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.