Global Security Newswire

Significant holes persist at U.S. state public health laboratories in key capabilities for responding to a radiological crisis, warns an analysis published on Wednesday of two sets of data collected by the Association of Public Health Laboratories (see GSN, Sept. 21).

One of the data sets, prepared this year, addresses only readiness for handling incidents involving radioactive materials, while a 2009 initiative collected data relevant to additional potential dangers, including biological and chemical materials. Facilities in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Washington were represented in the gathered information.

"Twenty-seven percent of the [2009] All-Hazards Survey respondents reported the ability to measure radionuclides in clinical specimens," the analysis notes. "Six percent reported that another state agency or department accepted and analyzed these samples via a radioanalytical method.

"Of the [2011] Radiation Capabilities Survey respondents, 60 percent reported the ability to test environmental samples, such as air, soil, or surface water, for radiation; 48 percent reported the ability to test nonmilk food samples; 47 percent reported the ability to test milk; and 56 percent reported sending data for drinking water to the Environmental Protection Agency."

"Survey data reveal serious gaps in U.S. radiological preparedness," the report concludes. "In 2007, federal experts estimated it would take more than four years to screen 100,000 individuals for radiation exposure and six years to test environmental samples from a large-scale radiological emergency, relying on existing laboratory assets.

The United States has achieved "some progress" since that time but "public health laboratory radiological test capabilities and capacities remain insufficient to respond to a major event," the document states. "Adequate preparation requires significant new investment to build and enhance laboratory emergency response networks, as well as investments in the broader public health system in which public health laboratories function" (Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, Oct. 10).