The US Customs and Border Protection agency is currently trialing a groundbreaking technology that can detect illegal substances in the air without any physical contact. This innovative device, known as the VaporID detector, has the potential to revolutionize the screening process at border crossings by rapidly identifying drugs like fentanyl, a potent opioid that is fueling the opioid crisis in the United States.
Developed over a decade by a team led by Robert Ewing at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Washington state, the VaporID detector is incredibly sensitive and can pinpoint specific substances from a distance of 0.6 to 2.4 meters at levels as low as 10 parts per quadrillion. To put this into perspective, this level of sensitivity is akin to finding a single coin in a stack of pennies that is 17 million times taller than Mount Everest.
The key to this exceptional sensitivity lies in the device’s design, which allows molecules from target substances to interact with other molecules in the air for an extended period, increasing the likelihood of a detectable chemical reaction. Unlike traditional detection devices that provide only milliseconds for reactions to occur, the VaporID detector offers several seconds of reaction time, resulting in a significant boost in sensitivity.
The commercial version of the VaporID detector, developed by BaySpec, weighs 18 kilograms and is roughly the size of a microwave oven. Although slightly less sensitive than the PNNL lab version, which is larger and heavier, the portable device still outperforms traditional detection methods like canine units in terms of accuracy and sensitivity.
During tests conducted at a Customs and Border Protection facility in Nogales, Arizona, the VaporID detector successfully identified a range of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The device’s versatility was demonstrated through various testing methods, such as analyzing vapor from sample vials and swabbing surfaces for trace amounts of drugs.
While the prototype is still undergoing evaluation and review, experts like Alex Krotulski from the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education remain cautious about fully endorsing the technology until it has been thoroughly validated through rigorous scientific testing. Despite the potential of the VaporID detector as a valuable tool in combating drug trafficking, experts like Richard Crocombe emphasize that no single detection method can meet all needs, and a comprehensive approach involving multiple techniques is crucial.
Furthermore, concerns about false positives and potential repercussions on innocent individuals inadvertently exposed to drug residue highlight the need for careful consideration and oversight in implementing such screening technologies. Ultimately, while advanced detection devices like the VaporID detector play a vital role in intercepting illicit substances, addressing the root causes of issues like the opioid crisis requires a multifaceted approach that includes robust public health initiatives, accessible healthcare, and widespread treatment options.
