Arthur D. Little Unveils Non-Toxic Foam that Neutralizes Biological and Chemical Weapons
Business Wire - June 29, 2000 09:43
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 29, 2000--
Creation of easy-to-use, portable foam marks a breakthrough in reducing threat of chemical and biological warfare.
Arthur D. Little, Inc. has created a non-toxic, non-hazardous foam that neutralizes chemical and biological weapons that could potentially be used in a terrorist attack. The foam was developed in conjunction with a U.S. government task force in response to growing concerns about terrorist threats.
The decontaminant foam is intended for use at emergency or disaster sites by "first responders," such as firefighters, HAZMAT teams, bomb squads, ambulance personnel, and public works crews. Among the many agents it neutralizes is the chemical Sarin, which was used in the 1995 Tokyo subway attack that killed 12 people, and Anthrax, which is widely recognized for its ease of production and mobility. The foam will be available on the market at an affordable price of approximately $10 per gallon as soon as commercial partners are signed on.
"It is an unfortunate fact of the world today that the threat of biological and chemical terrorism is on the rise," said Dr. Daniel Ehntholt, vice president in Arthur D. Little's Technology & Innovation Group and leader of the team that created the decontaminant foam. "Municipal governments, law enforcement agencies and emergency response teams are taking measures to contain the level of exposure should an attack occur. This decontaminant foam makes it possible to quickly and easily neutralize biological and chemical weapons at the point of contamination, before they are allowed to do widespread harm. We are proud to be part of an effort that could play a significant role in protecting the public and saving lives."
Arthur D. Little was commissioned to develop the environmentally-safe, decontaminant foam by a U.S. Government inter-agency group that is pursuing methods of combating terrorism.
Arthur D. Little worked on a fast product-development track to create the foam and is currently assisting in its commercialization. The foam was developed at Arthur D. Little headquarters in Cambridge, and tested in authorized facilities in Illinois.
The foam, which is as easily portable as any firefighter foam, can also be used in a wide variety of industries or locations in which hazardous agents are used or encountered, such as air and seaports, public utilities, refineries, and power and chemical plants.
About Arthur D. Little
Arthur D. Little (www.arthurdlittle.com) is one of the world's premier consulting firms, with offices and laboratories in more than 30 countries around the world. Founded in 1886, the company has continually set the standard for excellence in management consulting, technology & innovation, and environment & risk management. Working closely with its clients, Arthur D. Little uses innovation to help leading organizations achieve rapid growth and breakthrough results. The company offers an unparalleled breadth of expertise in creating strategy, developing innovative technologies, managing organizations to create lasting value, and helping companies implement e-business strategies to transform themselves in the new economy.
CONTACT: Arthur D. Little
Steve Puleo, (617) 498-6014
puleo.steve@adlittle.com