Case 1 – Detection of orphan sources in a scrap metal container in a port

A potentially dangerous Co-60 sources were found in scrap metal containers. The sources were discovered as a result of the triggering of alarms of radiation detection portal monitors.

Response  / Action  taken

Metal cylinders of approximately 1 cm radius and 10 cm length containing Co-60, with activities in the range of 20 to 30 GBq per source were found.

On the outer surface of the containers, radiation dose rates varying between several mSv/h to several tens of mSv/h were measured. The dose rate on the surface of all recovered sources was up to several Sv/h per source.  

All recovered sources have been stored safely at the national radioactive waste facility.
There has been contact with the counterparts of the shipping country about these incidents, but up to the reporting date, the origin of the Co-60 sources has not been found.

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