9/11 Responders Twice as Likely to Have Asthma

First responders who were exposed to caustic dust and toxic pollutants following the 2001 World Trade Center (WTC) terrorist attacks suffer from asthma at more than twice the rate of the general U.S. population, according to Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers. As many as eight percent of the workers and volunteers who engaged in rescue and recovery, essential service restoration, and clean-up efforts in the wake of 9/11 reported experiencing post-9/11 asthma attacks or episodes. Asthma is typically seen in only four percent of the population. "Although previous WTC studies have shown significant respiratory problems, this is the first study to directly quantify the magnitude of asthma among WTC responders," said Hyun Kim, ScD, Instructor of Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine (MSSM) and lead author of the analysis. Of the study's rescue and recovery workers, 86 percent were men and the average duration of work at WTC sites was 80 days. The study followed uniformed and other law enforcement and protective service workers (42 percent of subjects), as well as construction workers and other responders who had engaged in paid and volunteer WTC-related rescue and recovery, essential service restoration and/or debris removal and clean-up efforts. The data show an increasing percentage of responders reporting asthmatic episodes, rising to double that seen in the general population.

Monitoring Boats in Hudson River

Monitoring the daily ship traffic of a busy waterway like the Hudson River isn't an easy task for the Department of Homeland Security. The biggest ships are required to carry an Automatic Identification System that broadcasts information about their identity and location, but boats weighing less than 300 tons are often an invisible security risk. A team of acoustics experts at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey are developing a system that tracks the traffic by listening to the noise it produces. The team placed several underwater microphones ("hydrophones") in the Hudson River. These microphones recorded the din of engine and propeller noise produced by the ships above. They developed a computer algorithm that isolated each individual boat's sound and tracked its location based on how long the sound took to travel to each microphone. The group was also able to classify each ship based on signature characteristics in its noise. Video cameras at the surface confirmed the accuracy of their technique. The propellers of slow-moving boats like barges, for example, generate low-frequency modulation, while fast-moving speedboats produce high-frequency modulation. The team used special analysis techniques for extracting high-frequency modulation using low frequencies. The team hopes to develop a database that keeps track of every individual ship's identity to assist various agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, with their missions.

$9M Order for AS&E's New MobileSearch HE Systems

American Science and Engineering has received a $9.1 million order from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for multiple MobileSearch HE (High-Energy) cargo and vehicle inspection systems equipped with both high-energy transmission and proprietary Z Backscatter(tm) X-ray imaging for detecting threats and contraband including weapons, explosives, drugs, and currency. MobileSearch HE offers flexible and rapid response at seaports, border crossings, and other high threat checkpoints. The system's combination of technologies offers the unique capability to simultaneously detect both metallic and organic threats in cargo -- providing detailed information about the contents of the cargo. The MobileSearch HE system offers two complementary imaging technologies integrated in one system. Its 4.5 MeV high energy transmission X-ray generates high penetration and high resolution images for the inspection of densely loaded cargo, with typical penetration over 12 inches (300 mm) of steel. The system also utilizes Z Backscatter X-ray imaging to assist in the identification of organics for improved detection of explosive threats and other organic contraband.

Police Discover Nearly 1,000 Stolen Suitcases

The Arizona Republic reports on the arrest of two individuals who are believed to have stolen at least 1,000 suitcases from Sky Harbor International in Phoenix. Detectives found the stolen luggage---many empty---while serving a search warrant at a home. The suspect is accused of plucking unclaimed bags off airport baggage carousels. Police officers arrested one of the two suspect three weeks ago at the airport after an officer noticed him grabbing a random bag off one of the carousels. He was given a misdemeanor-theft citation and released, though police said he returned to the airport days later. The man and his wife were arrested at their home and booked on suspicion of theft and possession of stolen property - leaving detectives to try and track the missing items. Airport officials found no record of the Kings ever working at the airport. Phoenix officers regularly patrol baggage-claim areas, which fall outside of the Transportation Security Administration's jurisdiction.

Certified Cargo Screening Facility Near Orlando International

National Cargo Screeners has completed all necessary TSA training and has installed the latest technology X-Ray and ETD machinery in its Orlando, FL facility. The 60,000 square foot facility will work hand in hand with the air carriers at Orlando International, Sanford International and Tampa International in relieving the congestion for screening domestic and international cargo shipments. NCSI has incorporated leading-edge technology to facilitate the cargo screening process, as mandated by the 9/11 Commission Act. The Federal Government requires 100% cargo screening by August 2010. National Cargo Screeners is a privately held company headquartered in Orlando.

SAIC Wins Part of Big TSA Contract

Science Applications International Corp. has won a piece of a $500 million Transportation Security Administration contract to modernize TSA operations. SAIC did not disclose its financial share of the five-year contract. SAIC will be one of several contractors that will update security equipment, including new screening equipment, at TSA locations across the country. Work will be done both inside and outside the United States, the company said. Under the contract, Contractors may also help oversee the execution of rapid installation of equipment. "Threats to our transportation system continue to evolve and are more sophisticated than ever before," said John Ferriter, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager. "We look forward to helping TSA rapidly field screening equipment, using every tool possible to address those threats and develop methods of combating them - this use of technology will help us stay ahead of those intent on harming our nation."