Polonium-210: lessons learned from the contamination of individual Canadians.
This paper describes the radioactive poisoning episode in London in 2006 and the Health Canada response to locate and test any Canadians who might have been contaminated by this event. The search strategies and testing methods are explained and the results given. The lessons learned are summarised and implications for vulnerable populations are discussed. The greatest public health impact was probably the generation of fear and concern, especially among those prone to health-related anxiety disorders. The groups of individuals at risk were effectively managed by a single point of contact system combined with rapid triage and counselling that was provided to everyone to address their individual concerns.
Cornett
Jack
J
Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, 775 Brookfield Road, Ottawa, Canada.
Tracy
Bliss
B
Kramer
Gary
G
Whyte
Jeff
J
Moodie
Gerry
G
Auclair
J P
JP
Thomson
Daniele
D
D002170:Canada; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D011059:Polonium / Q000032:analysis* / Q000506:poisoning*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D012308:Risk Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D035862:Vulnerable Populations; D014915:Whole-Body Counting / Q000379:methods*
D011059:Polonium