BRITAIN AND UNITED STATES JOIN FORCES TO DEVELOP NEXT GENERATION IN CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL AGENT PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

[Video is of current protective garments, not those to be developed with new fabric]

            British researchers met today (Sept. 16) with Texas Tech University researchers and agreed to work together to develop critically needed protective garments for first responders to natural disasters and bio-terror attacks. The garments will provide military and emergency personnel with protective wear that is lighter, easier to wear for long periods, and offers increased protection from contaminants and toxins.

TAKE VO:

            The new garments will be developed with a novel protective fabric technology using carbon, cotton and other fibers.  The technology was created earlier this year by Texas Tech researchers. The joint project is in response to a call for modernization of chemical and biological defense capabilities by the U.S. Department of Defense.   

            It is the goal of this consortium that all emergency services personnel have the most effective protective suits.

TAKE SOUND BITES:

CG: Ron Kendall, Texas Tech University

CG: Paul Dunderdale, Remploy Frontline, UK

BACK TO ANCHOR

            The new research partnership includes the Texas Tech University’s Institute of Environmental and Human Health, the British company Remploy Frontline, the world’s premier manufacturer of protective clothing, and Texas-based manufacturer Hobbs Bonded Fibers.