Published on June 10, 2025
Biologically Inspired Sensors and Actuators researchers demonstrated a novel sensing platform to Minister Jill Dunlop, showcasing a breakthrough in the rapid detection of carcinogenic PAHs to improve firefighter safety and decontamination protocols.
The BioSA Laboratory recently hosted the Honorable Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, alongside York University President Rhonda L. Lenton, for a demonstration of a novel technology designed to detect toxic airborne contaminants on surfaces.
This innovative project is a collaborative effort between the BioSA Laboratory, led by Director Professor Ebrahim Ghafar-Zadeh; the ADERSIM Disaster & Emergency Management Technologies team, including Professors Ali Asgari and Maleknaz Nayebi and Adriano Solis; and the City of Markham Fire and Emergency Services, led by Fire Chief Chris Nearing.
The initiative aims to significantly reduce firefighter exposure to carcinogenic residues through rapid, on-site detection. During the visit, the team provided a live demonstration of a sensing platform capable of detecting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in smoke.
Minister Dunlop also had the opportunity to personally test the device, which holds the potential to transform decontamination practices and long-term exposure monitoring for first responders.
For more information, please contact us at info@biosa-lab.ca.
