Ebola HAZMAT Suit to Solve Overheating Problems

ATLANTA, Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- COOLSHIRT SYSTEMS, International Enviroguard, and Nocturnal Product Development announced a joint venture to produce a new hazardous material suit with built-in cooling: one designed to improve the efficiency of health care workers and to protect them from heat-related risks in treating infectious diseases, such as Ebola.

Typically, workers in HAZMAT suits can only spend limited time caring for patients before heat builds up and forces them to change out of their equipment. This often takes place three-to-four times during a normal shift. Without taking time for breaks, workers face dehydration, heat stress, and loss of focus: critical concerns when caring for patients with dangerous diseases.

The HAZMAT suit will be designed to extend the work period of the caregiver dramatically: from 40 minutes to over 4 hours.

"Our next-generation HAZMAT suit will keep health care workers safer as they treat patients," according to Jay Buckalew, President of COOLSHIRT SYSTEMS. "Our cooling gear will ensure that they are more comfortable, more focused, and better able to do their job while reducing cost and hazardous exposure."

Brian Lyons, VP of Sales and Marketing for International Enviroguard, notes the significant advantages that the new HAZMAT suit will offer. "Caregivers can assist more patients for longer periods of time. There's also a cost-savings for hospitals and government agencies, since they will be able to re-use more of their equipment."

The planned garment will pass ASTM 1670/1671 and be certified to EN14126. It will include a temperature sensor with an alarm, provide fixed or mobile cooling, and allow for decontamination, air-drying, and indefinite re-use.

Planning began after the White House invited COOLSHIRT SYSTEMS and International Enviroguard to participate in a round-table discussion on confronting the Ebola concern. COOLSHIRT SYSTEMS will produce the enhanced undergarment cooling vest. International Enviroguard will design and produce the protective garments, and Nocturnal Product Development will coordinate the project and help in the design, production, and clinical testing of the equipment.

Nocturnal Co-Founder Terry Ransbury says, "We are proud to be part of an innovative venture that will help protect health care workers as they assist those in need." To date, the companies have developed a formal partnership, produced system requirements, and plan to begin prototyping soon. Hospitals and government agencies interested in the protective equipment may contact COOLSHIRT SYSTEMS for details.

About COOLSHIRT SYSTEMS

COOLSHIRT SYSTEMS, LLC is the world's leading provider of cooling garments and systems for physicians, first responders, HAZMAT teams, the military, industrial workers, motorsports, and athletic programs. The company is located outside of Atlanta, Georgia and has been developing and selling personal cooling systems for over 25 years. For more information, please visit www.coolshirt.com.

About International Enviroguard

International Enviroguard, Inc. has been manufacturing and selling personal protective equipment products for more than 20 years. The company is ISO 9001:2000 and CE-certified, allowing products to be accepted and sold globally. International Enviroguard is located in Mesquite, Texas. For more information, please visit www.enviroguardinc.com.

About Nocturnal Product Development

Nocturnal Product Development, LLC designs and develops primarily Class III medical devices. The company is located in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.nocturnalPD.com.

SOURCE COOLSHIRT SYSTEMS