The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), in
cooperation with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the
California Department of Public Health, hosted a Radiological Security Workshop
in Irvine, CA to explore ways to reduce the risks posed by radiological materials.
The May 2-3, 2017 workshop included
presentations from state and federal law enforcement officials, public health
and hospital administrators, emergency response team leaders, and nuclear and
radiological security experts. NTI Co-Chairman and CEO Sam Nunn, Senator Dianne
Feinstein, and Governor Jerry Brown addressed the workshop by video.
The 60 participants discussed radiological
risk mitigation in California, which has a large number of high activity radiological
sources. The workshop highlighted steps that can be taken to better secure
these sources and, where feasible, replace them with safe and effective
alternative technologies. Participants reviewed a “case study” model of efforts
being implemented in New York City.
“We are delighted to be working closely with
Governor Brown’s office, the California Department of Public Health, and
Senator Feinstein, and we are grateful for their leadership in addressing these
important security risks,” said Nunn. “We also appreciate the commitment of all
those who attended the two-day workshop. It is crucial that governments and the
private sector work in tandem to prevent a terrorist from getting the material
to build a dirty bomb.”
Through its Radiological Security Program, NTI
works closely with numerous government and industry stakeholders to address the
growing radiological threat. Among them: New York City’s Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene, Mount Sinai Health System, Emory University Hospital, and the
U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and its Office
of Radiological Security.
For more information, see NTI’s new brochure on the threat posed by the radioactive isotope used in hospital
blood irradiators, cesium-137, and the available safe and effective alternative
technologies.
CONTACT:
Cathy Gwin (NTI)
202-454-7706, [email protected]
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