User-Friendly Escape Mask From ILC Dover Helps Save Lives in Terrorist Attacks, Chemical Spills and Fires

FREDERICA, Del., March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ILC Dover, the manufacturer of innovative protective equipment for the most demanding applications including spacesuits for NASA and gas masks for the military, announced today that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has approved its SCape^® CO/CBRN(30) Escape Mask.  This easy to use respirator is the only one of its kind that meets the stringent NIOSH standards for an escape respirator that can be used for 30 minute duration for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) and carbon monoxide protection. Most victims of fire are not injured by heat or flames, but rather by smoke and gases, especially carbon monoxide.  Protection from CO could mean the difference between life and death for people trying to evacuate homes or buildings during a fire - especially high rises, subways, factories, hospitals, government agencies and other densely populated structures.  According to the CDC, each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning.  Fatality is highest among Americans 65 and older, unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems.

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"ILC Dover has a long history of protecting people from extremely dangerous toxins and elements in some of the most demanding environments -  including space and the battlefield," said Doug Durney, director of marketing and new business development, ILC Dover . "This unsurpassed expertise is leveraged when creating and manufacturing all of our personal protective products including the SCape CO/ CBRN(30), which offers the highest level of protection available and is the most user-friendly escape mask available today."

Since Sept. 11, 2001, there has been an ever-increasing demand for civilian escape masks that are capable of protecting untrained users from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) inhalants.  Hazardous conditions may be caused by spills of toxic gases or liquids from trucks, rail cars or industrial plants or could be the result of terrorist attacks.  Since the introduction of the original SCape® NBC in 2004, numerous government agencies have chosen to make ILC Dover Escape Respirators a key component of their emergency response plan.

Unlike other escape masks, the SCape CO/CBRN(30) can be used by persons with glasses and/or facial hair, has no securing straps, nose cup, or mouth bit and utilizes a positive-flow ventilation system that automatically activates when removed from the package.  Its clear hood with large visor allows the user to perform a wide range of tasks, such as using a cell phone or other communication device, and to be more easily recognized while reducing the feelings of claustrophobia. Other features include a comfortable neck seal and blower indicator light.

About ILC Dover

Since 1947, ILC Dover has provided engineered solutions to complex customer problems, serving the aerospace, personal protection and pharmaceutical industries. Known for production of space suits for NASA, ILC is a world leader in the use of high-performance flexible materials, allowing for unique solutions to meet customer needs. ILC's innovative products have been used on the moon, on Mars and around the globe.

To view ILC Dover's innovative solutions for worker safety, please visit our website at www.ilcdover.com for PPE solutions and www.doverpac.com for flexible containment solutions.

ILC Dover…creating what's next

Media Contact: Christian Scarborough 512-244-7088 [email protected]

SOURCE ILC Dover