DUSTIN MAY: dustin-may@uiowa.edu
Radionuclides can be harmful to human health if
inhaled or ingested. They are commonly present at
low concentrations in geological formations, produced
at low levels through interactions between the
atmosphere and cosmic radiation, and are produced
artificially through human activities, such as power
generation, medical therapy and heavy industry. The Radiochemistry section primarily performs
analyses of water and soil to determine radioactivity
concentrations, but also is capable of analyzing air,
food, milk, urine and foliage. The section maintains
preparedness for any radiation emergency response
incidents.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Increased testing by 100 percent from approximately 2,000 tests performed last year to 4,000 tests performed in fiscal year 2016. Additionally, turnaround times for the highest volume tests either decreased or remained the same.
- Served on the conference organizing committee for the Radiochemical and Radiobioassay Measurement Conference – a major national conference hosted at the University of Iowa.
- Completed validation of a method for the analysis of catfish for radiostrontium as part of the joint USDA-FDA Food Emergency Response Network. Performed 33 additional analyses as part of routine surveillance for gamma emitting radionuclides in the food supply in the first year of radiochemistry’s involvement in the USDA FERN cooperative agreement program.
GROSS ALPHA RADIATION
Other Units in Environmental Health
The Office of the Director consists of 10 key functional units that enable the State Hygienic Laboratory to achieve its statutory charge set forth in the Iowa Administrative Code.
The primary mission of the Disease Control Division is to test human specimens, food and water for diseases of public health significance to protect the citizens of Iowa.
The Environmental Health Division monitors drinking water, wastewater, air, soil and food for contaminants of potential environmental and public health concern.
The Division of Administration and Finance is responsible for the management of the business practices, all Hygienic Laboratory facilities, and pre/post testing support.