Information for Medical Examiners, Coroners, and Funeral Home Personnel

   A radiological or nuclear emergency, including the detonation of a nuclear weapon or radiological dispersal device, a reactor or transportation accident, or even a non-emergency death after a procedure involving radioactive materials, could result in radioactively contaminated decedents. The following guidelines suggest ways for medical examiners, coroners, and morticians to deal with loose surface contamination, internal contamination, or shrapnel on or in decedents’ bodies.

Guidelines and Training

• Guidelines for Handling Decedents Contaminated with Radioactive Materials
• Video: Training for Handling Radioactive Decedents

Other Resources

• Public Health Tool Kit
• Contamination and Exposure
• Types of Radiation Emergencies
• Fact Sheets on Radiation Topics

To order copies, please send an e-mail to CDC-INFO or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636); TTY: (888) 232-6348.