‘Extremely Dangerous’ Radioactive Material Stolen In Mexico IAEA
‘Extremely Dangerous’ Radioactive Material Stolen In Mexico IAEA
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), thieves in Mexico have stolen a truck containing potentially ‘extremely dangerous’ radioactive material used in medical treatment. ― Reuters pic
Thieves in Mexico have stolen a truck containing potentially “extremely dangerous” radioactive material used in medical treatment, the UN atomic watchdog said on Wednesday.
The truck was transporting a cobalt-60 teletherapy source from a hospital in the northern city of Tijuana to a radioactive waste storage centre when it was stolen in Tepojaco near Mexico City, 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,” it said.
Published on Dec 4, 2013
Thieves in Mexico have stolen a truck containing potentially “extremely dangerous” radioactive material used in medical treatment, the UN atomic watchdog said Wednesday.
VIENNA: Thieves in Mexico have stolen a truck containing potentially “extremely dangerous” radioactive material used in medical treatment, the UN atomic watchdog said Wednesday.
The truck was transporting a cobalt-60 teletherapy source from a hospital in the northern city of Tijuana to a radioactive waste storage centre when it was stolen in Tepojaco near Mexico City, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 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,” it said.
The IAEA said it was informed about the December 2 theft by Mexico’s CNSNS nuclear security authority.
“The Mexican authorities are currently conducting a search for the source and have issued a press release to alert the public,” the IAEA said in a statement.
The material could not be used in a conventional nuclear weapon but could in theory be put in a so-called “dirty bomb” — an explosive device spreading the radioactive material over a wide area.
Experts have long warned about the danger posed by the large amounts of such material held in hospitals and other locations around the world under insufficient security.
- AFP/gn
Radioactive truck ‘stolen in Mexico’
Published on Dec 4, 2013
A truck carrying radioactive material has been stolen in Mexico, the UN’s nuclear watchdog says.
Mexico informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the truck carrying a “dangerous radioactive source” used in medical treatment was stolen on Monday.
The radiotherapy machine, used for treating cancers, was being taken from a hospital to a waste storage centre.
It was stolen near the capital, Mexico City.
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