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Three out of ten women in the EU were sexual violence. One third of these cases included the introduction of chemicals.
A group of chemists from Portugal and Spain, led by Carlos Lodro Espino from the University of Nova de Lisboa, introduced the original paper bracelet equipped with a chemical sensor.
At first glance, it looks like an ordinary bracelet festival. In fact, this is a tiny laboratory that can detect the presence of the so -called “tablets for GGB” or other intoxicating substances in a drink in a few seconds.
The invention, which can cover European festivals and clubs this year, has the opportunity to significantly reduce the number of sexual attacks.
How does the bracelet work?
A bracelet that resembles a typical bracelet festival hides two tiny colors. One reacts to the presence of GHB (C-hydroxybutic acid), the other, and the other aminic group, such as a nastylamin or certain cathinins. Just wet part of the belt with a drop of drinks – if it becomes green, you should not continue to drink.
“This is a product developed as a personal shield. He can work up to five days, repeatedly tasting different drinks. ” – explains Professor Carlos Lodro Espinho, head of the research project.
Why is GHB so dangerous?
GHB is colorless, without smell and quickly metabolized on the body. Just a few hours after swallowing, it can be practically not detected in ordinary tests. Victims often lose their feelings or memory of events, which complicates the investigation. In Europe, up to one third of sexual attacks, which include chemical factors immediately after the GHB or its derivatives.
From the laboratory to the club
The project was a cooperation between researchers from Portugal and the University of Valencia in Spain. The study of the sensors lasted several months, based on the previous 20 -year experience in visual detection methods.
The first batches of bracelets have already gone to concerts, festivals and popular clubs in Spain and Portugal. In the summer, when the tourist movement is at altitudes, and the parties continue until dawn, the risk of using pill with rape SO increases significantly.
The bracelet is light, biodegradable and does not require use or additional equipment. It looks like a simple identification bracelet – it easily integrates into the crowd. The entire chemical reaction takes a few seconds, and the result is visible to the naked eye.
If the project is gaining popularity, its creators plan to spread their distribution in more European countries. “This bandage will not solve the problem of sexual violence, but it can play an important role in its prevention,” the researchers say.
Price and availability
It is expected that for individual customers, the cost of a bracelet with two sensors will be from three to five euros. Packed in several copies reduce the cost of daily protection to less than one euro. Nevertheless, the creators hope that financing will be provided by the organizers of events, local authorities and state bodies in the context of the Safe Festival or Safe Municipalities programs.
Other types of rape tests are available
Cyrtta is just one choice. There are also other technological and chemical solutions that work for a similar goal. There are disposable control tapes that can plunge into the drink. The color change indicates the presence of certain drugs.
Caution stickers are also popular when they come into contact with a drink or containers equipped with chemical drug sensors.
The team of researchers in South Korea has developed a temporary tattoo, whose design immediately changes the color from yellow to red in contact with the “pipe of rape”.
Students of the Department of Mechanical Materials of the State University of North Carolin, have developed a nail polish that changes color during contact with substances used in the “rape tablets”.
Not only a test, but also a restraining factor
Although the results of the bracelet are currently not considered as evidence in court, the fact that it is, it can be a restraining factor for potential criminals.
In the Valencia area, after the introduction of bracelets, the number of drunken attempts by the festival was reduced to almost zero. Researchers are already working on a second -generation device, which will receive official recognition from law enforcement services throughout Europe.