Workshop on radiological, “dirty bomb” risks held in California

The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), in conjunction with the California Department of Public Health and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, recently held a radiological security workshop May 2-3 to discuss radiological materials and ways to reduce the risks they pose.

The workshop’s 60 participants discussed the high number of radiological sources found in the state as well as risk mitigation. Each presentation sought to highlight steps that can be taken to secure radiological sources and how to replace them with alternative technologies when appropriate.

The workshop included presentations from NTI Co-Chairman and CEO Sam Nunn, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and California Gov. Jerry Brown. Additional presenters included nuclear radiological security experts, state and federal law enforcement officials, public health and hospital administrators, and emergency response team leaders.

“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,” Nunn said. “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.”