The Experts below are selected from a list of 2610 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
H Maguire - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
epidemiology of internal contamination with Polonium 210 in the london incident 2006
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2012Co-Authors: G Fraser, H Maguire, L Bishop, Isabelle Giraudon, S Cohuet, H L Thomas, S Mandal, K Anders, E Sanchezpadilla, A CharlettAbstract:Background More than 700 UK residents were tested for possible contamination with Polonium-210 ( 210 Po) following the alleged poisoning of Mr Alexander Litvinenko in London in November 2006. This paper describes the epidemiology of internal contamination with the radionuclide in this group. Methods 11 locations in London had been identified as sufficiently environmentally contaminated with 210 Po to present a health risk to people associated with them. Public health consultant teams identified individuals at risk and offered 24-h urine testing for 210 Po excretion. Prevalence of internal contamination was estimated, and a retrospective cohort analysis was completed for each location. Results Overall 139 individuals (prevalence 0.19 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.27)) showed evidence of internal contamination with 210 Po, although none with uptakes likely to cause adverse health effects. Substantial prevalence was seen among specific hotel service staff, customers, staff and other users of a hotel bar, office and hospital staff, staff of one restaurant and residents of and visitors to the family home. Increased risks of contamination were seen for a hotel bar in association with occupational, behavioural and temporal factors. Occupational and guest exposure to contaminated areas of hotels were also associated with increased contamination risk. Nurses were more likely to become contaminated than other staff involved in direct patient care. Conclusions Uptake of trace amounts of radionuclide in this incident was frequent. Occupational, behavioural and temporal gradients in contamination risk were mostly consistent with a priori site risk assessments. Utility of the investigation methods and findings for future accidental or deliberate environmental contamination incidents are discussed.
-
assessing public health risk in the london Polonium 210 incident 2006
Public Health, 2010Co-Authors: H Maguire, G Fraser, J Croft, M Bailey, P Tattersall, M Morrey, D Turbitt, R Ruggles, L Bishop, Isabelle GiraudonAbstract:Summary Objectives Mr Alexander Litvinenko died in a London hospital on 23 November 2006, allegedly from poisoning with the radionuclide Polonium-210 ( 210 Po). Associated circumstances required an integrated response to investigate the potential risk of internal contamination for individuals exposed to contaminated environments. Study design Descriptive study. Methods Contaminated locations presenting a potential risk to health were identified through environmental assessment by radiation protection specialists. Individuals connected with these locations were identified and assessed for internal contamination with 210 Po. Results In total, 1029 UK residents were identified, associated with the 11 most contaminated locations. Of these, 974 were personally interviewed and 787 were offered urine tests for 210 Po excretion. Overall, 139 individuals (18%) showed evidence of probable internal contamination with 210 Po arising from the incident, but only 53 (7%) had assessed radiation doses of 1 mSv or more. The highest assessed radiation dose was approximately 100 mSv. Conclusions Although internal contamination with 210 Po was relatively frequent and was most extensive among individuals associated with locations judged a priori to pose the greatest risk, a high degree of assurance could be given to UK and international communities that the level of health risk from exposure to the radionuclide in this incident was low.
-
the international follow up of individuals potentially exposed to Polonium 210 in london 2006
Public Health, 2010Co-Authors: K Shaw, H Maguire, G Fraser, M Bailey, K Anders, Babatunde Olowokure, J Smith, S Frossell, K Yap, B G EvansAbstract:Summary Objectives Following a death from Polonium-210 ( 210 Po), contamination was found at several sites in London. This paper describes the UK Health Protection Agency’s follow-up and assessment of individuals resident overseas who were potentially exposed to 210 Po. Study design Descriptive follow-up study. Methods Individuals were classified into three exposure groups (higher, lower and unknown). Presence and degree of internal contamination were measured by 24-h urinary 210 Po activity (mBq/day). Results over 30 mBq/day were taken to indicate probable contact with 210 Po in this incident. Dose assessments were conducted to determine degree of exposure and to identify individuals requiring further follow-up. Results Overall, 664 potentially exposed persons from 52 countries and territories were identified. Of these, 157 (24%) were in the higher exposure category, and urinary measurements were reported for 31% (48/157). Results for 19% (9/48) of those at higher exposure were more than 30 mBq/day. For those at lower exposure, the percentage was 4% (3/68). Results above 30 mBq/day were significantly more likely to be reported for the higher exposure category than the lower exposure category (Fisher’s exact test P = 0.010). Reported dose assessments suggested that identified individuals were not at increased health risk in the long term. Challenges and practical lessons were identified during the investigation. Conclusion The results suggest that it is unlikely that any overseas resident had significant internal contamination with 210 Po. However, this incident clearly demonstrated the scale of international involvement likely to be necessary in other public health emergencies in large cities. The lessons identified have implications for the international health community, particularly with regard to the follow-up of individuals exposed to radiation in one country who then travel to another.
-
Polonium 210 poisoning in london hypochondriasis and public health
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 2008Co-Authors: Oliver Morgan, Lisa Page, Sarah Forrester, H MaguireAbstract:INTRODUCTION: In November 2006, a Russian dissident died from radioactive Polonium-210 (210Po) poisoning in London. Providing reassuring messages during a public health incident may be ineffective for individuals with high health anxiety (hypochondriasis). METHODS: Members of the public who called a 24-hour telephone helpline were offered a follow-up call by a health protection specialist for reassurance. A psychiatrist attempted to contact those callers who were unable to be reassured by the health protection specialist. RESULTS: Of 872 individuals contacted for reassurance, seven (0.6%) could not be reassured. The psychiatrist contacted four of these individuals. Three had a history of health-related anxiety and two attributed somatic symptoms to 210Po exposure. CONCLUSIONS: For individuals with hypochondriasis, reassurance during major public health incidents may be ineffective. Having a psychiatrist available was helpful in managing individuals with excessive health anxiety. Language: en
-
public information needs after the poisoning of alexander litvinenko with Polonium 210 in london cross sectional telephone survey and qualitative analysis
BMJ, 2007Co-Authors: James G Rubin, Lisa Page, Oliver Morgan, Richard J Pinder, Paul Riley, Stephani L Hatch, H Maguire, Mike Catchpole, John Simpson, Simon WesselyAbstract:Objectives To identify public perceptions of the risk to health after the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko with Polonium-210 (210Po) in London and to assess the impact of public health communications. Design Cross sectional telephone survey and qualitative interviews. Setting London, United Kingdom. Participants 1000 people completed the cross sectional survey and 86 potentially exposed people completed the qualitative interviews. Main outcome measures Perception of risk to personal health after the 210Po incident. Qualitative interviews were analysed with an emphasis on information needs. Results 11.7% of the survey sample (n=117) perceived their health to be at risk. Aside from personal variables the main predictors of perceived risk to health were believing that the incident was related to terrorism (odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 4.6) rather than to espionage, that it was targeted at the wider public rather than one person (5.9, 3.2 to 10.9), and that it could affect people who had not been in the contaminated area (3.2, 2.1 to 5.1). Participants in the qualitative interviews were generally satisfied with the information they had received, although they would have preferred more information about their individual risk of exposure, the results of their urine tests, and the health implications of the incident. Conclusions Perceptions of the public that the 210Po incident in London in 2006 was related to espionage helped to reassure them that the risks to personal health were low. In the event of future incidents it is important to ensure that detailed, comprehensible information about the risks of any exposure is available.
G Fraser - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
epidemiology of internal contamination with Polonium 210 in the london incident 2006
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2012Co-Authors: G Fraser, H Maguire, L Bishop, Isabelle Giraudon, S Cohuet, H L Thomas, S Mandal, K Anders, E Sanchezpadilla, A CharlettAbstract:Background More than 700 UK residents were tested for possible contamination with Polonium-210 ( 210 Po) following the alleged poisoning of Mr Alexander Litvinenko in London in November 2006. This paper describes the epidemiology of internal contamination with the radionuclide in this group. Methods 11 locations in London had been identified as sufficiently environmentally contaminated with 210 Po to present a health risk to people associated with them. Public health consultant teams identified individuals at risk and offered 24-h urine testing for 210 Po excretion. Prevalence of internal contamination was estimated, and a retrospective cohort analysis was completed for each location. Results Overall 139 individuals (prevalence 0.19 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.27)) showed evidence of internal contamination with 210 Po, although none with uptakes likely to cause adverse health effects. Substantial prevalence was seen among specific hotel service staff, customers, staff and other users of a hotel bar, office and hospital staff, staff of one restaurant and residents of and visitors to the family home. Increased risks of contamination were seen for a hotel bar in association with occupational, behavioural and temporal factors. Occupational and guest exposure to contaminated areas of hotels were also associated with increased contamination risk. Nurses were more likely to become contaminated than other staff involved in direct patient care. Conclusions Uptake of trace amounts of radionuclide in this incident was frequent. Occupational, behavioural and temporal gradients in contamination risk were mostly consistent with a priori site risk assessments. Utility of the investigation methods and findings for future accidental or deliberate environmental contamination incidents are discussed.
-
assessing public health risk in the london Polonium 210 incident 2006
Public Health, 2010Co-Authors: H Maguire, G Fraser, J Croft, M Bailey, P Tattersall, M Morrey, D Turbitt, R Ruggles, L Bishop, Isabelle GiraudonAbstract:Summary Objectives Mr Alexander Litvinenko died in a London hospital on 23 November 2006, allegedly from poisoning with the radionuclide Polonium-210 ( 210 Po). Associated circumstances required an integrated response to investigate the potential risk of internal contamination for individuals exposed to contaminated environments. Study design Descriptive study. Methods Contaminated locations presenting a potential risk to health were identified through environmental assessment by radiation protection specialists. Individuals connected with these locations were identified and assessed for internal contamination with 210 Po. Results In total, 1029 UK residents were identified, associated with the 11 most contaminated locations. Of these, 974 were personally interviewed and 787 were offered urine tests for 210 Po excretion. Overall, 139 individuals (18%) showed evidence of probable internal contamination with 210 Po arising from the incident, but only 53 (7%) had assessed radiation doses of 1 mSv or more. The highest assessed radiation dose was approximately 100 mSv. Conclusions Although internal contamination with 210 Po was relatively frequent and was most extensive among individuals associated with locations judged a priori to pose the greatest risk, a high degree of assurance could be given to UK and international communities that the level of health risk from exposure to the radionuclide in this incident was low.
-
the international follow up of individuals potentially exposed to Polonium 210 in london 2006
Public Health, 2010Co-Authors: K Shaw, H Maguire, G Fraser, M Bailey, K Anders, Babatunde Olowokure, J Smith, S Frossell, K Yap, B G EvansAbstract:Summary Objectives Following a death from Polonium-210 ( 210 Po), contamination was found at several sites in London. This paper describes the UK Health Protection Agency’s follow-up and assessment of individuals resident overseas who were potentially exposed to 210 Po. Study design Descriptive follow-up study. Methods Individuals were classified into three exposure groups (higher, lower and unknown). Presence and degree of internal contamination were measured by 24-h urinary 210 Po activity (mBq/day). Results over 30 mBq/day were taken to indicate probable contact with 210 Po in this incident. Dose assessments were conducted to determine degree of exposure and to identify individuals requiring further follow-up. Results Overall, 664 potentially exposed persons from 52 countries and territories were identified. Of these, 157 (24%) were in the higher exposure category, and urinary measurements were reported for 31% (48/157). Results for 19% (9/48) of those at higher exposure were more than 30 mBq/day. For those at lower exposure, the percentage was 4% (3/68). Results above 30 mBq/day were significantly more likely to be reported for the higher exposure category than the lower exposure category (Fisher’s exact test P = 0.010). Reported dose assessments suggested that identified individuals were not at increased health risk in the long term. Challenges and practical lessons were identified during the investigation. Conclusion The results suggest that it is unlikely that any overseas resident had significant internal contamination with 210 Po. However, this incident clearly demonstrated the scale of international involvement likely to be necessary in other public health emergencies in large cities. The lessons identified have implications for the international health community, particularly with regard to the follow-up of individuals exposed to radiation in one country who then travel to another.
-
management of response to the Polonium 210 incident in london
2010Co-Authors: J Croft, G Fraser, M Bailey, P Tattersall, M Morrey, Neil Mccoll, Lesley Prosser, Helen Maguire, Roger GrossAbstract:On the 23 November 2006, Alexander Litvinenko died in London allegedly from poisoning by {sup 210}Po, an alpha particle emitter. The spread of radioactive contamination, arising from the poisoning and the events leading up to it, involved many locations in London. The potential for intakes of {sup 210}Po arising from the contamination posed a public health risk and generated significant public concern. The scale of the event required a multi-agency response, including top level UK Government emergency response management arrangements. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) had a leading role in co-ordinating and managing the public health response. This paper reviews the management of the incident response and the issues involved. (author)
Jerrold B Leikin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
death by Polonium 210 lessons learned from the murder of former soviet spy alexander litvinenko
Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology, 2009Co-Authors: Robin B Mcfee, Jerrold B LeikinAbstract:The medical response to radiation—whether the result of radiological warfare, terrorist deployment of improvised radiation dispersal weapons, political assassination, occupational or industrial accidents or the medically radiated patient remains one of the least taught among all disciplines within medical education. In the aftermath of 9/11 among medical vulnerabilities to toxicant threats, of all the categories of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)—whether using the CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive) or NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) acronym—radiation is the least taught in professional schools, responder cultures or civil preparedness organizations. To date, few health care professionals (HCP) possess the fundamental knowledge or skills to identify and diagnose, let alone treat a radiation victim; this vulnerability made even more obvious in the aftermath of the high profile assassination of former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko. He was poisoned with Polonium 210 . Radioactive substances are ubiquitous with radiation sources being in or transported through virtually every region nationwide. It is essential to increase preparedness among community and rural health care facilities as well as urban and university hospitals. Managing radiation injuries effectively requires access to specialized equipment and expertise. Radiation sickness is progressive and may require acute, critical and long term care throughout the course of illness. Regardless of the source, preparedness rests upon acknowledging a threat exists and dedicating the resources to address the risks including the enhancement of training and equipment. Mass or individual exposures to radiation present unique challenges to the entire response continuum from law enforcement, first responders and emergency medical care. Increased education about and practice in responding to radiological threats is essential to enhance preparedness.
Isabelle Giraudon - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
epidemiology of internal contamination with Polonium 210 in the london incident 2006
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2012Co-Authors: G Fraser, H Maguire, L Bishop, Isabelle Giraudon, S Cohuet, H L Thomas, S Mandal, K Anders, E Sanchezpadilla, A CharlettAbstract:Background More than 700 UK residents were tested for possible contamination with Polonium-210 ( 210 Po) following the alleged poisoning of Mr Alexander Litvinenko in London in November 2006. This paper describes the epidemiology of internal contamination with the radionuclide in this group. Methods 11 locations in London had been identified as sufficiently environmentally contaminated with 210 Po to present a health risk to people associated with them. Public health consultant teams identified individuals at risk and offered 24-h urine testing for 210 Po excretion. Prevalence of internal contamination was estimated, and a retrospective cohort analysis was completed for each location. Results Overall 139 individuals (prevalence 0.19 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.27)) showed evidence of internal contamination with 210 Po, although none with uptakes likely to cause adverse health effects. Substantial prevalence was seen among specific hotel service staff, customers, staff and other users of a hotel bar, office and hospital staff, staff of one restaurant and residents of and visitors to the family home. Increased risks of contamination were seen for a hotel bar in association with occupational, behavioural and temporal factors. Occupational and guest exposure to contaminated areas of hotels were also associated with increased contamination risk. Nurses were more likely to become contaminated than other staff involved in direct patient care. Conclusions Uptake of trace amounts of radionuclide in this incident was frequent. Occupational, behavioural and temporal gradients in contamination risk were mostly consistent with a priori site risk assessments. Utility of the investigation methods and findings for future accidental or deliberate environmental contamination incidents are discussed.
-
assessing public health risk in the london Polonium 210 incident 2006
Public Health, 2010Co-Authors: H Maguire, G Fraser, J Croft, M Bailey, P Tattersall, M Morrey, D Turbitt, R Ruggles, L Bishop, Isabelle GiraudonAbstract:Summary Objectives Mr Alexander Litvinenko died in a London hospital on 23 November 2006, allegedly from poisoning with the radionuclide Polonium-210 ( 210 Po). Associated circumstances required an integrated response to investigate the potential risk of internal contamination for individuals exposed to contaminated environments. Study design Descriptive study. Methods Contaminated locations presenting a potential risk to health were identified through environmental assessment by radiation protection specialists. Individuals connected with these locations were identified and assessed for internal contamination with 210 Po. Results In total, 1029 UK residents were identified, associated with the 11 most contaminated locations. Of these, 974 were personally interviewed and 787 were offered urine tests for 210 Po excretion. Overall, 139 individuals (18%) showed evidence of probable internal contamination with 210 Po arising from the incident, but only 53 (7%) had assessed radiation doses of 1 mSv or more. The highest assessed radiation dose was approximately 100 mSv. Conclusions Although internal contamination with 210 Po was relatively frequent and was most extensive among individuals associated with locations judged a priori to pose the greatest risk, a high degree of assurance could be given to UK and international communities that the level of health risk from exposure to the radionuclide in this incident was low.
Godwin S Wesley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
baseline concentration of Polonium 210 210 po in tuna fish
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2016Co-Authors: Feroz M Khan, Godwin S WesleyAbstract:Several species of tuna fish were analyzed for (210)Po content in their edible muscle tissues. This study was carried out as a part of baseline data generation around a large nuclear power plant situated at Kudankulam, southeast coast of India. The concentration of (210)Po in the muscle tissue ranged from 40.9±5.2 to 92.5±7.9Bq/kg of fresh fish, and the highest activity was recorded for the tuna Euthynnus affinis and the lowest for Auxis thazard. The committed effective dose to the local residents was calculated to be 62.7-141.8μSvyear(-1).
-
Polonium 210 in marine mussels bivalve molluscs inhabiting the southern coast of india
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 2014Co-Authors: Feroz M Khan, Godwin S Wesley, M P RajanAbstract:Abstract The present study focused on the determination of the alpha-emitter, 210Po, in two species of marine mussels (bivalve molluscs) commonly available in the southern coastal region of India. The brown mussel, Perna indica was collected from the west coast and the green mussel, Perna viridis from the east coast. The concentration of 210Po was related to the allometry (length of shell, wet/dry weight of shell/soft tissue) of the mussels and significant results were found. The study period focused on three seasons namely, pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon for a 1-year period (2010–2011). The results revealed higher activity levels in smaller-sized mussels compared to larger ones. Marked variation in 210Po activity concentration was noted in the whole-body soft tissues between seasons and sampling site (p
-
occurrence of 210po in periwinkle littorina undulata gray 1839 collected from kudankulam gulf of mannar gom southeast coast of india
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2013Co-Authors: S Sunith R Shine, Feroz M Khan, Godwin S WesleyAbstract:Abstract Polonium-210 activity concentration was analysed in the whole body tissue of periwinkle Littorina undulata collected from intertidal rocky shore along Kudankulam coast. We carried out the study for a period of 12 months (2011–2012) focusing on three seasons. 210Po was found non-uniformly distributed among the periwinkles depending on the allometry. The 210Po accumulation showed a significant difference between seasons (p