Featured Article -- November 2007

Technology Helps Identify Suspicious Substances
- Submitted by the Overland Park Fire Department

From time to time fire department hazardous material response teams are called to investigate unknown white powders. Since the Anthrax incidents in 2001, the public has made more reports of suspicious substances. Thankfully, these investigations are usually some sort of a hoax or false alarm.

Metro Kansas City area HazMat teams have technology that allows quick identification of unknown substances. The first instrument is called a HAZMAT ID. A small sample of the unknown material is placed on a diamond sampling surface where infrared (IR) energy interacts with it. Some of this energy is absorbed by the material and produces a graph that shows peaks where certain frequencies of IR are absorbed. The software compares the graphical information to an internal library and gives the operator the substance's identity.

Another technology, called the RespondeR, compliments the HAZMAT ID uses laser light scattering to identify unknowns. A small amount of sample is exposed to energy from a high-power laser. Some of this energy passes through the sample while some of it is reflected. The reflected energy is analyzed by computer software which determines the unknown substance. The information from this instrument is sent to the HAZMAT ID via Bluetooth technology and is compared with the results of the HAZMAT ID. The combined result uses two different technologies allowing the operator to be more confident in indentification.

These two devices allow HAZMAT technicians to identify unknown substances in a matter of a few minutes. The quick screening process reduces anxiety levels often associated with unknown white powder calls. It also reduces scene time allowing hazmat teams to return to service quicker.

Unfortunately these two instruments can’t identify every unknown solid or liquid. Sometimes samples must be sent to a laboratory for identification.

Although there are some limitations to the two instruments, HazMat teams are better equipped to deal with unknown substances than ever before.

The threat level in the airline sector is HIGH or Orange. See www.dhs.gov for details.

An online Suspicious Activity Report Form (SAR) will be available soon.