Radiological threatsDetecting and defeating radiological threats
Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Radiological Assistance Program (RAP) team works to stay ahead of any radiological threats by using many detection tools that have become increasingly sophisticated and user-friendly. During a deployment, researchers and technicians with backgrounds in various aspects of radiological controls and analysis conduct field monitoring and environmental sampling, assessment, and documentation activities to help decision makers choose appropriate protective actions for the safety of both the public and first responders.
If you were at the Super Bowl in New Jersey in February, or at the concurrent “NFL Experience” in Manhattan, you may have spotted some elite Brookhaven Lab employees. Not cheering in the stands or even inside the stadium, these members of the Lab’s Radiological Assistance Program (RAP) team were working on Super Bowl Sunday and for several weeks beforehand to monitor the metropolitan area for potential radiological threats.
A Brookhaven release reports that the RAP team, one of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) radiological emergency response assets, comprises a few permanent staff, augmented by highly trained volunteers from many Lab disciplines. Together, they work to stay ahead of any such threats using a palette of detection tools that have become increasingly sophisticated and user-friendly, driven by the evolving mission of the program.
“The whole profile of the team has changed,” said Kathleen McIntyre, who is the contractor operations manager for RAP Region 1, which covers the East Coast from Maine to Maryland and inland to the Pennsylvania-Ohio border. “We used to investigate questionable material found in grandpa’s basement, but since 9/11 the focus has been on search-and-detect missions.”
Working with first responder partners like the FBI, police, and fire departments, hazmat units, Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams (Air and Army National Guard), and others, the RAP team offers radiological assistance efforts upon the request of federal, state, tribal, and local governments and private groups and individuals for incidents involving radiological materials. In addition to prominent sporting events, the RAP team supports security efforts for high-profile events like the United Nations General Assembly, New Year’s Eve activities in one or multiple locations, the holiday tree lighting ceremony, the Democratic and Republican national conventions, and even presidential inaugurations.
