What it Takes to be a Chemical Detection System in NYC

Commuters may feel safer when they hear that the MTA is installing a million dollar chemical detection system at Penn Station. But it turns out that the MTA has been testing the system for the past two years at Grand Central, where, as the NY Times reports:

Technicians found that a person walking by with a mop and bucket full of floor cleaner could trigger the chemical sensors.

Now, two years after the system was rushed into place in time for the Republican National Convention in the summer of 2004, officials at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority are satisfied that they can use the equipment to distinguish between a real threat and Mr. Clean. They have decided to spend $3.9 million to further upgrade the network of sensors at Grand Central Terminal and install a similar system in Pennsylvania Station.

It's actually fascinating to understand how the system had to be adjusted given the environment (just because it works in DC's Metro system doesn't mean it works exactly the same way at Grand Central). At the same time, it's a little unnerving, given the needs and desires to feel protected versus what the technology actually is at this point.

The MTA might install the detection systems in other stations in the city (Jamaica, Atlantic Avenue and 125th Street are mentioned) later down the road (probably when it's budget-willing). You can see the products from Smiths Detection here.