MORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES® CHAMELEON® CASSETTE FOR AMMONIA

 

Cassette Alerts First Responders, Police, EMS, Military or Fire Fighters

to Ammonia Exposure Resulting from Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs

or “Shake-n-Bake” Situations

 

Morphix Technologies®, an innovator in the science of colorimetric detection devices for dangerous chemical gases, has developed an Ammonia sensor cassette for the Chameleon® Clan-Meth Lab Detection Kit. The Ammonia sensor detects gases and vapors in the air where other technologies only detect hazards in liquid or aerosol forms. Gaseous forms of the toxic chemical are the most likely danger to fire fighters, first responders, EMS, police, military and homeland security professionals. All Chameleon® kits are designed for an easy on / easy off fit on the wearer’s forearm and can be worn over most turn-out gear or level-A suits.

According to the New York State Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance Project, 24% of the events associated with First Responder injuries were due to ammonia exposure. Ammonia’s primary uses are as an agricultural fertilizer and refrigerant in cold storage facilities. Ammonia is also an ingredient in the manufacture of gunpowder and sulfuric acid, as well as illegal methamphetamines.

Ammonia vapor has a sharp, irritating and pungent odor that acts as a warning of potentially dangerous exposure. Exposure to very high concentrations of gaseous Ammonia can result in lung damage and even death. Although Ammonia is regulated in the United States as a non-flammable gas, it still meets the definition of a material that is toxic by inhalation.

The Ammonia sensor developed by Morphix Technologies is part of an easy-to-use, low-cost Chameleon® Clan-Meth Lab Detection Kit to be used alone or in addition to hazardous chemical protective suits and masks to identify dangerous levels of Ammonia and other toxic chemicals during a clandestine methamphetamine lab or “shake-n-bake” investigation.

The Ammonia sensor will change color when the toxic gas is present and requires no power source or calibration. Unlike current colorimetric detection systems, the Chameleon® is designed to military standards for use in a wide variety of operating environments. It can be used in desert heat, arctic cold or tropical conditions and can even be immersed in water.

For more information on any of the Chameleon® Detection Kits visit www.morphtec.com.

 

 

MORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCES NEW CHAMELEON® ARSON INVESTIGATION KIT

New Chameleon® Kit is configured with toxic chemical sensor specifically for responders and personnel in arson/fire investigations.

 Morphix Technologies®, an innovator in the science of detection devices for dangerous chemicals, has released the new Chameleon® Arson Investigation Kit to provide responders, law enforcement and fire scene investigators with an easy-to-use, low-cost tool to identify dangerous levels of toxic chemicals in the investigation after a fire.         

Whether a fire occurs in a residence, business or industrial facility, combustion creates a cocktail of toxic gases in the fire smoke. After a fire has been resolved, fire officials, arson investigators, and law enforcement are called to ascertain whether a fire was criminal or accidental in nature. Even with the fire extinguished, the burn site still produces unseen toxic chemicals. Since several of these chemicals are not visible or produce a distinct odor, investigators and other personnel may not be aware of the airborne hazards. The new Chameleon® Arson Investigation Kit alerts the investigating team to the potential of toxic gases allowing them to leave the area or take other precautions before an injury can occur.

The Chameleon® Arson Investigation Kit can be used alone or in addition to chemical protective suits and masks to identify dangerous levels of a variety of hazardous chemicals. The Arson Investigation Kit includes an adjustable arm band and easy-to-use cassette holder with 8 different cassettes. The chemical sensors include; ammonia, acid(low pH), hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and phosgene. The cassette sensor changes color when the toxic gas is present and requires no power source or calibration. Unlike current colorimetric detection systems, The Chameleon® is designed to military standards for use in a wide variety of operating environments including desert heat, artic cold, tropical conditions and immersion in salt or fresh water.

MORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPS AND RELEASES NEW CYANIDE (AC/CK) CASSETTE

An increase in firefighter related injuries due to hydrogen cyanide toxic fumes has made HCN gas the second and equally hazardous threat in fire smoke to firefighters and responders.

 Morphix Technologies®, an innovator in the science of detection devices for dangerous chemicals, in response to the demand from the firefighting community, has released its newest chemical detection cassette for hydrogen cyanide. The new Cyanide (AC/CK) cassette detects both hydrogen cyanide and cyanogen chloride.    

