The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and Emory University recently hosted a workshop on radiological security in Atlanta, Georgia.
Workshop participants included representatives from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and major hospitals in Atlanta.
Event participants discussed steps that Atlanta has taken to secure radiological sources as well as the city’s planning and preparedness programs for radiological emergencies. They also developed an action plan regarding additional steps that could further reduce the risk posed by radiological sources.
The event follows steps taken in New York City and California to replace cesium irradiators with alternative technologies that reduce the risk posed by high-activity radiological sources.
NTI also recently developed a new technical resources page to provide hospital administrators, CFOs, and other healthcare officials with information about steps to take to replace cesium irradiators with alternative x-ray technologies.
In 2016, Emory University Hospital received the “Medical Innovation Award” at the Nuclear Industry Summit for its efforts to reduce radiological threats.