GAMMA ALARM FIXED RADIATION PORTAL MONITOR
The following was received from the state of Florida Bureau of Radiation Control via fax:
"[Customs and Border Protection] CBP called the [Bureau of Radiation Control Incident Response Center] BRC IRC to report that at 1105 EST, CBP had a gamma alarm from a fixed radiation portal monitor for a 20 ft. sea container manifested as containing PVC Leather, Buckles, and Grommets. A CBP officer inspected the container using a RadSeeker DL RIID (1.5x1.5in LaBr3). The RIID identified Th-232, and this was confirmed manually by CBP lab personnel using PeakEasy gamma spectroscopy software. The highest reported dose rate was 103 microR/hr at contact with the sea container (1034 cps at contact); this is approximately 9-10 times the average background dose rate for this location. The radiation was distributed throughout the entire length of the container. Guidance requested as to whether or not CBP should refuse entry on the shipment, or if it is acceptable to release it into commerce. There are concerns as to whether or not this product may contain one-twentieth of one percent (0.05 percent) or more by weight of Th-232, violate other radiological regulations, or pose additional concerns."
Notified R1DO (Henrion), NMSS Events (email), OIP Notifications Resource (email)
Florida Incident Number: FL20-011
* * * UPDATE ON 2/3/20 AT 1400 EST FROM MATTHEW SENISON TO KERBY SCALES * * *
"This morning between 0800 and 0900 EST, [BRC IRC] inspector went to the Blount Island Marine Terminal in Jacksonville, FL to inspect a container that US Customs and Border Protection had identified as having higher than background levels of radiation. The container was opened for [the inspector], and [the inspector] found the items in the container did match the information that was reported to the Bureau of Radiation Control (BRC). Specifically, spools of faux-leather, and boxes that contained plastic grommets and buckles. These items were manufactured or assembled in China for delivery to a pool cover supply company in Apopka, FL. The boxes did not contain radiation levels above background. The spools of faux-leather had slightly higher than background levels of radiation when unrolled. Their spindles were made of cardboard and did not have higher than background levels of radiation. When the faux-leather was rolled up, the radioactivity increased.
"The BRC has given the guidance that the container and its contents may be released, but this has not happened yet. If it is released, the BRC is of the opinion that the intended recipient should be surveyed for radiation, in case this is a common occurrence."
Notified R1DO (Henrion), NMSS Events (email), and OIP Notifications Resource (email) |