Smiths Detection has provided services and equipment to support a joint research health study conductedby Utah Valley University Emergency Services Department and the Fire Smoke Coalition.
The study is examining if residue left on firefighters’ personal protective equipment after fighting fires poses a health risk. Results are planned to be released later this year.
Lance Roncalli, U.S. Managing Director for Smiths Detection, said: “Our technologies help protect first responders in the communities they serve and we are pleased to offer our most effective chemical identifiers and scientists to support this vital firefighter safety research.”
Smiths Detection systems being used during the course of the study include:
• GUARDION, a miniaturized, hand portable Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS), which detects and identifies the complex mixture of chemicals which are present in the smoke at a fire scene;
• HazMatID Elite, a handheld solids and liquids Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer capable of identifying most fire accelerants;
• GasID, a portable Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer that identifies over 5,500 gas and vapor chemicals.
For further information on the products used in this study, please visit:
GUARDION HazMatID Elite GasID
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Smiths Detection designs and makes advanced solutions to detect and identify threats including explosives, chemical agents, biohazards, nuclear, radiation, narcotics, weapons and contraband. A market leader worldwide in providing layered security technologies, Smiths Detection has major plants in three U.S. states. It partners federal and state government agencies and first responders to strengthen homeland security and safeguard the military. Major customers include the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is part of Smiths Group, a global leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people, including more than 9,000 in the U.S. where it operates around 100 sites in 40 states.