Isotag LLC announces molecular system to identify sources/distributors/buyers of explosives.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- May 14, 1996--Isotag LLC today announced the results of recent tests involving its chemical labeling system and common components of explosive devices such as the one used in the deadly Murrah Building explosion in Oklahoma City. Tests conducted by Isotag and a major agricultural chemical manufacturer concluded that the exclusive isotopic labels, mixed into chemicals during the manufacturing process, remained intact and identifiable even after detonation. In making the announcement, Isotag President and CEO King Anderson indicated that if such markers are consistently used in the manufacture of such products, it will be much easier to identify the maker, distributor, and therefore the buyer of explosives or their components.

In the just-passed Anti-Terrorist Bill, Congress required that all plastic explosives include chemical markers, and that research be conducted during the next six months to test the viability of requiring labels for all chemical products commonly used in explosive devices. Several European governments, one of which requires markers, are currently considering using the new Isotag(TM) system.

Traditionally, manufacturers wishing to label explosives had to rely on small particle markers. The particles had to be used in large volumes to remain intact during the explosion, which reduced the power of the product and significantly increased costs. Isotag's molecular "bar codes" can be detected in much lower concentrations, literally in parts per billion (ppb), and are less expensive to produce, add to the explosives, trace, and analyze.

The Isotag molecular marking system was developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory and refined by Isotag LLC's scientists. The technology is based on utilizing very rare non-radioactive molecules that are slightly heavier in mass than their twin molecule that would normally occur in nature. These heavy molecules can be combined in an infinite number of configurations, without changing the chemical makeup of a product. Consequently, any liquid or gas can be labeled or tagged with these molecules. The Isotag Laboratory, which secures the exclusive custody codes, can then use its highly-sensitive analytical techniques to test and identify the perfectly transparent tracers.

Isotag initially marketed the product to the oil and gas industry as a protection against product substitution, dilution, and counterfeiting. Today, a number of major petrochemical manufacturers are using the process to indisputably identify each of their products and shipments, in order to protect their brand names.

"We recognized early in the development process of this product that it had application for any chemical compound," said Anderson. "In 1993, we began researching the viability of tagging explosives and agricultural chemicals commonly used by terrorist groups in the manufacture of bombs. Our results clearly demonstrate that Isotags(TM) can be a foolproof way of identifying specific products, and even individual shipments to distributors. Law enforcement officials tell us that such a system will shortcut the painstakingly slow process of identifying the source and buyers of explosives -- and help create the critical mass of evidence required to convict terrorists, such as the Unabomber or World Trade Center bombers," he stated.

Isotag LLC, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a privately-held technology company, created to research, develop, and market molecular and chemical labeling systems. The company provides chemical markers, on-site preliminary product testing, and highly-sophisticated laboratory services. Isotag LLC has offices in San Francisco, Los Alamos, N.M., and London.

CONTACT: Booker/Hancock Public Relations,

Nana Booker/Lynn Hancock, 713/439-7581