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Fda Fern Cooperative Agreement Continuation Program: Surveillance of Foods For Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Radioactivity

Objective

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACTThe main objective of this proposed Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) Cooperative Agreement is toprovide radiological protection of food nationwide and within New York State (NYS), including activities relatedto research, surveillance, and emergency response.The proposed functions will be performed at the Wadsworth Center (WC), NYS Department of Health (DOH).WC is one of the most comprehensive state public health laboratories performing research and mandatedtesting in the areas of biomedical science, environmental science, and epidemiology. The WC's Division ofEnvironmental Health Sciences (DEHS) is responsible for the analysis of environmental, food, and clinicalsamples for toxic chemicals and radioactivity. It is also the focus for laboratory activities in response tochemical and radiological threat related incidents. The WC develops and validates laboratory methods capableof measuring chemical and nuclear threat agents and also evaluates and accredits clinical and environmentallaboratories throughout NYS.WC has successively participated in the FERN Cooperative Agreements within the radiological track in 2007-2010 and 2010-2015. Our participation in the proposed FERN Cooperative Agreement Program 2015-2019 willfocus on working with FERN National Program Office (NPO), Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center(WEAC), and all program participants on development of new and improved methods of alpha, beta, andgamma radioactivity detection in foods. Specific aims will include participation in and organization of exercises,assignments, proficiency testing (PT), training, research, and surge capacity testing. The program may involveresponse to incidents of food contamination with radionuclides should they occur.

Investigators
Aldous, Kenneth M.
Institution
Wadsworth Center
Start date
2015
End date
2020
Project number
5U18FD005514-02