County receives chemical identification instrument

The Middlesex County Health Department Hazmat Unit received a FirstDefender Chemical Identification Instrument, which is a handheld instrument that complies with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program.

This device enables rapid identification of unknown chemicals directly in the field, including explosives, narcotics, chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemical (TICs). It will be used in public health emergencies.