A 'Washer' That Defends the Mail from Bioterror Attack

MYFOXNY.COM - Since the September 11 terror attacks and the deadly anthrax poisonings, visible security -- barricades, armed guards, metal detectors -- around town has increased dramatically. But some security isn't so visible, yet it plays a vital role in protecting the nation. BioDefense, a Boston-based company, builds a device that looks like a big washing machine as a layer of defense against bioterrorism. Fox 5's Linda Schmidt explains how the MailDefender system.

DESCRIPTION FROM THE BIODEFENSE WEB SITE:

According to a US Postal Service report delivered to Congress, there remains a serious cause for concern regarding the use of the mail-stream mechanism as a vehicle for bioterrorism.

BioDefense believes its MailDefender product to be the first commercially available system that addresses this need. The MailDefender is highly effective, simple to operate and designed to easily integrate into your present mailroom operations.

The efficacy of the MailDefender has been independently verified by several federaly accredited laboratories. Based on findings, the MailDefender annihilates anthrax and other harmful pathogens, surpassing specifications prescribed by the US Government without harming or further contaminating the mail.

The MailDefender system focuses multiple energy sources including electromagnetic irradiation, ultraviolet, broadband and infrared light sources and an antimicrobial solution to destroy biological pathogens and neutralize chemical toxins. While the specifics of the process are proprietary information, the following describes the BioDefense disinfection methodology.

A microwave source is used to deliver energy deep into the mail causing the water molecules to violently vibrate, damaging pathogenic DNA.

An intense ultraviolet source kills surface contamination and helps maintain a sterile environment in the decontamination chamber.

A broadband light source is used to produce ozone and intense white light to assist in breaking down the pathogens.

Infra-red energy is used to accelerate the disinfection process.

Constant motion ensures even distribution of the combined energies.

An antimicrobial solution is atomized into the chamber at regular intervals helping to ensure effective sanitization.

A proprietary algorithm effectively coordinates and controls the energies throughout the cycle allowing the entire process to be run at temperatures much lower than those reached during irradiation, providing the key to undamaged mail.

>BioDefense Corp.