Increasingly, firefighters are experiencing exposure to hydrogen cyanide in fire smoke due to the combustion of products such as plastics, polymers, foam, melamine, polyacrylonitriles, synthetic rubber and common materials such as silk, wool and cotton. Hydrogen cyanide is 35 times more toxic than the more common carbon monoxide gases ¹. It enters the body through absorption, inhalation or ingestion targeting the heart and brain. Firefighters feel dizzy, disoriented, complain of headaches or achiness. These symptoms may occur immediately or days after the fire scene.

Although hydrogen cyanide is burned away during combustion, as long as the objects heated within the fire remain at an elevated temperature, they will continue to produce HCN. A fire incident scene can still produce enough HCN to affect arson investigators or the general population in close proximity. Because HCN does not have a discernible odor, investigators, fire responders and civilians within the area may not be aware of the danger still present after the fire has been resolved.

Chameleon Cyanide Cassette Group

The new Cyanide (AC/AK) cassette, developed by Morphix Technologies, is part of an easy-to-use, low-cost Chameleon® Detection Kit that can be used alone or in addition to chemical protective suits and masks to identify dangerous levels of hydrogen cyanide during or after a fire. The Cyanide sensor changes color when the toxic gas is present and requires no power source or calibration. Unlike current colorimetric detection systems, The Chameleon® is designed to military standards for use in a wide variety of operating environments including desert heat, artic cold, tropical conditions and immersion in salt or fresh water.

More information can be found at www.morphtec.com or “like” Morphix Technologies on Facebook for an ongoing discussion.

¹ “Hydrogen Cyanide: New Generation Concerns Resulting in Firefighting Tactics and Medicine,” Captain Rick Rockford, Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department (F1), Field Incident Safety Officer, 2^nd Battalion, www.everyonegoeshome.org

MORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES® RAISES $167 FOR TEAM HOT FRITATAS OF THE 2012 KOMEN TIDEWATER RACE FOR THE CURE®

Morphix Technologies®, an innovator in the science of colorimetric detection devices for toxic gases, today announced the fundraising results for Team Hot FriTaTas, Morphix Technologies’ participating team of employees, in the 2012 Komen Tidewater  Race for the Cure®.  One dollar was donated for every new fan that “liked” the Morphix Technologies Facebook Page by October 12^th, 2012 to Team Hot FriTaTas (up to $500). The fundraiser ran for just over one month, aiding Morphix Technologies in successfully gaining 167 new “likes” and providing $167 toward Team Hot FriTaTas and the 2012 Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure®. Overall, the team, which consisted of Morphix Technologies chemists Jacqueline Ware (Team Captain), Deborah Foy, Hazel Anderson, Elijah Jung and Keith Sutyak, raised $317 to contribute toward the cause.

“We are very happy to be able to raise $167 through our Facebook fundraising campaign to donate to such a worthy cause as breast cancer research, funding and awareness through the 2012 Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure®,” remarked Kim Pricenski, VP of Sales and Marketing for Morphix Technologies. “This is the second organization we have been able to help out through our Facebook community and we are just so proud of our employees for participating in this event and bringing awareness to a disease that has affected over 225,000 new women in the United States this year alone.* We hope our fundraiser and Team Hot FriTaTas’ efforts were able to bring in additional attention for the 2012 Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure®.”

There is still time to help this cause and make a donation. Simply visit Team Hot FriTaTas’ fundraising page to make your pledge.

*according to the American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/OverviewGuide/breast-cancer-overview-key-statistics

About Morphix Technologies®:

Morphix Technologies®, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company developing and manufacturing products that detect invisible dangers in order to save lives. Morphix Technologies has taken innovation to the next level with high-quality, easy-to-use, cost effective simple colorimetric sensor technology for military, first responders, emergency, homeland security and industrial personnel. The latest product, the Chameleon®, a wearable device that allows hands-free detection of up to ten different hazards at one time in a variety of operating environments, has provided their customers whose job is often in Harm’s Way, a lifesaving, early response system like no other on the market today. www.morphtec.com

About the Tidewater Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®:

The Tidewater Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is dedicated to combating breast cancer at every front. Up to 75% of the Affiliate’s net income goes toward funding grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for medically underserved women. The remaining net income (a minimum of 25%) supports the national Komen Grants Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.

The Tidewater Affiliate’s services area covers the cities and counties of Accomack, Chesapeake, Franklin, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Southampton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and York.

MORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES® LAUNCHES FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN FOR TEAM HOT FRITATAS OF THE 2012 KOMEN TIDEWATER RACE FOR THE CURE®

One Dollar (Up to $500) Will Be Donated to Team Hot FriTaTas, Morphix Technologies’ Participating Team, in the 2012 Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure® for Every New Fan that “Likes” the Morphix Technologies Facebook Page by October 12^th, 2012

 Morphix Technologies®, an innovator in the science of colorimetric detection devices for toxic gases, is pleased to announce the launch of a very special fundraiser for Team Hot FriTaTas, Morphix Technologies’ participating team of employees, in the 2012 Komen Tidewater  Race for the Cure®.  Morphix Technologies will be helping the 2012 Komen Tidewater Affiliate and Team Hot FriTaTa’s by donating one dollar for every new fan that “likes” the Morphix Technologies Facebook Page by 11:59 p.m. EST, October 12^th, 2012 (up to $500).

Susan G. Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure

Members of Team Hot FriTaTas are each playing a part in helping the Tidewater Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® end breast cancer forever. Visit the Morphix Technologies’ Facebook Page and “like” the page to help their effort or make your own donation by visiting Team Hot FriTaTas’ fundraising page.

About Morphix Technologies®:

Morphix Technologies®, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company developing and manufacturing products that detect invisible dangers in order to save lives. Morphix Technologies has taken innovation to the next level with high-quality, easy-to-use, cost effective simple colorimetric sensor technology for military, first responders, emergency, homeland security and industrial personnel. The latest product, the Chameleon®, a wearable device that allows hands-free detection of up to ten different hazards at one time in a variety of operating environments, has provided their customers whose job is often in Harm’s Way, a lifesaving, early response system like no other on the market today. www.morphtec.com

About the Tidewater Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®:

The Tidewater Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is dedicated to combating breast cancer at every front. Up to 75% of the Affiliate’s net income goes toward funding grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for medically underserved women. The remaining net income (a minimum of 25%) supports the national Komen Grants Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.

The Tidewater Affiliate’s services area covers the cities and counties of Accomack, Chesapeake, Franklin, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Southampton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and York.

MORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES® WINS DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITYIDIQ CONTRACT FOR THE CHAMELEON® CHEMICAL DETECTOR CASSETTES

Chameleon Chemical Detectors Approved for use by the U.S. Coast Guard in a Maritime Environment 

 Morphix Technologies®, an innovator in the science of colorimetric detection devices for toxic gases, has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the Department of Homeland Security. The contract stipulates that Morphix Technologies is the sole source to supply the Chameleon® customized chemical detection unit with eight (8) chemical detector cassettes.

The award states that, “Morphix Technologies is the only manufacturer that is capable of producing an acceptable maritime chemical detection system for the U.S. Coast Guard that has been tested and verified by an independent U.S. Government laboratory. Testing and verification requires the detection cassettes to be fully capable to be worn for an extended period of time in an operational environment (land and maritime), diverse weather climates/environments and be submerged in salt/fresh water for extended periods. The Department of Defense has completed its verification of the Morphix Technologies detection cassettes for the intended operational environment. Additionally, the USCG has completed extended operational evaluations during its 13-month WMD response test and evaluation program. As a result of this verification process, the lightweight chemical detectors have been approved for use by the USCG in a maritime environment that contains chemical agents.”

Unlike current colorimetric detection systems, the Chameleon® is designed to military standards for use in a wide variety of operating environments. It can be used in desert heat, arctic cold or tropical conditions and can even be immersed in water.

For more information on any of the Chameleon® Detection Kits visit www.morphtec.com.

About Morphix Technologies®:

Morphix Technologies®, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company developing and manufacturing products that detect invisible dangers in order to save lives. Morphix Technologies has taken innovation to the next level with high-quality, easy-to-use, cost effective simple colorimetric sensor technology for military, first responders, emergency, homeland security and industrial personnel. The latest product, the Chameleon®, a wearable device that allows hands-free detection of up to ten different hazards at one time in a variety of operating environments, has provided their customers whose job is often in Harm’s Way, a lifesaving, early response system like no other on the market today. www.morphtec.com

MORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES® RELEASES NEW CHAMELEON® CASSETTE FOR HYDROGEN FLUORIDE

New Cassette Alerts First Responders, Police, Military or Fire Fighters to Hydrogen Fluoride Exposure Resulting from Industrial Accident

 

Morphix Technologies has developed a hydrogen fluoride sensor cassette for the Chameleon® chemical detection unit. The new hydrogen fluoride (HF) sensor detects gases and vapors in the air where other technologies only detect hazards in liquid or aerosol forms. Gaseous forms of the toxic chemical are the most likely danger to fire fighters, first responders, police and homeland security professionals. All Chameleon® kits are designed for an easy on/easy off fit on the wearer’s forearm and can be worn over most turn-out gear or level-A suits.

