The Bureau of Radiological Health is committed to safeguarding the health and safety of Iowans by minimizing unnecessary exposure to radiation. On average, individuals in Iowa are exposed to approximately 300 millirem of natural background radiation and 60 millirem from manmade sources each year.
The Bureau operates under authority granted by the Iowa Code, Chapters 1 36B and C. It fulfills its mission through regulatory oversight, licensing, inspections, credentialing and emergency preparedness and response related to radiological hazards.
Program activities include:
Licensing of facilities that use radioactive materials
Registration of facilities operating radiation-producing equipment
Inspection of facilities utilizing radioactive materials or radiation-producing equipment
Credentialing of individuals who use radioactive material or operate radiation-emitting equipment
Approval of training courses
Emergency preparedness and response related to incidents involving radioactive materials or nuclear power plant incidents
The Bureau of Radiological Health is responsible for providing dose assessment and technical guidance during a radiological incident or emergency in Iowa.
List items for About Radiological Emergencies
Radiological emergencies may result from accidental releases during the routine use of radioactive material or from intentional acts designed to cause harm.
Examples of radiological emergencies include:
Nuclear power plant accidents
Nuclear explosions
Radiological dispersal device (RDDs), commonly known as dirty bombs
Radiological exposure device (RED)
These events can pose health and environmental risks. The Bureau of Radiological Health plays a critical role in coordinating response efforts, assessing radiation exposure and advising public health and emergency management officials.
Radioactive materials are transported and safely used in everyday industry. Uses include, but are not limited to, commercial power production, medical procedures, teaching and research at universities, measuring density or thickness of materials and nondestructive testing of materials. Although these are regulated activities, a wide range of accidents can happen. It is important that Iowa HHS-trained staff support the response to accidents involving radioactive materials to protect public health and safety.
To report a radiation incident or emergency, call Iowa HHS Radiological Health at (515) 725-4160.
Important information to provide when reporting a radiological incident or emergency include:
Your name
Telephone number and contact information
Date, time and location of incident
What has happened or what is happening
Radioactive materials and quantity involved in the incident
Responsible party for the incident (property or business owner name, transportation firm name, etc.)
Whether local officials (fire, police, sheriff) been notified of the incident
A nuclear power plant accident, a nuclear explosion and radiological dispersal or exposure devices are examples of radiation emergencies. During a radiation emergency, the goal is tokeep your exposure to radiation as low as possible. It’s important to listen for guidance on how to respond to keep you and your family safe.
Get Inside, Stay Inside, Stay Tuned
Get Inside—During a radiation emergency, you may be asked to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time instead of leaving. The walls of buildings can block much of the harmful radiation. Because radioactive materials become weaker over time, staying inside for 24 hours can protect you and your family until it is safe to leave the area.
Stay Inside—Stay inside until you are told to leave by the police, fire department or government officials. While you are inside, you can take simple steps to remove any radioactive material that might be on your body. Taking off the outer layer of clothing (like jackets and pants), washing your skin with water and putting on clean clothes will remove radioactive material.
Stay Tuned—It will be important to stay tuned once you get inside for updated instructions from emergency response officials. As officials learn more about the emergency, they will communicate the latest information to the public. Television, radio and social media are some examples of ways that you may receive important safety information.
The Bureau of Radiological Health will coordinate radiation dose assessment and technical advice through:
Analysis of radiological incident risks
Collection and mapping of field measurements and data using Iowa’s field survey and sampling teams made up of personnel from the University of Iowa’s State Hygienic Lab, Iowa’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) HazMat (Hazardous Materials) fire departments and the 71st Civil Support Team
Review of incident-specific information to recommend appropriate guidance for responders
Recommendations for protective actions based on the radiological risks to protect the public and emergency workers
In the event of a catastrophic accident, Iowa HHS may also request and coordinate with assets from federal or adjoining state partners depending on the size and scope of the event.
