MOSCOW. Nov 15 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia is developing devices allowing to detect biological contamination within five to six kilometers, said Maj. Gen. Yevgeny Starkov, head of the Radiation, Chemical, Biological Protection Troops.
"We have developed remote chemical reconnaissance devices that enable us to detect chemical contamination within a range of up to six kilometers. We have already implemented and mounted these devices on chemical reconnaissance vehicles," he told the Ekho Moskvy radio station.
"Currently work is under way to develop the same biological devices, long-range systems also within a range of about five or six kilometers," Starkov added.
Not all radiation, chemical and biological hazard sites in Russia meet the required standards, he also said. "We have over 2,500 radiation, chemical and biological hazard sites in Russia. They have various levels, 1st and 3rd categories, but nevertheless, I would like to note that today not all our sites are brought into that [required] form. I would even say that the majority of our sites do not meet our today's requirements," Starkov said.
This is due to the equipment's wear-and-tear and the staff's unprofessionalism, he said. "First of all, it is the wear and tear, of course. Then I would not say that I would not discount the unprofessionalism of the servicing personnel. These two elements are the main factor leading to of course possible emergencies at those sites," Starkov said.
On November 13, 2010 the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Troops mark the 90th anniversary since their formation.