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Leo Wainhouse: Working in public health is a blast. Literally.
A radiation health physicist, Leo has worked with local agency bomb squads to blow up four cars during the last few months. It’s all part of a training program for police officers, firefighters and others who may be the first on the scene of a “dirty bomb” explosion. Dirty bombs are explosive devices that contain radioactive or other toxic materials. In addition to the destruction caused by the force of the explosion, these bombs can leave large areas contaminated with radiation or toxins. As part of the agency’s Office of Radiation Protection, Leo plans and manages training seminars for emergency workers from across the country. “We are the only public health agency in the country that conducts this training using real radioactive material,” Leo said. “It gives people a more realistic experience.” The training simulates what would happen if a dirty bomb blew up inside of a car. The purpose of the exercise is two-fold – teach emergency crews to work safely in a contaminated area and train them to gather and preserve evidence that investigators can use to solve the crime. The training is an extension of the emergency preparedness work Leo has been involved with for more than a decade. Radiation Protection is responsible to provide training and expertise for people who may be involved in accidents involving radioactive materials. While some of the more obvious places for this are the Hanford Nuclear Reservation or the Columbia Generating Station power plant, the biggest threat actually is in the day-to-day transport of nuclear materials, or more recently, the potential of terrorist activity. “You’d be surprised at the amount of radioactive material that moves through the state,” Leo said. “Medical supplies, fuel rods from Hanford, nuclear materials used in manufacturing — all of this is a potential hazard.” Leo’s passion for his work makes his job more than satisfying. “It’s fun,” Leo said. “I love what I do.” |
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02/08/2008 03:09 PM
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