New Biodetection Device Smells for Bombs, Drugs

Hounds may have a keen sense of smell, but sometimes technology is a more discrete solution. London's Heathrow Airport is testing a new device that may eventually replace dogs in sniffing out contraband like drugs and explosives.

By Kathleen Carr

May 01, 2003 — CSO — Hounds may have a keen sense of smell, but sometimes technology is a more discrete solution. London's Heathrow Airport is testing a new device that may eventually replace dogs in sniffing out contraband like drugs and explosives. Passengers walk through an arch that sprays them (gently) with plumes of air to free trapped particles and vapors from the body and clothing. The air is drawn back into the machine and analyzed for traces of explosives. The fully-automated technology was devised by Smiths Detection. The device, called the Ionscan Sentinel II, allows security staff to focus on searches of carry-ons while the portal scans the passengers. The technology can recognize traces of more than 40 drugs and explosives, and can scan seven passengers per minute. (For more about detectors, see "Sensitive Sorts," Page 59.)

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