Radiation

Environmental health practitioners play a unique role in identifying potentially harmful radiation exposures and examining health risks associated with these exposures. They are an important educational link to the public, providing information on a variety of radiation issues.

This section provides guidance on planning for and responding to radiation issues and events.

CDC Radiation Emergencies – how to prepare for a radiation emergency:

• Dirty Bombs
• Facts About Diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA)
• Measuring Radiation
• Nuclear Blast
• Public Health Planning for Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism
• Radioactive Contamination and Radiation Exposure

Links to information from outside CDC

Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI) – conducts research in radiobiology for operational and medical support of the U.S. Department of Defense and the military services:

• Emergency Radiation Medicine Response - AFRRI Pocket Guide [PDF - 651 KB]
• Medical Management of Radiological Casualties Handbook 4th Ed. [PDF - 2.46 MB]

Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. – organization that regulates and controls the use of radioactive material and radiation sources

DHS/FEMA Ready.gov – provides information on terrorist hazards

• Nuclear Blast
• Radiological Dispersion Device (RDD)

Drug Preparedness and Response to Bioterrorism (Food and Drug Administration) – links to drug therapy and vaccines as well as information on purchasing and taking medication after a bioterrorism incident

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – radiation protection topic page

• Cleaning Up Radioactive Sites
• Exposure Pathways
• Health Effects
• Managing Radioactive Materials and Waste
• Protecting People and the Environment
• Radiation: Non-Ionizing and Ionizing
• Radiation Protection Basics
• Sources of Radiation

Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) – links on radiation issues

• Courses in Handling Radiation Emergencies
• Guidance for Radiation Accident Management

The Twin Cities Metro Advanced Practice Center – tools and resources for preparedness that can be used by public health departments nationwide, including

• Environmental Health Emergency Response Guide, Chapter 12: Radiological Incident [PDF - 658 KB] – provides quick access to needed information before an incident strikes a community

World Health Organization (WHO)

• Environmental Health in Emergencies and Disasters: A Practical Guide
  • Chapter 13 - Radiation Emergencies [PDF - 220 KB]
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