Smart Phone Technology

Sarin and VX are nerve agent chemicals that were developed for war. Both come in liquid form and are dispersed in explosive warheads. Generally, the warhead is programmed to explode a thousand feet, more or less, over a targeted area to allow the chemical to “rain down”  on the area. Of course, the chemicals could be dispersed by simply using a typical garden sprayer. VX has a consistency of diesel fuel; thick and evaporates slowly making it a contact hazard. Sarin, on the other hand, has a consistency of gasoline and evaporates fast making it more of a vapor hazard. A 100 milligram drop (size of a pin head) on the skin will kill a human in less than three minutes. Vapors from each are also as deadly. The military has several methods to detect the chemicals. The most basic method is to use a young Airman or Private. You may think I’m joking but this is in the manuals as a last alternative. However, the primary methods are M8 paper, Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM), and the M22 chemical detection instrument. M8 paper is a chemically treated paper that changes certain colors when it is dabbed into the nerve agent. The CAM and M22 both have vacuum systems that basically “sniff” the air and sounds an alarm when the chemical is detected. These instruments costs thousands of dollars and contain radioactive materials. M8 paper has a short shelf life. Therefore, neither are practical for private ownership.

With the increased terror threats within the United States, it’s probably a matter of time until a chemical such as Sarin or VX is released on American citizens. Since it is not practical for civil agencies to purchase and maintain sophisticated equipment like the military, there is going to be a possible solution in a couple years; maybe sooner.

According to Smartplanent (http://www.smartplanet.com), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is in the process of developing a smartphone application that could one day protect us from a deadly chemical attack. With a cost of $1 per sensor, the “Cell-All” would equip a cell phone with a sensor meant to detect hazardous substances. Like the CAM and M22, the Cell-All sensor “sniffs” the air for certain volatile chemical compounds. If a personal safety threat is detected — for example, a chlorine gas leak — the user would receive a warning via noise, vibration, text message or phone call. But if the threat detected is more serious with broader safety implications – such as a sarin gas attack — the time, location and compound name would be sent to an emergency operations center within 60 seconds. The automatic system would minimize human error and get emergency responders to the scene fast. To comply with privacy concerns, the department said the sensor would only operate on an opt-in basis and that data would be transmitted anonymously. Stephen Dennis, Cell-All Program Manager said, “Privacy is as important as technology. After all, for Cell-All to succeed, people must be comfortable enough to turn it on in the first place.”

The availability of this technology is still several years out but the department is currently pursuing agreements with four cell phone manufacturers; Qualcomm, LG, Apple, and Samsung. 40 prototypes could be developed within the next year, including some that sense carbon monoxide and fire.

Given all the concerns many of us have with the Patriot Act, this may be one positive outcome. I have seen the effects of both Sarin and VX. I have actually handled it, of course I was wearing the military chemical ensemble and gas mask. Never the less, it was still “nerve” wrecking to have those droplets placed within two feet of my face with the chemical alarms sounding all around me. I would feel comfortable with people around me having this Cell-All technology. Unfortunate for them, by the time their phone alarms, they will be dead. But, that may give me time to run like hell.