WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has seen a troubling rise in incidents involving the loss of radioactive medical materials during transportation, sparking growing public health and safety concerns.
Recent incidents in New Jersey, Florida, and Massachusetts highlight the issue. These cases, which involve radioactive sources used in medical imaging and treatment, underscore vulnerabilities in the transportation chain and raise questions about regulatory oversight and security measures.
Recent Incidents of Note
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New Jersey (December 2024): A Ge-68 pin source, used in medical imaging, went missing while being transported for disposal. The shipment from Nazha Cancer Center in Newfield arrived damaged and empty on Dec. 2, 2024. After an investigation by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the missing material was found by the carrier and returned to its supplier on Dec. 10.
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Florida (April 2024): A Cs-137 source, with a remaining activity of 127 microcuries, disappeared during transit between West Coast Nuclear Pharmacy and RLS Pharmacy. The Florida Bureau of Radiation Control (BRC) was notified in December 2024, months after the source was last seen. The case remains under investigation.
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Massachusetts (December 2024): A 1 Ci Mo-99/Tc-99m generator, a key component in medical imaging, was reported lost by Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. while in transit. Initially declared missing on Dec. 10, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee, the shipment was later delivered to its destination on Dec. 11.
A Broader Trend
Globally, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that since 1993, more than 4,200 incidents involving nuclear and radioactive materials outside of regulatory control have been documented. Over half of thefts occurred during authorized transport, with nearly 65% of transport-related thefts reported in the past decade.
These figures highlight a persistent challenge in securing radioactive materials during transit.
Safety and Security Implications
The risks posed by lost radioactive materials are significant. Unintentional exposure can endanger individuals who unknowingly encounter such materials, and the potential for malicious use heightens concerns.
“Transport security measures must be strengthened to prevent incidents of this nature,” said an IAEA spokesperson. “The risks are too great to ignore.”
Addressing the Problem
Experts have called for a multi-faceted approach to address the issue:
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Enhanced Tracking: Real-time tracking systems for shipments of radioactive materials can help pinpoint their location at all times.
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Improved Packaging: Tamper-evident and robust packaging can reduce the likelihood of damage or unauthorized access during transit.
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Comprehensive Training: Personnel responsible for handling and transporting radioactive materials must receive rigorous safety and security training.
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Regulatory Reforms: Updating transport regulations to include emerging threats and new technologies is essential.
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