Adapting Chem-Bio Protection For U.S. Domestic Security.

• Author: Foster, Sharon
• Position: Tech Talk

A chemical-biological mask used extensively by the U.S. military now is available to domestic emergency personnel who might have to respond to acts of terrorism.

The Millennium Chemical-Biological Mask--produced by the Pittsburgh-based Mine Safety Appliances Company--is an air-purifying respirator, which provides protection against biological agents, such as anthrax, botulinum toxin and ricin, and chemical agents, including nerve gas, mustard gas and Lewisite, explained Ken Bobetich, the firm's product manager for air-purifying respirators.

"Most of the experts say it is not a question of 'if,' but 'when' chemical-biological agents are used in a terrorist act against American targets," Bobetich said.

"The availability of the...