Jun 1, 2009 6:52 pm US/Eastern
S. Fla. Doctor Has Prescription For Protection
CORAL GABLES (CBS4) ―
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Extremely fine, small metals are woven into fabric and those metals block radiation, as well as chemical and biological agents.
CBS4 News
The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department's hazardous material experts have a new tool on the frontlines of their work. They can thank Dr. Ronald Demeo, a Coral Gables anesthesiologist, for his design of a nanometal suit. Extremely fine, small metals are woven into fabric and those metals block radiation, as well as chemical and biological agents.
Dr. Demeo says, "It behaves like metal and feels like metal but has the appearance of fabric."
Hazmat experts say it allows them to move in safely and more quickly than ever before to stop the spread of radiation. We're not just talking about the potential for terror threats. Every day in our community, from construction sites to medical facilities, tiny amounts of radioactive material are used in diagnostic tools and x-ray devices. Sometimes there are accidents and that's when hazmat teams jump into action.
"The equipment allows us to do things we could not do in the past," Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Captain Edward Erickson explained. His department recently purchased several suits and a nanometal blanket; they absorb radiation from suspect devices, as well as being blast proof and bulletproof.
The seed for the idea came when Dr. Demeo was working around x-ray machines during the 1990's. He wanted protection from the relatively small but constant exposure inherent in his work. With a background that included studies in biochemistry and physics, he developed his own surgical mask with early versions of the materials now being used in his line of hazmat suits.
In 2003, Dr. Demeo formed his own company, Radiation Shield Technologies, and from military to civilian use, he says interest is growing. Customers include the New York Fire Department and NATO.
"It is nice, says Dr. Demeo, "to take what I learned in the operating room and take it into the field and see guys have protection."
In a world where first responders are always racing the clock to neutralize the next threat, no matter its source, that protection is welcomed.
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