Standards Testing and Evaluation
The multitude of radiation detectors and analytical methods that will be available for
homeland security operations will require testing and evaluation to demonstrate that
minimum standards are met or that improvement over existing detectors and methods has
been achieved. EML will fulfill a Departmental “in-house” technical role by either
performing these tests and evaluations directly, or by judging the quality and performance
of independent organizations such as commercial firms, national laboratories, and
academic institutes that do so.
Serving as a DHS center of expertise on radiation measurements and environmental
assessment, EML will perform unbiased technical review, laboratory testing, and field
intercomparisons of sensors, instrument systems, and associated detection methodologies
that are used for purposes of interdiction of radiological and nuclear material, hazard
evaluation for first responders, and assessments of human health and environmental
consequences in the aftermath of events involving the dispersal of radioactive material.
To accomplish this, the Laboratory will leverage its broad knowledge and long-standing
experience in the areas of radiation physics, radiochemistry, aerosol measurements,
modeling, instrument fabrication, survey/testing design, and quality assurance to carry
out multi-disciplinary projects that will assess instrumentation and methods relating to
homeland security interdiction operations and consequence management planning while also
serving to advance the state-of-the-art in these areas.
Contact: webmaster@eml.doe.gov
URL: www.eml.doe.gov/Test_Eval/index.cfm .
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Environmental Measurements Laboratory - http://www.eml.doe.gov