About The Inventor
Dr. Elena Bodnar, currently the founder and President of the Trauma Risk Management Research Institute in Chicago, is an internationally recognized scientist with over 20 years of experience in clinical research and development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. She managed the Electrical Trauma Research Program at the University of Chicago, and collaborated with the World Health Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency on projects related to the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Her areas of scientific expertise are trauma risk management strategies and long term health consequences of radiation exposure and electrical trauma. She has authored numerous scientific publications and book chapters.
Dr. Bodnar started her professional career as a medical doctor in Ukraine, where she participated in evacuation and treatment of children from Chernobyl. This experience inspired her to design the Emergency Bra, the invention for which she was awarded the Ig Nobel Prize in Public Health in 2009.
About The Emergency Bra
The Emergency Bra's primary function is that of a conventional bra. In case of emergency, it can be quickly and easily converted into two face masks without removing any clothes. In case of emergency, where no specialized respiratory devices are available, it can decrease the inhalation of harmful airborne particles. Because the Emergency Bra masks can be securely fixed to the head, it frees a survivor’s hands to keep balance while running and removing objects on the way out of danger. In certain situations, by providing the wearer with a sense of security and protection, the Emergency Bra can reduce the chance of panic attack.
What are the benefits of wearing the Emergency Bra?
The Emergency Bra is like any other conventional bra in terms of its main function of supporting the breasts, as well as in its aesthetics, sizes, colors, and styles. In addition, the EBbra can be converted into two masks which can be beneficial in emergency situations where specialized protective devices are not available to the public.
Is the EBbra practical for everyday use?
The additional safety function of the EBbra does not interfere with its everyday practicality and durability. Same care instructions apply as to any conventional bra.
How does the RAD Emergency Bra compare to the Original Emergency Bra?
The RAD Emergency Bra is a specialty Emergency Bra: a brasserie convertible into face masks with a radiation sensor incorporated into the body of the bra. In the event of an emergency, look for a change of color in the upper opening of the sensor’s pocket located under the front clasps of the brassiere. If the top opening (sensor strip) has developed a color darker than that of the lower opening (service life strip), convert the Emergency Bra into face masks and apply the mask while proceeding with the evacuation. For a quick estimate of the dose (in RAD units), remove the sensor and match the sensor’s color with side calibration bars of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 1,000 RADs.
What are the special instructions for the RAD Emergency Bra?
Do not expose to temperatures above 60ºC; remove the sensor before washing EBbra.
Do you plan on adding more features to the Emergency Bra in the future?
The US Granted Patent covers the incorporation of any type of sensors, alarms and detectors into the garment.
The current model of the RAD Emergency Bra incorporates a radiation sensor to warn the wearer of the presence of ionizing radiation in the event of a “dirty” bomb explosion or any other type of nuclear release involving high energy gamma rays.
With sensor technology rapidly developing, different sensors, such as biological, chemical, and so forth, will be incorporated into the Emergency Bra in the future. The purpose of these sensors is to detect the presence of harmful airborne particles that require the use of respiratory protective masks.
DISCLAIMER: The Emergency Bra is not a substitute for specialized protective respiratory devices, and should not be used when specialized equipment is required or available. It is intended to be used as a facemask while escaping from a dangerous environment during emergency situations only when no specialized protective devices are available.
**The Emergency Bra is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.