Labs Receive $1.9 million to Improve Radioactive Safety
In a pilot project aimed at enhancing state responses to radioactive emergencies, the EPA has awarded $1.9 million in cooperative agreements to three state radiation laboratories. The labs chosen would improve their existing radioanalytical capabilities by adding lab instruments and supplies, training on laboratory incident response operation, conducting proficiency testing studies and emergency response operations audits.
Although accidental release of radioactive materials is very rare, the EPA wanted to be ready to respond to protect public health and the environment. The agency will also work with state and local officials to enhance their response capabilities.
The awardees are the Connecticut Department of Public Health Laboratory, the Texas Department of State Health Services Radiological Laboratory, and the Washington Department of Health Public Health Laboratories.
Information on EPA response to radiological emergencies: http://www.epa.gov/radiation/rert