Method and apparatus for detecting target chemicals with transparent indicator tape

A method for passive detection of target airborne chemicals comprising:

• exposing to a suspect environment at least one corresponding colorimetric indicator which changes color when in contact with at least one target airborne chemical in the suspect environment;
• wherein the at least one corresponding colorimetric indicator is immobilized into a transparent polymer substrate affixed to an environment facing surface of a transparent window or lens;
• discerning color changes of the at least one corresponding colorimetric indicator;
• whereby the color changes of the at least one corresponding colorimetric indicator indicate the presence of the at least one target airborne chemical in the suspect environment.

A transparent chemical indicator tape comprising:

• at least one colorimetric indicator which changes color when exposed to at least one target airborne chemical;
• a transparent polymer substrate,
• wherein the at least one colorimetric indicator is clad to the transparent polymer substrate,
• wherein the transparent polymer substrate is affixable to an environment facing surface of a transparent window or lens,
• wherein the transparent polymer substrate is a transparent indicator tape;
• wherein the transparent tape may be positioned between an optical detector and the environment such that a line of sight from the environment and the optical detector passes through the transparent indicator tape;
• whereby when exposed to the at least one target airborne chemical the corresponding colorimetric indicator clad to the transparent polymer substrate changes color, indicating presence of the at least one target airborne chemical.