Hydrogen fluoride and its variants are ranked as one of the most dangerous families of chemicals used in manufacturing facilities. Hydrogen fluoride is commonly used to make refrigerants, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, high-octane gasoline, aluminum, plastics, electrical components and fluorescent light bulbs. Over half of all production of hydrogen fluoride is used in the manufacturing of refrigerants. Hydrogen fluoride exists as a colorless gas or a fuming liquid, or it can be dissolved in water. When it is dissolved in water, it becomes hydrofluoric acid. Exposure to hydrofluoric acid can occur during an industrial accident or as a result of a natural disaster affecting manufacturing facilities and damaging storage containers of the chemical.

Hydrogen fluoride has a strong, irritating odor that is discernible at concentrations of 0.04 ppm. In the form of hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen fluoride is colorless and is indistinguishable visually in water. The gas can cause severe eye, mucous membrane and skin irritations. In large concentrations, hydrogen fluoride aggressively penetrates tissues and results in cell destruction such as skin burns, corneal clouding and destruction, multi-organ failure, respiratory paralysis, cardiac failure and even death.

The new hydrogen fluoride sensor developed by Morphix Technologies will be part of the easy-to-use, low-cost Chameleon® Hazmat Detection Kit to be used alone or in addition to hazardous chemical protective suits and masks to identify dangerous levels of hydrogen fluoride and other toxic chemicals in industrial accidents.

The hydrogen fluoride sensor will change color when the toxic gas is present and requires no power source or calibration.

Unlike current colorimetric detection systems, the Chameleon® is designed to military standards for use in a wide variety of operating environments. It can be used in desert heat, arctic cold or tropical conditions and can even be immersed in water.

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MORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES® UNVEILS NEW EDUCATIONAL VIDEO ON PRODUCT TO DETECT METHAMPHETAMINE LABS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON FIRST RESPONDERS

Methamphetamine has become the number one drug of choice for abusers since the 1980’s, surpassing cocaine.  The meteoric rise in use is due largely to its commonplace ingredients, ease of manufacture and low cost.  Illegal production in small labs using homemade recipes increased rapidly in a little over ten years.  By 2006, a U.N. World Drug Report cited over 26 million meth addicts in the world; the number of addicts equaled the combined number for cocaine and heroin users.  The United States, in 2006, had 1.4 million meth users.

When officers respond to a call, they do not always know what waits for them behind the door.  In some cases, they come across makeshift meth labs.  Many officers have experienced the immediate effects of exposure with burning eyes, throats and coughing, while others, after repeated exposures, have chronic effects.  These may include esophageal problems, autoimmune disease, heart attacks, strokes, gall bladder problems and other rare disorders.  In at least one case in Utah, a former officer died of causes believed to be related to frequent exposure to the chemicals involved in meth production.

Morphix Technologies®, an innovator in the science of colorimetric detection devices for dangerous chemical gases, is on the forefront of preventing accidental exposure to first responders from these toxic chemicals with the release of their educational video “Detection of Methamphetamine Labs and Their Effects on First Responders”.  The video discusses what methamphetamine is and the history and spread of its use throughout the United States, as well as how its use and production affects first responders.  The video also provides helpful tips on how first responders can protect themselves.

First responders can take the extra step to protect themselves in such scenarios by wearing the Chameleon® Clan-Meth Lab Detection Kit, a field-configurable chemical detection unit, manufactured by Morphix Technologies®.  The Chameleon® is a low-cost, easy-to-use, hands-free solution for first responders.  It contains disposable cassettes that detect five different toxic gases commonly found in methamphetamine production.

The Chameleon® is the best early detection method available to determine if harmful chemicals are present in an unknown situation.  Most police and EMS agencies do not have chemical detection equipment available to them, thus the need for a simple, inexpensive method, such as the Chameleon®, to determine if chemical hazards are present.

The Chameleon® can be used for “whole house” or “shake and bake” methamphetamine lab situations.  In addition to the protection of officers, the Chameleon® can also provide probable cause for search warrants.

The use of Chameleon^® Detection Kits by police, fire and first responders during calls of service and as a part of their training program can provide an extra measure of safety and perhaps even save lives.  In addition to safety considerations, the use of the Chameleon® can reduce liability, injury and  time off as well as the associated cost.

