TSWG Press Release
Press release by Technical Support Working Group, Homeland Security, Washington DC. Following a terrorist attack with a radiological dispersion device or “dirty bomb,” First Responders want to know, “Did I receive a lethal exposure to ionizing radiation or will I be OK?†Medical personnel treating the victims need to quickly know the radiation dose each individual has received to ensure that treatment is provided first to those who need it the most. JP aboratories of Middlesex, New Jersey has developed a credit card-sized radiation dosimeter that answers those questions quickly and cheaply. the badge can be worn for years. When exposed to radiation from a “dirty bomb” or nuclear detonation, the sensing material developed by JP Laboratories changes color providing the wearer or medical personnel instantaneous information on cumulative radiation exposure of the victim. It can take days to get that information by othermethods. The initial research was supported under a Navy Small Business Innovative Research award. TSWG funded research will produce a second-generation dosimeter badge with improved performance. Working as a team, TSWG, the Navy, JP Laboratories, and Police, Fire, Hazmat and EMS personnel in several communities will evaluate the system and guide further research, development and fielding.