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Wednesday, December 31, 2003, 19:35 EST (07:35 PM EST)CDCHAN-00180-03-12-31-UPD-N(Information on public health response to a radiological or nuclear emergency) In preparation for any possible public health emergency related to the current orange (high) threat level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is disseminating a series of notices on potential hazards. This is the fourth in a series of four updates. This message focuses on public health roles and responsibilities in the event of a radiation or nuclear emergency.During an orange (high) alert public health agencies should be prepared to respond to a terrorist event involving radiation or nuclear weapons. In the event of a terrorist attack involving radiation or nuclear weapons, the Department of Homeland Security would be the lead federal agency responding. However, local and state public health agencies would be among the first called upon to protect public health.2003Terrorism Threat Level Increase Preparedness, 2003Radiologi