Stolen radioactive material

Print View Posted on: 03 August 2017

Event Date: 01 August 2017 Event Type: Transportation
Event Location: Mexico, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo León INES Rating: 1 (Final)

A portable CPN moisture/density gauge, Model #MC1, containing two sealed sources of radioactive material was stolen at approximately 16:20 hours (UTC-6) on August 1st, 2017, in San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The gauge contains approximately 209 MBq of Cesium - 137 and 1.77 GBq of Americium - 241.
On August 2nd. 2017, at approximately 20:20 hours (UTC-6), the stolen equipment was recovered.
The density gauge was inside its container, and radiation levels of the device were normal, and there was no risk to the public.

INES Rating: 1 - Anomaly (Final) as per 02 August 2017
Release beyond authorized limits? No
Overexposure of a member of the public? No
Overexposure of a worker? No
Contamination spread within the facility? No
Damage to radiological barriers (incl. fuel damage) within the facility? No
Degradation of Defence In-Depth Yes
Person injured physically or casualty? No
Is there a continuing problem? No

Victor Gonzalez
Comision Nacional de Seguridad Nuclear y Salvaguardias
vmgonzalez@cnsns.gob.mx
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