Are employees in danger of radioactive and biohazards on campus?
While it is true that there are radioactive and biological materials in NIH facilities, it is important to remember that when they are present, radioactive levels in materials at the NIH are very low and are not considered dangerous. It is a misconception that the NIH harbors large amounts of radioactive material. To ensure the safety of employees and visitors, the ORS Radiation Safety Branch conducts monitoring of NIH facilities and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission conducts periodic assessments at the NIH. Many biological materials are also used in research conducted at the NIH. Some of these biological materials are infectious agents. However, all infectious agents used at the NIH are registered with and closely monitored by the ORS Occupational Safety and Health Branch. Laboratory-acquired infections at the NIH are very rare occurrences. If you do not work directly with infectious agents, the chance of coming into contact with them is extremely remote.
