to compile and implement regulations. Participants are already working toward higher quality products as the demand increases from the civilian sector.

"All branches of the armed forces will continue to be a prime market for both chemical and biological detection technologies, but newer and massive markets will be found in police and fire departments, public health authorities, and industrial concerns with large or high security risk facilities, for example, defense contractors," concludes Valenti.

The Security Technology: Chemical and Biological Detection is part of the Homeland Security and Defense vertical Subscription Service, and examines the most recent security technologies in the chemical and biological detection arenas. The research service provides an insight into the varied relevant segments -- portable and stationary defense systems, defense systems in transportation sectors, facilities management systems such as sensing equipment, and public safety equipment like hand-held detectors. Participants can identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of the competition, and keep abreast with critical developments. Executive summaries and analyst interviews are available to the press.

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Security Technology: Chemical and Biological Detection

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Keywords in this release: detection equipment, biological, chemical, security technologies, terrorist, anthrax, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Department of Defense, DOD, fire fighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, hazardous material teams, hazmats, bubonic plague, Sarin gas, VX, environmental monitoring systems, distributed sampling units, DSU