APHL assesses the ability of state public health laboratories to test for intentional radiological contamination through annual surveys. Survey data tracks progress in radiological capacity and identifies gaps that could impede response to a radiological incident.
Environmental and public health laboratories receive hundreds and even thousands of environmental and clinical samples every year. They are tasked to test these samples for many harmful biological and chemical agents. Laboratories should also have the ability to test for radiological agents, but there is no designated funding for radiological testing. Without funding, laboratories cannot obtain the equipment and expertise needed to respond to a radiological event.
The Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies identified serious gaps in laboratory radiological capability at a 2007 hearing of the House Science and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee. APHL and CDC recommend establishing a radiological arm of the Laboratory Response Network to provide all-hazards capability nationwide.
APHL participated in the US response to the Japan nuclear crisis in March 2011. Many federal agencies came together during the response to provide resources to the state and local public health agencies including laboratories. Additionally, many APHL-member laboratories provided testing for environmental matrices to ensure radiation levels did not exceed levels of public health concern. More information and resources are available on the official response site here.