A "dirty" radioactive bomb exploding in New York's Grand Central Terminal would cause many deaths and massive economic mayhem and require years of radioactive cleanup before commuters could use the landmark transit hub safely again, according to Norwalk-based Splinternet Holdings Inc.

To prevent such scenarios, the publicly traded company has developed a sensor system called GammaTect Plus, which would detect gamma radiation in a dirty bomb. Splinternet said radioactive storage sites, military bases, power plants and border crossings would be potential customers.

"We are going to casinos, trucking companies, defense contractors and hospitals to market it," said Laura Wessner, vice president of corporate development for Splinternet. "We believe this industry is in its infancy."

Hospitals, as well as food processing plants, also are potential customers. Radiation used in cancer therapy machines and food irradiation equipment, combined with explosives, could distribute radiation like a dirty bomb would, the company said.

GammaTect Plus, which is in a small box, links to Splinternet's DefenTect management, monitoring and alerting system, which would be at a guard station, Wessner said. GammaTect Plus could be hidden in walls and ceilings.

If the system detects high gamma levels, digital cameras take a series of photographs that go to a remote command center, triggering an alarm. System administrators can designate alerts to be triggered to PDAs, cell phones, pagers or other mobile devices, according to the company.

"Splinternet is committed to creating a critical part of the protection network against radiological terrorism," said James Ackerly, chief executive officer of Splinternet.

The company plans to exhibit its products April 2 to 4 at the ISC West 2008 security trade show in Las Vegas.

The event expects to draw more than 25,000 security professionals and 1,000 exhibitors to the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Wessner said.

A ripe market exists for dirty bomb detection, according to Washington, D.C.-based Civitas Group, a homeland and national security strategic advisory and investment firm.

Civitas estimates the total private sector market for nuclear and radiological security at about $2.4 billion. Civitas predicts that market will be close to $13.5 billion over the next five years.

William Vassell, chairman and chief executive officer of Stamford-based Murdoch Security Group, said Splinternet's products make it a corporate acquisition target. Murdoch protects corporations, retail stores, VIPs and other individuals.

"They will probably be taken over by one of the GE Capitals of the world," Vassell said.

Copyright © 2008, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.