A Positive Result Isn't Always Positive

Senior Airman Aaron Wahlgren (foreground) confers with Tech. Sgt. Tarronn Peterson in preparation to scan an “unknown substance” with a HAZMAT ID scanner during a simulated hazardous protein test in the biological engineering testing room at the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, WI, on October 1, 2011. The HAZMAT ID scanner is capable of identifying both solids and liquids, some right down to the brand name. It analyzes samples by passing an infrared light through a diamond and measuring the wavelengths that are absorbed and reflected by the sample. It then compares the sample’s graph with graphs stored in the digital library where thousands of graphs of different chemicals are stored. The simulated “unknown substance” used in this scenario is actually muffin crumbs, and it was accurately identified by the HAZMAT ID. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremy Wilson.