An Appraisal By Universal Detection Technology, Of The Anthrax Investigation Five Years After The Attacks Of 2001

Main Category: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism
Article Date: 29 Sep 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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In a September 25, 2006 article, "FBI is Casting a Wider Net in Anthrax Attacks," published in The Washington Post, the FBI is said to believe that the anthrax used in the 2001 attacks was "far less sophisticated than originally believed." This means that the perpetrators behind the attacks do not necessarily have to possess the high level of scientific knowledge and the high-tech equipment that was originally assumed. The implication is that it is no longer plausible to assume that only highly qualified experts with access to top secret laboratories are capable of conducting an anthrax attack on the US or its allies.

"It is a very scary piece of information which indicates that a lone terrorist with a degree in biology may be able to produce 'clean' anthrax similar to the ones used in 2001. It was previously assumed that the spores were 'weaponized' and so sophisticated that only a country with an advanced bio-warfare program was able to produce them. This is no longer valid. In light of our present knowledge, we need to take serious actions to defend ourselves against potential anthrax attacks. We need to be prepared, detect an assault early and have the necessary evacuation and decontamination protocols in place well in advance of an attack," said Jacques Tizabi, UDTT's Chairman and CEO. "Action has been taken but a wider scale attack with anthrax than the 2001 scenario can still cripple the economy and cause mass casualties," he added.

Before 2001, the US Postal Service had no way of identifying whether an envelope was contaminated with anthrax or not. According to Thomas Day, VP of US Postal Service, after the anthrax-laden letters were sent via the Postal Service, authorities conducted detailed studies at Fort Detrick, Maryland to identify the specific point during the mail sorting process when anthrax spores were dispersed in the air. The conclusion was that the initial sorting step where envelopes enter a single line and travel at high speeds was the most critical point. Today, the Postal Service collects and analyses air samples from these vulnerable points but the majority of US buildings are still defenseless and incapable of detecting biological attacks early enough to reduce or eliminate casualties. Even at the postal service only a small percentage of mail is being monitored.

A critical factor in preparing for an anthrax attack is wide-spread adoption of economically feasible early detection systems that can serve as a first line of defense. Universal Detection's BSM-2000 can serve as a cost-saving alternative to present anthrax detection systems. The detection technology used in BSM-2000 has been developed by NASA's JPL and can effectively warn the authorities of elevated levels of bacterial spores, a signature of an anthrax attack. "Our 'detect to treat' approach as well as the affordability of BSM-2000 can substantially increase buildings' preparedness in the event of an anthrax attack," added Tizabi.

About Universal Detection Technology

Universal Detection Technology is a developer of monitoring technologies, including bio-terrorism 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 bio-terror 'smoke' detector that detects certain bio hazard substances. For more information, please visit http://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.

Universal Detection Technology
http://www.udetection.com/

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