Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have received a $1-million federal grant to develop a sensor they say could significantly reduce and possibly eliminate potentially fatal injuries to firefighters from accidental inhalation of colorless and odorless toxic gases.
The grant is from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Faculty members with WPI’s fire protection engineering and electrical and computer engineering departments will collaborate on the research, development and testing of a wearable, pocket-sized device that will warn firefighters when toxic gases are present when they respond to calls.
While buildings can contain toxic sensors, none can function reliably in extreme conditions such as intense heat and humidity, WPI said in a statement
