- Discipline C - Analytical Track 2 The principal goal of this project is to develop capability and capacity for radiological food protection from beta emitters, both nationwide and within New York State, including activities related to surveillance, emergency response, and method development. The proposed activities will be performed within the Nuclear Chemistry Laboratory section of Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry at the Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health. Wadsworth Center, a comprehensive state public health laboratory, performs research and mandated testing in biomedical and environmental science. Its Division of Environmental Health Sciences is responsible for the analysis of environmental and food samples for toxic chemicals and radioactivity, as well as for laboratory activities in response to chemical and radiological threat-related incidents. The Wadsworth Center develops and validates laboratory methods for measuring chemical and nuclear threat agents and accredits clinical and environmental laboratories throughout New York State. Within Track 2: Radiochemistry Capability/Capacity Development, Expansion - Beta, in the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model, it is proposed to purchase a Hidex 300SL liquid scintillation counter (Hidex, Turku, Finland) with Alpha/Beta capability and Temperature Control, that will be used for activities related to surveillance, emergency response, and method development. In Track 1: Food Defense and Maintenance, we propose development of experimental and computational methods to screen and quantify Sr-89,90 and beta emitters in food for emergency response using Hidex 300SL, with significant benefits for FERN. In addition, we will use the Hidex 300SL to maintain capability and capacity for alpha/beta screening using the method developed at the US FDA?s Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center. We will establish appropriate counting programs for these methods on the Hidex instrument, perform calibrations specific to its proposed uses, train staff in its operation, as well as increase throughput for alpha/beta emitters in food. In addition, we propose maintenance of qualified and trained personnel for food radiochemistry and emergency, adherence to Wadsworth?s Quality Management System, as well as acquiring and calibration of equipment appropriate for radiological food defense. Furthermore, we will participate in/organize radiological exercises and Performance Tests for FERN, participate in FERN assignments, as well as attend Face-to-Face meetings and other conferences. Wadsworth Center?s Nuclear Chemistry Laboratory proposes development activities, such as method development and surge capacity development. The proposed methods involve Sr-89 and Sr-90 isotopic determination in food using liquid scintillation counting, determination of gross beta radioactivity in food using gas proportional counting as well as survey screening, in addition to quantitative approaches to beta radioactivity in food. We will also seek certification under ISO 17025 specifically for food analysis, to augment the laboratory certifications we already have.
