Federal Resources

The MKS AIRGARD® ambient air analyzer is an ultra-sensitive, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) based gas analyzer designed to rapidly detect toxic gases. The analyzer is capable of detecting parts per billion (ppb) levels of most CWAs and TICs below toxic, Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) levels within 20 seconds. This low level detection and fast response ensure suficient time for an appropriate response such as: shutting down air handling systems, ‘shelter in place’ or evacuation of the affected area. The AIRGARD has been thoroughly tested by the Department of Defense for its sensitivity, specificity, response time, and immunity to false positive alarms caused by the sensing of, and alarming to, everyday benign, non-toxic solvents and industrial chemicals. This immunity to false alarms prevents unwarranted evacuation of buildings, associated interruptions of business, and emergency notifications when no threat materials are present in the building airflow.

Today’s threat of terrorism exposes large public interior spaces to the risk of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) attacks. Public gathering areas are ideal targets because the high concentration of people in small areas often makes evacuation difficult.

In the event of an incident, early detection and response are imperative for reducing response time and saving the lives of First Responders and the public. Studies conducted by Argonne demonstrate that this advanced warning system can reduce the response time from 75 minutes to less than 5 minutes – saving lives and isolating exposure.

Since the Sarin gas attacks of 1995 in the Tokyo subway, the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and Smiths Detection have collaborated to develop PROTECT – an early warning, crisis management solution in major U.S. subway systems. In 2016, Federal Resources Technical Services Group was chosen by Argonne to be the exclusive licensee of PROTECT.