$1.9 Million to Enhance State Radiation Labs

(Washington, D.C. - Jan. 8, 2009) Although accidental release of radioactive materials is very rare, E.P.A. is ready to respond to protect public health and the environment. E.P.A. also works with state and local officials to enhance their response capabilities. In a pilot project, E.P.A. recently awarded cooperative agreements totaling $1.9 million to 3 state radiation labs to enhance fast collection of important data.

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. These labs will enhance their existing radioanalytical capability by adding lab instruments and supplies, training on lab incident response operations, conducting proficiency testing studies, and conducting lab emergency response operations audits.

Information on E.P.A. response to radiological emergencies: http://www.epa.gov/radiation/rert