Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Tue, March 17, 2009
Mon, March 16, 2009
Universal Detection Technology: Universal Detection Technology Analysis of the Cost of Bioterror False Alarms
LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - March 16, 2009) - Universal Detection Technology ([ www.udetection.com ]) (
In the 7 1/2 years since America's worst bioterror attack -- when letters laced with anthrax spores killed five people, closed Congress and the Supreme Court and crippled mail service for months -- U.S. agencies have spent more than $50 billion to beef up biological defenses. However, a flood of hoaxes and false alarms have raised the cost considerably through lost work, evacuations, decontamination efforts, first responders' time and the emotional distress of the victims. That, experts say, is often the hoaxsters' goal.
"It's easy, it's cheap and very few perpetrators get caught," said Leonard Cole, a political scientist at Rutgers University in Newark, N.J., who studies bioterrorism. "People do it for a sense of power."
Among the recent targets:
-- Nearly all 50 governors' offices -- About 100 U.S. embassies -- 52 banks -- 36 news organizations -- Ticket booths at Disneyland -- Mormon temples in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles
UNDT's 5-agent detection kits have been extensively used by first responders and private industry throughout the country. The kits are the first line of defense in a "white powder scare" situation. The kits notify the user of the presence of bio agents such as anthrax, botulinum and ricin in as little as three minutes. UNDT's BSM-2000 system is an autonomous airborne detector of bacterial spores. The system samples the ambient air and can notify a first responder of elevated levels of bacterial spores which is a typical signature of an airborne anthrax attack.
The Company recently received a purchase order for its equipment from the Miami-Dade Police Department.
"Our test kits assist first responders and private industry to identify suspicious powders quickly and safely," said Mr. Jacques Tizabi, UNDT's Chief Executive Officer. "This method is the most effective way of treating and mitigating the increased number of hoaxes," he added.
For more information, please visit our website at [ www.udetection.com ] or
Email us at [ info@udetection.com ].
About Universal Detection Technology
Universal Detection Technology is a developer of monitoring technologies, including bioterrorism detection devices. The Company on its own and with development partners is positioned to capitalize on opportunities related to Homeland Security. For example, the Company, in cooperation with NASA, has developed a bacterial spore detector that detects certain biohazard substances. The Company is also a reseller of handheld assays used for detection of five bioterrorism agents, radiation detection systems, and antimicrobial products. For more information, please visit [ www.udetection.com ].
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievement in the future to differ materially from forecasted results, performance, and achievement. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in the Company's plans or expectations.
