Protective Actions & Decontamination: Radiological Incident Response
About this Webinar
Originally presented on November 13, 2024
Radiological incidents in the United State are rare. Many have little to no experience responding to accidents or disasters involving radioactive material. While state and local authorities have primary responsibility in such incidents, an overwhelming response may require assistance from the federal government. The EPA provides support through technical assistance in preparing for such disasters and helping determine necessary actions to protect residents during a response.
This presentation summarizes protective actions under the EPA's radiation response authorities, as well as the Protective Action Guide Manual for early, intermediate, and late phase stages of a response. It will discuss the EPA's role in radiological cleanup operations, including decontamination, containment, and waste management tools. The presenters will highlight related resources such as mobile water treatment and radioanalytical methods for specific matrices, as well as tools for radiological incidents that are not large scale. These tools and resources for thoughtful and effective response can reduce the recovery timeline costs.
About the Presenters
Matthew Magnuson is a Research Chemist for the EPA's Homeland Security Research Program, and has been with the EPA in Cincinnati, Ohio since 1996. He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1994 from the University of Oklahoma (Norman) and is currently involved in homeland security research related to analysis and environmental fate of chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) contaminants. A major focus of his work is management and treatment of large volumes of CBR contaminated water and wastewater, as well as resuspension and stabilization of radiological contaminants. Collaborations include U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Institute of Justice.
Ken Yale is the EPA's Director of the Center for Radiological Emergency Management. In this role he works with the EPA's National Center for Radiation Field Operations, National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory, Office of Emergency Management, the EPA Regions and numerous federal, state, local, territorial, and Tribal partners to coordinate the EPA's response to radiological incidents. He also serves as the Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health Chair. Prior to his current position, he served as the Director of the Center for Planning and Training at the EPA's National Center for Radiation Field Operations. Before joining the EPA, Ken was the Chief of the Radiological Protection Section for the State of Michigan. In that role he oversaw the State's Radon, Radiological Emergency Response, Radiological Environmental Laboratory, and Radioactive Materials programs.