176279 Outcomes of the 2006 International Radiological Dispersal Incident: Examining the Radiological Emergency Response Capabilities in the United States

Monday, October 27, 2008

Lisa C. McCormick, MPH , Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL
Valerie A. Yeager, MPH, MPhil , South Central Center for Public Health Preparedness, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL
Norman E. Bolus, MPH, CNMT , Nuclear Medicine Technology Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Health Professions, Birmingham, AL
W. Jack Duncan, PhD , Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL
Payal H. Patel, MPH, MBA , South Central Center for Public Health Preparedness, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL
Background/Purpose

The public health response to the 2006 Polonium-210 dispersal event in London, England was a sentinel international radiological dispersal event. This paper is based on an in depth analysis of this event paired with a subsequent systematic review of the organization of radiation control in the United States.

Methods

We reviewed the manner in which radiation control is organized within federal and state agencies and the requirements for and differences between being a United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission agreement or non-agreement state. Eight model states were chosen according to the organization of radiation control in both agreement and non-agreement states. Interviews were conducted with representatives from each of the eight model states.

Results/Outcomes

The organization of the United States radiation control and protocols for emergency response indicate that there are no clear guidelines for interagency coordination or risk communication in mass radiological events.

Conclusions

This presentation will discuss the implications of the current organization of radiation control in the United States should a radiological dispersal incident happen here. It highlights potential dilemmas in emergency response command, risk communication, determining acceptable exposure levels, mass screenings of individuals, and site containment and remediation.

Learning Objectives:
1.Discuss the public health response needs for a radiological dispersal event 2.Describe the organization of radiation control in the United States 3.Discuss organizational and policy changes necessary to improve public health response to potential radiological dispersal events in the United States

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I developed this research and am a principal author of this this paper.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Natural Disasters, Terrorism, and Chemical Emergency Preparedness Posters
See more of: Injury Control and Emergency Health Services