Wild World: Blast-resistant Clothing Quiz

By: Staff
Image: refer to hsw

About This Quiz

Blast-resistant clothing can leave you unscathed after an explosion, but no material is entirely bombproof if you're close enough to the blast. What do bomb suits consist of, and who's wearing them on the job?

Who doesn't tend to wear blast-resistant clothing?

There are three main groups of people whose lives depend on blast-resistant clothing: military, civil/law enforcement and humanitarians working in war zones.

What are the standard components of a blast-resistant suit?

The standard components of a blast-resistant suit typically include a helmet, collar, blast plates, overshoes and quick-release straps. These suits often don't have protection for the hands, leaving them free to defuse bombs.

What are bomb suits usually made of?

Bomb suits are usually made of Kevlar or some other aramid-based product. Aramid is the generic name for Kevlar.

Why are blast-resistant suits good at protecting you from bombs?

Among other reasons, the suits are made of tightly woven fibers that diminish the force of the blast. The flame-resistant quality of the suits neutralizes a bomb's heat and flames. Lastly, their ballistic plates help to deflect force and repel shrapnel.

Demining aprons, often used in humanitarian missions that clear mines, don't protect your ___.

Demining aprons provide protection where people need it most: in the front, neck, shoulder and groin area. Much like a chef's apron, there's no back to this garment, which cuts down on its weight and the excessive heat it generates.

What part of a bomb blast inflicts the most damage?

The initial blast wave inflicts the most damage, as opposed to the shock waves (or stress waves) that follow.

What's an IED?

An IED is an improvised explosive device. Many are planted alongside roads in Iraq or Afghanistan. Safely disarming these devices is the job of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians.

Which country is developing bombproof buses?

Israel is developing bombproof buses with bomb sensors, blast-resistant windows, special turnstiles and other features to limit the carnage from suicide bombers.

Which of the following isn't a blast-resistant structure currently in use in public spaces?

Bombproof trashcans and blast doors can make public spaces even safer. As far as we know, football stadiums aren't blast-resistant quite yet, but never say never.

What is 60 times stronger than steel?

Nanotubes are seamless, cylindrical tubes of carbon molecules that can be as small as one-billionth of a meter wide, yet are up to 60 times stronger than steel. Cloth woven from nanotubes may one day provide for incredibly efficient body armor.

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