Overview:
A van carrying radioactive material used in medical equipment was stolen in Mexico Monday morning. Mexican authorities have reported the theft to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The 2.5 ton Volkswagen Worker was stolen by armed men from a gas station in the city of Tepojaco, located on the outskirts on Mexico City. The van contained an undetermined amount of radioactive material that was used in teletherapy medical equipment. Teletherapy involves the use of radiation for the treatment of cancer patients. The van was transporting the material from a medical center in Tijuana to a radioactive waste storage center. The equipment, at the time, was properly shielded for transport in a heavily sealed lead container. The sealed containers are designed to withstand vehicle accidents or attempted tampering. If the shield is removed, or damaged, the material becomes extremely dangerous. Reports indicate that the van has been found along with the radioactive material, which was discovered a half of a mile away. Authorities have indicated it poses no threat or need for evacuation at this time.
Key Points:
Implications:
The MSA Research and Intelligence Analysis (RIA) Group has been monitoring this situation, and has identified the following implications:
Several reports of radioactive material being stolen in Mexico are reported each year. To date, none of the thefts have been proven to be intentional. Often the thieves conduct the heist in order to obtain the vehicle and are unaware of its contents. It appears this was a similar incident. According to the IAEA, if the material is dispersed by fire or explosion it has the potential to affect individuals within a few hundred meters and decontamination would be required. Even with proper shielding, the material will be easily detected by radiation detection equipment. All entry ports into the United States are equipped with such detection equipment.
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A van carrying radioactive material used in medical equipment was stolen in Mexico Monday morning. Mexican authorities have reported the theft to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The 2.5 ton Volkswagen Worker was stolen by armed men from a gas station in the city of Tepojaco, located on the outskirts on Mexico City. The van contained an undetermined amount of radioactive material that was used in teletherapy medical equipment. Teletherapy involves the use of radiation for the treatment of cancer patients. The van was transporting the material from a medical center in Tijuana to a radioactive waste storage center. The equipment, at the time, was properly shielded for transport in a heavily sealed lead container. The sealed containers are designed to withstand vehicle accidents or attempted tampering. If the shield is removed, or damaged, the material becomes extremely dangerous. Reports indicate that the van has been found along with the radioactive material, which was discovered a half of a mile away. Authorities have indicated it poses no threat or need for evacuation at this time.
Key Points:
- A van transporting radioactive material used in medical equipment was stolen by armed men on the outskirts of Mexico City.
- The van and radioactive material have been located and pose no threat or need for evacuation at this time.
- According to the International Atomic Energy Agency the material, Cobalt-60, is labeled as a category 1 radioactive source, the most dangerous radioactive source.
- The material could not be used to construct a nuclear bomb but it could be used to construct a dirty bomb that disseminates radiation.
Implications:
The MSA Research and Intelligence Analysis (RIA) Group has been monitoring this situation, and has identified the following implications:
Several reports of radioactive material being stolen in Mexico are reported each year. To date, none of the thefts have been proven to be intentional. Often the thieves conduct the heist in order to obtain the vehicle and are unaware of its contents. It appears this was a similar incident. According to the IAEA, if the material is dispersed by fire or explosion it has the potential to affect individuals within a few hundred meters and decontamination would be required. Even with proper shielding, the material will be easily detected by radiation detection equipment. All entry ports into the United States are equipped with such detection equipment.
To receive intel on other emerging situations around the globe, sign up for MSA's Free Intelligence Briefs.