New air monitoring system can detect excessive radioactivity

A new device aimed at keeping tabs on air quality could potentially prevent people from being exposed to radioactivity.

The Continuous Air Monitoring (CAM) system has been implemented by the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) and Lab Impex Systems.

It is thought the CAM development is far more efficient in detecting radioactivity in the atmosphere than other models.

AWE has a wealth of experience in this field, as it designs nuclear warheads on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Managing director Andrew Jupp stated that protecting the public was at the centre of everything that AWE stands for.

"These latest developments significantly increase the sensitivity and responsiveness of the CAM system," he remarked.

AWE has been working alongside the MoD for more than 50 years and it is tasked with supplying the country's nuclear deterrent Trident.

This is the name given to the nuclear ballistic missile that is carried by Royal Navy Vanguard-class submarines.

Posted by Claire Manning