Turkish firm produces radiation-blocking x-ray scanner

By Musab Turan</p> <p>ISTANBUL (AA) – Turkish venture firm TechnoArge has created an x-ray scanner for airports made with a cannabis-based composite that prevents radiation from spreading to the environment.</p> <p>The composite material blocks radiation emissions, Muzaffer Gokcimen, the firm's general manager, told Anadolu Agency.</p> <p>&quot;The industrial cannabis fiber that is used in composite making absorbs radiation,&quot; he said, adding the scanner also disinfects luggage during the scanning period.</p> <p>&quot;The x-ray scanner was patented in 144 countries,&quot; he added.</p> <p>Standard x-ray scanners emit very low-dose radiation, according to the British Institute of Radiology.</p> <p>The firm is also working on a bullet-proof vest manufactured with cannabis composite, said Gokcimen.</p> <p>He said the vests are lighter, cheaper and 20 times more durable than standard bullet-proof vests.</p> <p>&quot;We are targeting to manufacture automotive supplies from cannabis composites in a year,&quot; he added.</p> <p>President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently announced that 19 Turkish cities had been authorized for cannabis cultivation.</p> <p>Since the 1990s, cannabis production has been limited in order to prevent the production of marijuana.</p> <p>Cannabis is used as a raw material in the automotive, wood, construction, textile, cosmetics, biodiesel, food and paper industries.</p> <p>*Gokhan Ergocun contributed to this story from Istanbul