Local biological assessment

Local risk assessment may suggest that the use of PPE is appropriate in order to control the risk of biological agent exposure. Masks and skin protection may be considered and must be suitable for the task being carried out and provide a sufficient level of protection. 

Each site and material must be evaluated before implementing a biological solution. The soil is examined in chemical laboratories to assess the type and extent of the contamination. The microbiological laboratory analyzes the presence and activity of the local microbial strains in the contaminated soil. Biologists then specify the type and quantity of natural additives required to produce maximum degradation rates. 

As the nuclear age progresses, man will be continually exposed to radiation from the radionuclides that are produced in the nuclear events and eventually localize in him. Accordingly, one of the most critical questions is that of assessing the effects upon man of low doses of radiation delivered at low rates or moderate doses delivered at low rates. It is well-known that exposure to 25 to 50 rads may cause biological harm. But what about lower doses Is all radiation harmful Should the extrapolation to a zero-rad dose be linear or curvilinear These questions are the subject for active experimentation in this Laboratory and in others. If the correct extrapolation is linear, it will be crucial to measure accurately the amount of radiation to which a person has been exposed. Such data on gamma-emitting radionuclides can be obtained with a system of the resolution and sensitivity we have described. 

Issues related to PK, distribution, persistence, and stability will also need to be considered. Optimizing methods to assess local effects as well as potential changes in the immunogenicity of the biologic component of the... 

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