HPA Convenes Conference on Public Health Response to Polonium-210

19 January 2007

Polonium-210: The public health response
Date: Tuesday 27 March 2007
Venue: Royal College of Surgeons of England , London
Website: www.hpa-events.org.uk/Polonium

A one day conference is being convened by the Health Protection Agency on Tuesday 27 March 2007 at the Royal College of Surgeons of England , London , to share the Agency's experience in dealing with the Polonium-210 incident.

The death of Alexander Litvinenko from radiation poisoning, and the risk that members of the public might have been exposed to radiation, was an unprecedented event in the UK . The Health Protection Agency's public health response to the incident brought together specialists from a wide range of fields in an integrated national effort. The aftermath of the incident lasted many weeks and required the Agency's response to be sustainable.

The Health Protection Agency's radiation scientists rapidly developed a mass urine testing process, supplied and co-ordinated teams to monitor a wide range of locations, and deployed scientific expertise in the public health investigation. Its public health teams worked with NHS Direct in following up hundreds of people who were potentially at risk, and its emergency planners co-ordinated the Agency's efforts and worked closely with Government departments, the police and other public bodies. The Agency's communications staff worked with the media to ensure the public received up to date information; and the whole operation was supported by a range of experts from other divisions of the Agency.

The conference sessions will tell the public health story of the polonium-210 incident and show how people were tested, places were monitored and risks were assessed. They will tell the risk communication story including how complex information was put into the public domain. The international side of the story will also be told - how rapid worldwide contacts were established to ensure every step was taken to protect the health of the public. The conference website, www.hpa-events.org.uk/Polonium, has details about the conference and how to book online.

For media enquires please contact: Liz Morgan-Lewis, Head of Strategic Communications Planning: Emergency Preparedness and Response on 01980 612504 or e mail liz.morgan-lewis@hpa.org.uk

 

Notes to editors

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is an independent body that protects the health and well-being of the population. The Agency plays a critical role in protecting people from infectious diseases and in preventing harm when hazards involving chemicals , poisons or radiation occur and also prepares for new and emerging threats, such as a bio-terrorist attack or virulent new strain of disease.

Information about the conference can be found on www.hpa-events.org.uk/Polonium

Last reviewed: 29 December 2008