Air monitoring system in development

Associated Press

SPOKANE — Companies in Richland and Spokane are trying to develop a machine that would constantly monitor air to detect airborne microbes such as anthrax.

They are among several businesses in Eastern Washington finding that the war on terrorism is good for the bottom line.

The air quality sensor is being developed by scientists at Eastern Washington University in Cheney and Washington State University’s branch in Spokane, with help from area companies.

The equipment constantly samples the air with a laser and can provide analysis within 30 minutes. It issues an alarm if harmful agents are detected, and kicks on a vacuum-like device.

"It sucks the stuff from the air," said Jeanne Small, professor of biochemistry at EWU and lead scientist on the $1.2 million Office of Naval Research grant.

The goal is to identify microbes without having to continually use expensive test kits. Instead, similar to a smoke detector, the machine would operate constantly to monitor air quality.

At present, the technology works best for large, noisy spaces such as sports arenas or airports, she said. As the technology gets quieter and cheaper, it could be adapted for smaller spaces, even homes, she said.

Commercial sales are probably a year away, she said, if federal funds keep flowing to the work.

"When we began this in 1999, we were aware of potential threats of airborne pathogens, such as a scare about possible anthrax contamination at Spokane’s Planned Parenthood that year," Small said.

"Little did we know that in the fall of 2001, possibilities that seemed so remote and distant only two years ago would be part of our every day reality now," she said.

Those cooperating on the project include InnovaTek of Richland, which built a bioaerosol collector independently under a separate military contract, and refined it to accommodate the sensor being developed under the EWU grant.

Quantum Northwest, a laser technology firm in Spokane, is building the bioparticle sensing device that attaches to the collector.

Meanwhile, a Spokane Valley company that has sold waterproof clothing to the U.S. government for years is getting increased business, requiring it to hire seven workers and put tailors on 48-hour workweeks.

During the past three weeks, Adventure Tech has received orders for about 4,000 camouflage-style jackets and pants, which will be used by Navy Seals, Army Rangers and other military special forces, said owner Brian Abrams.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency also has ordered 500 pairs of pants and 500 jackets.

Another Eastern Washington company, Jetseal Inc. of Spokane, makes high-temperature metal seals for aircraft engines and expects business to pick up when military planes used against Afghanistan go in for maintenance. The company also makes parts for tanks and Apache helicopters.

Also, a company called Spokane Industries produces parts for the Bradley Mechanized Infantry Fighting Vehicle, said owner Greg Tenold.

Spokane Industries is one of just a half-dozen foundries nationwide certified to make armor-plating for the U.S. government, he said.