The Chameleon® is designed for an easy on/easy off fit on the wearer’s forearm and can be worn over most turn-out gear or Level-A suits.  The sensors change color when toxic gases are present and require no power source or calibration.  Unlike current colorimetric detection systems, the Chameleon® is designed to military standards for use in a wide variety of operating environments.  It can be used in desert heat, arctic cold or tropical conditions and can even be immersed in water.  The Chameleon® detects gases and vapors in the air where other technologies only detect hazards in liquid or aerosol forms.  Gaseous forms of toxic chemicals are the most likely danger to first responders, police and fire personnel.

The Chameleon® Clan-Meth Lab Detection Kit contains two armbands and ten sensors each for: ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, iodine, low pH (acid) and phosphine. For more information on any of the Chameleon® Detection Kits visit www.morphtec.com.

MORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

Morphix Technologies® launched a completely new website featuring easier navigation with more features and information.  Morphix Technologies’ product lines include the Chameleon®, SafeAir® and ChromAir® products for military, law enforcement, first responder/fire and industrial markets.

The new website allows visitors to easily locate specific products and/or applications from the upper navigation bar. Each product page provides the viewer with everything from a general overview of the product to technical specifications, product configuration, threat scenarios, training and even how to purchase. The easy-to-navigate website emphasizes the importance of identifying deadly chemicals through training videos, presentations and attention-getting video commercials. Current company news, trade shows and contact information have been updated to provide customers with pertinent information to start protecting their most important asset; their employees.

Chameleon® Kits are available in three different configurations; HazMat Detection, Chemical Suicide Detection and Clan-Meth Lab Detection. The SafeAir® monitors are available in twenty, specific toxic industrial chemical badges for the immediate visual confirmation of a chemical hazard.  The ChromAir® monitors provide the exposure dose level of specific toxic chemicals throughout a sampling period, without the use of pumps.

More information can be found at www.morphtec.com or join them on Facebook for an ongoing discussion.

MORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES® OFFERS TRAINING FACILITIES A NEW TOOL TO EDUCATE OFFICERS ON THE DANGERS OF TOXIC CHEMICALS ON THE JOB

Morphix Technologies® has created a Training Kit for law enforcement, responder and agency training facilities and schools in response to the increasing need for chemical awareness training. With a rise in illegal drug and chemical production, toxic chemical spills due to industrial or transportation accidents and chemical suicides, more officer and responder training programs include courses that provide critical knowledge on chemical scenarios and how to respond to them.

Often times, protocols include officers and responders alerting hazmat teams to the scene, but do not provide the initial responders with tools to identify whether or not odorless, toxic gases are indeed present within the perimeter or beyond.  The Chameleon® Training Kit, used during training, helps initial responders learn to identify the presence of toxic chemicals through a training Chameleon® armband with special inactive cassettes that show the difference between unaffected cassettes and cassettes that read a chemical in the environment. Also included in the kit are blue training cassettes (50 total) and ammonia ampoules that enable the instructor to demonstrate, in a well-ventilated area, how the cassettes change color when exposed to a chemical.

Responders learn how to use the Chameleon® Training Kit and find that it is as simple as removing one of the grey cassettes from the Chameleon® armband and replacing it with one of the blue training cassettes. The Chameleon® can then be put over the forearm or attached to a vest with hook and loop. The trainer then demonstrates how a “real world” color change would occur by breaking one of the ammonia ampoules and waving it underneath the training cassette.  The training really is that simple.  If the cassette changes from a solid color to two colors, the Chameleon® has detected a hazardous level of toxic gas and it’s time to leave the scene.

The Chameleon® has more potential to save an officer’s life in the first critical moments in the presence of an airborne toxic chemical than all the body armor in the world. The Training Kit is identical to the Chameleon® system and it shows officers how quickly and easily they can configure their Chameleon® and put it on in less than a minute.

Morphix Technologies is so committed to educating officers and first responders that any training school or facility that incorporates the Chameleon® Training Kit into their chemical awareness program will receive 15% off a Chameleon® Training Kit by calling the Morphix customer service department at 800-808-2234 and mentioning code TRAINER2012.

Chameleon Kits are available in three different configurations: HazMat Detection, Chemical Suicide Detection and Clan-Meth Lab Detection. Watch a video presentation on the Chameleon® Training Kit. More information can be found at www.morphtec.com or join them on Facebook for an ongoing discussion.