The State Hygienic Laboratory recently published its annual report for fiscal year 2012. This report contains financial and statistical information as well as articles about the role of laboratory surveillance in protecting the health of Iowans.

Topics featured include a two-year study of lead levels in bald eagles and the health impacts from the two week fire at the Iowa City Landfill in May and June 2012. The report also examines detection of foodborne illnesses E. coli and Salmonella.

"This surveillance role is critically important with the goal of making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation," Hygienic Laboratory Director Christopher Atchison said in the report.

"Through the laboratory system - across the state and the nation - the Hygienic Lab monitors for both environmental and biological threats to human health."