StemRad Develops Radiation Belt to Help First Responders in Nuclear Emergency
Posted on April 7, 2014
StemRad has developed the 360 Gamma, which is a wearable radiation belt. StemRad says the product was designed to help first responders in a nuclear crisis. Many people die in exposure to radiation from Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), which also known as radiation sickness.
Radiation exposure can destroy hematopoietic stem cells which reside within the bone marrow. This can result in death from anemia, internal bleeding and death. StemRad says its belt helps protect hematopoietic stem cells from the effects of gamma radiation, which can give them an increased chance of surviving radiation exposure. StemRad says destruction of bone marrow is the cause of death in most radiation cases. They say their belt helps protect some of the body's crucial bone marrow. Most of the body's renewable bone marrow is located in the pelvic region, which is protected by the belt's lead shielding.
StemRad's belt has been tested in mannequins in the lab. It has not yet been tested on humans in a real world situation. The belt does not offer complete protection and only allows for a limited stay in a radiation zone. Take a look: