Organization
Emergency Preparedness Unit
Conducts All Hazards
Preparedness Training for healthcare coalitions statewide and operates the All Hazards Risk Assessment Laboratory (AHRAL) to respond to chemical incidents.
Environmental Exposure Investigations Unit
Quantifes and identifies various toxics (trace metals, ionic species, minerals, volatile/semi-volatile organic compounds, flame retardants, etc.) in air filters, soil, and dust. Analytical and air sampling capabilities include ICP-MS, XRF, XRD, LC, GC-MS, Raman micro-spectroscopy, and a variety of ambient and source sampling equipment.
Forensic Special Studies Unit
Conducts forensic investigations into the identity and likely sources of environmental toxics. Investigations typically employ FTIR, optical, and electron microscopy of single particles (see microscopy images here), passive air samplers, and portable, continuous monitors. The unit also develops new methods, consults on sampling during toxic chemical emergencies, and tests unknown powders for threat investigations.