Anthrax and other potentially deadly biological agents pose considerable threats to the military and the public, but Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers think they have a quick and safe cure. In a matter of seconds, the ultraviolet portion of an arc plasma lamp can kill the bacteria because it destroys the cells' DNA. Up to 10 percent of the lab's 300,000-watt lamp, manufactured by Vortek Industries of Canada, is in the ultraviolet spectrum, making it far more lethal to bacteria than lower-powered mercury vapor and xenon lamps. Researchers also believe the lamp can be used to neutralize chemical warfare agents on, for example, buildings, tanks or barracks. The process would involve spraying the area with a low-volume proprietary mixture of harmless chemicals and then zapping the area with the lamp. The light activates the mixture, which chemically breaks down the phosphates, leaving behind a harmless powder. The process has considerable advantages over methods using foam, which is corrosive and damaging to electronics, becomes contaminated, and causes disposal issues.
Menu