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Hospitals across Chicago Perform Dirty Bomb Drills

Wed, 2 May 2012 11:44:13 EST

EMSL Analytical offers radiological testing services to analyze the radioactive content of materials to help protect the environment and human health.
 
Cinnaminson, NJ, May 2nd, 2012
 
Last week, the New York Post published a story about hospitals across Chicago preparing for the aftermath of a radioactive dirty bomb attack.  The drills took place ahead of a NATO summit that will be taking place in Chicago.
 
It was reported that at least 10 hospitals took part in the exercise.  The role of dirty bomb victims was played by 100 U.S. Navy recruits who were treated in the simulation exercise by close to 50 medical professionals and volunteers.
 
The fear of a terrorist attack in a major city using a dirty bomb has grown in recent years.  A dirty bomb is a mix of explosives, such as dynamite, along with radioactive powder or pellets. When the explosives in the device are set off, the blast carries radioactive material into the surrounding area.
 
'A dirty bomb uses explosives to scatter radioactive dust, smoke, or other material in order to cause radioactive contamination,' reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc., a leading radiological testing laboratory.  'Radioactive dust and smoke can spread farther away from the blast site which could be dangerous to people's health if it is inhaled. Because people cannot see, smell, feel, or taste radiation they may not even know if they have been exposed if testing is not performed.'
 
Low levels of radiation exposure, like what would be expected from a dirty bomb, typically do not cause any immediate symptoms. Higher levels of radiation exposure may produce symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling and redness of the skin.
 
In addition to radiological concerns due to a potential dirty bomb attack, radiological testing services are often required during the normal course of business by regulating agencies and industry. At EMSL's state of the art laboratory the company provides testing for a number of elements that include gross alpha, cesium and other radiological areas of concern.
 
To learn more about testing for radiological samples, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.