A Nazeing company is marketing a range of protective masks which could save lives in rail crashes, fires and even terroriest attacks.

EPM Ltd, based on the Hillgrove Business Park, is marketing masks which people can carry with them and put on in seconds.

The company has produced a 'low-cost' mask which provides 15 minutes' protection from smoke, dust and similiar materials that might be inhaled during a fire or after a train accident.

A second mask is also being produced which is much more hi-tech and will protect the wearer in the event of a terrorist chemical, biological or nuclear attack.

The company said: "Since 9/11 we all are having growing concerns for our own personal safety. EPM has focused its attention on providing a low cost emergency escape hood throughout the UK and Europe.

"It you travel underground, use trains, work in a high-rise office building you need to have your own personal escape hood."

The company says the low-cost mask is the one which is proving most popular. The masks takes seconds to open and put on and there are three sizes, adult, youth and child. It is specifically designed to be carried in a handbag or suit pocket and costs about £15.

Company director Jeremy Armstrong said he got the idea after seeing a similar mask in a Korean hotel, and he denied his company was scaremongering in light of the global war on terror and the increased risk of terrorist attacks in London.

He said: "There are more people injured through rail crashes and fire-related accidents than I would think would be injured in a terrorist attack."

Mr Armstrong said he held back on marketing the product after 9/11 for fear of scaremongering but feels that after the recent Tube derailment in London and the Korean rail disaster there is a clear need for the mask as a legitimate safety product.

April 28, 2003 08:30