In addition to being a visually striking timepiece, MTM’s new RAD model is the ideal companion to individuals working in an MOS, or operating in environments, were there is a risk of radiation exposure. Radiation dangers vary with the source but generally speaking we are concerned with three components; alpha particles, beta particles and gamma particles.
Alpha particles are slow moving and present a serious toxicity concern when ingested through food, water, air and/or absorbed through the epidermis. These particles have low energy levels and don’t penetrate soft tissue; however, they will enter the body as I’ve previously described. Beta particles are a higher energy particle emitted from the nuclei of radioactive materials, like those found in dirty bombs, or in some isotopes used for medical treatments. These particles can penetrate skin, 1 to 2 cm, and cause both epithelial and subepithelial damage. Some examples of these materials are cesium-137, iodine-131. Gamma particles are high energy particles commonly associated with x-rays. They can easily penetrate soft tissue and are very damaging depending on exposure. Garments and respiratory equipment protect the individual from Alpha and Beta contamination. Here, the key is to prevent the contaminants from being ingested, or from entering the body through the pores. However, Gamma exposure can occur at a distance and requires lead barriers and specialized protective materials or structures to control exposure. To protect yourself from Gamma exposure there are two critically important things to keep in mind. First, you need knowledge that gamma radiation is present and you need a mechanism to determine intensity and accumulated exposure; here is where MTM’s RAD watch comes in to play.
There are a number of technical metrics used to assess exposure; for example, the rad, rem and Sieverts. The MTM watch uses the millisieverts, which is the more modern international standard. The RAD tactical watch has a built in counter for detecting harmful ionizing (gamma / x-ray) radiation. The integrated Geiger-Müller tube measures single-dose gamma ray levels, as well as cumulative exposure. The detector tracks dose equivalents – from 0.0001 to 9999 millisieverts (mSv), and the dose equivalent rate up to 4000 microsieverts per hour (Sv/h). Users can set their maximum radiation threshold, up to 9999 mSv, and an alarm will sound when this level (user preset) has been reached. Radiation levels are displayed graphically and can also be shown in the digital display, which can be switched between dose equivalent rate, accumulated dose, and the time. The time is shown via tritium illuminated analog hour, minute and second hands. The digital display is EL backlit.
The RAD is also an excellent tactical watch that is water resistant to 330 feet and powered by a lithium battery. MTM offers a rugged metal band option that fits wrist sizes up to 9 inches in circumference.
MTM’s RAD is available directly from MTM or any of its authorized distributors. M.S.R.P. $1,500
FOG HORN 