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Radioactive Sources Recovered in Georgia
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| Abstract Number: |
20060230 |
| Headline: |
Radioactive Sources Recovered in Georgia |
| Date: |
27 July 2006 |
| Bibliography:
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International Atomic Energy Agency Staff Report,
http://www.iaea.org |
| Author: |
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| Orig. Src.:
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| Case:
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| Material:
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Radioactive isotope |
Abstract:
Two orphaned cesium-137 sources have been recovered in Georgia by a joint
Georgian Ministry of Environment and IAEA team, according to an IAEA press
release. The recoveries were made during the first three days of a
new IAEA-Georgian initiative to locate lost radioactive sources in Georgia.[1,2] One radiation
source was discovered in the village of Iri on the premises of an
abandoned arsenic processing plant and the other was discovered inside a house
in the village of Likhaura.[1,3]
The search team was equipped with new, powerful, backpack-mounted
instrumentation that helped detect and locate both of the sources. The team
members noted that due to the absence of available records, they were prevented
from determining the origins of the orphaned sources.[1,2]
The IAEA report indicated that loss of control of industrial radioactive
sources was common in Georgia after the break-up of the Soviet Union. In addition,
the report noted that recovered sources have been located on former military
bases and in scrap metal shipments. The report indicates that as many as 300
radioactive sources--including strontium-90 sources from radioisotope thermal
generators (RTGs)--have been recovered in Georgia since the mid 1990s.[1,4]
According to the report, the IAEA has been working with Georgia to upgrade
levels of radiation safety and to secure orphan sources since 1997.[1]
Sources:
[1] "Two Radioactive Sources Found in Georgia," Global Security Newswire,
Nuclear Threat Initiative website,
http://www.nti.org, 28 July 2006.
[2] "Georgian environmental inspectors find radioactive material," Tbilisi
Prime-News, 20 July 2006.
[3] "Two Radioactive Devices Found, Neutralized in Georgia," Interfax, 31 July 2006.{Entered 11/13/06 SG}
The
Center for Nonproliferation Studies has not verified the accuracy or veracity
of this report or the facts presented therein. For more information
on the material in this database please contact Dr. Scott Parrish at sparrish@miis.edu.
 This material is produced independently for NTI
by the Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the
Monterey Institute of International Studies and
does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has
not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers,
employees, agents. Copyright © 2003 by MIIS.
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