A radioactive pin used for crucial medical imaging has vanished during transit in New Jersey, sparking concerns and an official investigation.
At a Glance
- A Ge-68 radioactive pin source, used for calibrating PET scanners, went missing from Nazha Cancer Center in New Jersey
- The shipping container arrived damaged and empty at its destination
- The incident is classified as “Less than Category 3,” indicating low risk to public safety
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is leading the search efforts
- Speculation links recent drone sightings to the search for the missing radioactive material
Missing Radioactive Material Raises Concerns
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has launched an investigation into the disappearance of a Ge-68 radioactive pin source from Nazha Cancer Center in Newfield, New Jersey. This small but significant piece of medical equipment, crucial for calibrating PET/CT scanners, went missing during transit, raising questions about the security of radioactive materials and the potential implications for healthcare facilities.
“The shipping container arrived at its destination damaged and empty,” The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) said.
The incident, reported to the NRC on December 5, has been categorized as “Less than Category 3,” indicating that it’s unlikely to cause harm to the public. However, the fact that radioactive material has gone missing at all is cause for concern and demands a thorough investigation.
Adding an intriguing layer to this story, recent drone sightings in New Jersey and New York have sparked speculation about their connection to the search for the missing radioactive material. While federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, have stated that these drones do not pose a threat to public safety or national security, the timing has raised eyebrows.
“My own guess is that these drones are not nefarious in intent. If they are, they are, but I doubt it. But if they are drones, the only reason why they would be flying, and flying that low, is because they’re trying to smell something on the ground,” Saxon Aerospace CEO John Ferguson said.
John Ferguson of Saxon Aerospace speculated that the drones might be operated by the U.S. government, possibly as part of the search effort. It’s worth noting that the FAA changed rules in September 2023, allowing drones to fly at night, which could explain the increased sightings.
The Importance of Radioactive Material Security
The missing Ge-68 pin source, while classified as low-risk, highlights the critical need for stringent security measures in handling and transporting radioactive materials. These materials play a vital role in medical diagnostics and treatments, but their mishandling or loss can have serious consequences.
“This material event contains a ‘less than Cat3’ level of radioactive material,” the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) said.
That is at least some good news, but the incident serves as a wake-up call for healthcare facilities, shipping companies, and regulatory bodies to review and strengthen their protocols for handling radioactive materials.
We’ll report back if it turns up somewhere…
