Smiths releases detection tech globally

DANBURY, Conn., April 29 (UPI) -- U.S. company Smiths Detection has launched a new hand-held chemical identifier for use by military and emergency first-responder authorities.

Smiths Detection announced the official worldwide release of its HazMatID Ranger technologies. The HazMatID Ranger, a variant of the company's trademarked HazMatID technology used to identify solid and liquid threats, will be released globally following a successful introduction in the United States in May 2008.

Officials said the HazMatID Ranger, a hand-held device capable of identifying more than 32,000 solids or liquids, is designed to address evolving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.

"We continue to adapt proven technologies to be smaller, lighter, multipurposed and integrated in order to meet the many challenges our customers face," Mal Maginnis, Smiths Detection Global Military and Emergency Responders president, said in a statement.

"The worldwide launch of the HazMatID Ranger underlines our position as a leading provider of specialized solutions to protect and defend against growing CBRNE threats."