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CNN Live At Daybreak

British Shop for Latest Anti-Terrorism Gadgets

Aired October 25, 2001 - 06:32   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: More now on the terrorist attacks and the anthrax cases, that it's proof enough to some people that if it can happen in the United States, it can happen anywhere.

Now we hear from our Richard Quest, who reports that some Brits are shopping for the latest in gadgets.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The pictures tell their horrifying story. In Miami, Washington, and across the United States, this was the only way to protect yourself when you knew there was the presence of anthrax. They call this an NBC suit: nuclear, biological and chemical protection in one.

The clothing is lined with charcoal. The gas mask is designed to keep out germs and disease. These are now available in specialty shops, and more people are asking for this level of protection in case of more attacks in the future.

MICHAEL MARKS, SPYMASTER: Most people that come in are saying that they're very nervous about what's happening in America and what potentially might happen here. They want our advice on what they could use to protect themselves, and they very often want the reassurance of just having something close at hand, in case they ever need it.

QUEST: The suit range extends throughout the family. They are now made for children and even babies. They are strapped in with a bottle as well. The only question is whether all this protection is necessary.

MARKS: We're saying to people in our opinion, there is no reason at the moment to suppose they will need it. But if they do need it, then we are strongly urging them to make sure that they buy new equipment from reputable suppliers so that they know what they're getting is what they're paying for.

QUEST: Even without the chemical threat, there is still the possibility of conventional terrorism, letter bombs, and the like. So the store is also selling new gadgets to help prevent such attacks.

MARKS: For this piece of equipment here is designed to detect unpleasant things in the mail, like razor blades or bomb components. It won't detect chemicals, and it won't detect or be set off by normal postal things like paper clips and staples, as you can see. But if we put something through that has a razor blade in it, we get an alarm.

QUEST: Be it conventional or chemical, getting this level of protection doesn't come cheap. The equipment cost hundreds of dollars. There's no doubt that using one of these will certainly protect you in the event of a chemical or bioterrorist attack. But it's not as easy as just that. First of all, the equipment has to be valid and up to date and in working order. And secondly, of course, you've got to get it on in time.

Richard Quest, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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