Media Q & A
Why is this program being launched?
The consortium’s partners are answering the call from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other national first responder groups to develop products that will protect emergency response agencies, including fire, EMS, police, and volunteers, when chemical, biological, nuclear or radiation threats exist.
What is the goal of the consortium?
To develop the next generation protective suits worn by first responders, emergency personnel and the military who go to disasters around the world. Priority will be given to increasing the protective nature of the clothing, its comfort and length of wearability.
What are the applications of this research?
Next generation protective wear could be used to clean up toxic environments caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, and receding floodwaters, or by manmade terrorist events involving biological or chemical agents, “dirty bombs” and such. Different kinds of suits are called for in different kinds of disaster or terrorist events. The characteristics of our first prototype suits will depend largely on the specific needs of the end user.
When could such a product be ready for use?
We hope to have a prototype produced within 12 months. The prototype must be tested and accredited by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other entities before it can be marketed. If all research and testing steps go as hoped, a product will be on the market as soon as the end of 2006.
Who is involved in this consortium?
- The Institute for Environmental and Human Health, a research entity of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas
- Hobbs Bonded Fibers, a national leader in developing and manufacturing nonwoven products using natural and synthetic fibers for industrial applications.
- Remploy Frontline, the world’s leading manufacturer of CBRN protective clothing, based in Liverpool, United Kingdom
Where will this work be done ?
Work will be done the United States and United Kingdom, but Texas Tech will be the lead program manager for research and product testing.
What is the projected cost of these new protective garments?
Protective garments currently on the market cost between $200 and $3,000 depending on the level of protection provided. It is hoped that the new consortium will develop more cost effective solutions than are now available.
For more information, contact George Sperry, Remploy Frontline in United States,
(540-845-7827) remploy@aol.com
Nia Humphreys, Remploy Frontline in United Kingdom, (+44 845 261 2990) Frontline@remploy.co.uk
Larry Hobbs, Hobbs Bonded Fibers, (254-741-0040) Lhobbs@hobbsbondedfibers.com
Seshadri Ramkumar, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (806-885-0228) seshadri.ramkumar@tiehh.ttu.edu