A PIONEERING technology firm has developed new electronic clothing which could be used to save lives in the chemical industry.

Peratech, based near Richmond, North Yorkshire, is using its unique touch sensitive Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTC) technology on clothing, that will allow users to detect signs of hazardous vapours and their potential exposure to dangerous chemicals.

The company is working on a PhD research project at London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, to develop the product, which uses Peratech's revolutionary electronic nose that features a fast-acting sensor so sensitive it can detect minute traces of particles in the air.

The first generation of this type of technology was used by skiers to connect to an Ipod, using touch technology in their jacket sleeves.

But the company, which employs 25 people, and is based in a former repeater station in Brompton-on-Swale, says it can now be used in various applications, with its electronics printed on to clothing which are monitored for any signs of illness, fatigue or exposure to dangerous chemicals.

David Lussey, Peratech chief technology officer, said: “We are very excited to be involved in this project, our QTC materials have already been used to provide switches in clothing for a number of years and so we know that it can withstand the rigours of being worn and washed.

“This project combines technology, design and user needs to work out how this growing area of wearable technology can be developed.

“There are already glasses that provide computer displays, but they lack a simple way to input and interact with them.

“With our technology, you could print a keyboard onto a sleeve or onto the back of a glove and link it via Bluetooth to the glasses.”

“Apart from the obvious military applications of remote monitoring of personnel for stress and chemical attack, these sensors could be incorporated into clothing for everyday health monitoring as certain volatile organic compounds can be early indicators of health issues.

“What is exciting is that the ability to print active and passive components is really taking off so that these combine with our QTC technology so that everything needed to print complete electronic circuits can be done at the same time directly onto flexible substrates such as films, papers and textiles.”