Objectives
In the current state of
technology, invidual respiratory protection for first responders consists
primarily in gas mask and an activated carbon filter. Filters protect either
against chemical warfare agents, either against (a part of the) toxic
industrial chemicals. Combined filters exist, but with limited efficienty and a
high burden for the wearer (breathing resistance, canister weight, ...). These
filters are also sensitive to the deleterious influence of water vapour present
in the ambient air. Biological protection is solely provided by the aerosol
pre-filter. The purpose of this activity is to develop new nanoporous
adsorbents that offer a sufficient protection for a wide range of toxic
chemicals (industrial and military) and biological threats, under severe and
wide-range environmental conditions. For quick response in case of chemical or
biological incident the sameadsorbent will be incorporated in a hood. Thus
offering a short time, but quickly operational, respiratory protection to first
responders and public. The activity includes the development of prototypes of
both a filter canister and hood that are based on the nanoporous adsorbent developed
by FRESP and respond to the following requirements: Good overall protection
capacity (as measured against current relevant European norms) no loss of
overall protection vis-a-vis the raw adsorbent due to the construction of the
complete protection device Lower burden than current, similar devices.