'Extremely dangerous' radioactive theft in Mexico: UN atomic agency

[avaistheone1]

Source: AFP

Vienna (Austria) (AFP) - Thieves in Mexico have stolen a truck carrying "extremely dangerous" radioactive material used in medical treatment, the UN atomic watchdog said Wednesday.

The vehicle was transporting a "teletherapy source" containing cobalt-60 from a hospital in the northern city of Tijuana to a radioactive waste storage centre when it was stolen in Tepojaco near Mexico City on Monday, the International Atomic Energy Agency said.

"At the time the truck was stolen, the source was properly shielded. However, the source could be extremely dangerous to a person if removed from the shielding, or if it was damaged," an IAEA statement said.

The IAEA said it was informed about the theft by Mexico's National Commission for Nuclear Safety and Safeguards (CNSNS), which said the radioactive material posed no risk provided the container was not broken or tampered with. It said the truck was stolen at a service station.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/truck-radioactive-material-39-stolen-mexico-39-095030050.html

[global1]

1. With All The Technology We Have Wouldn't It Make Sense That Every Transport Vehicle.....

be equipped with some sort of tracking device? This should be a requirement for any transportation of any radioactive materials. Especially with the threat of terrorism and possible use of a dirty bomb. This is just stupid that this theft has happened and now they don't know where the radioactive material is. Gross negligence on somebody's part IMHO.

[AtheistCrusader]

2. It's in Mexico.

In the US, we do take similar precautions. Hell, we went apeshit over a very small radiation source for inspecting oil drilling heads (I think Halliburton 'lost it'.) last year. About the size of a large kid's pencil. The big fat ones kids use when first learning to write.


Found it too.

[global1]

5. Where The Transport Of Such Materials Is Being Done Shouldn't Matter....

This should be regulated by the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) and be a requirement in all countries. Top security should be a standard when dealing with radioactive materials and their transport.

[valerief]

3. I guess Mexican truck drivers can get bought as easily as a US senator. nt

[Jesus Malverde]

4. Properly shielded, just not secured...nt