According to the Department for Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, prototypes from four leading manufactuers - Apple, Samsung, LG and Qualcomm - could be completed within a year.
However, the Cell-All application which could use sensory technology to identify agents such as Sarin or Chlorine Gas in the atmosphere may not reach the commercial market for a number of years yet.
It is far cry from the previous advice from western governments of vigilance from the user but Homeland Security is adamant that this is beneficial in warning against threats not immediately visible to an individual.
"Cell-All will alert the authorities automatically. Detection, identification and notification all take place in less than 60 seconds. Because the data are delivered digitally, Cell-All reduces the chance of human error," DHS said.
Sensors in the smartphone would give off a "virtual ah-choo" that could not only help the individual but, by notifiying the authorities, it is claimed protect a significant number of people.
