Portable Post-Radiation Bio-Dosimeter

This proposal is designed to reduce to a practical unit a unique and effective solution to a critical military and public security problem: how to quickly determine if an individual has received a dose of ionizing radiation that is likely to lead to acute clinical effects. It also would be applicable to a critical unmet need in dealing with terrorist attacks and nuclear facility accidents. The solution is the development of a practical hand held or easily transportable dosimeter that can, after-the-fact, rapidly and accurately measure the dose received by making measurements in tooth enamel with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR or ESR). Such an instrument would neutralize one of the major consequences of the use of radiological warfare or terrorism, which is lack of knowledge of the exposure of individuals. The desirable characteristics of this instrument include: (i) sufficient sensitivity to measure clinically relevant doses, (ii) repeatability and reproducibility in field applications, (iii) ability to provide the data rapidly and clearly, (iv) ability to be operate in a variety of environments, (v) ability to be operated by minimally trained individuals.