Re: ALERT: Missing radioactive package

[John Harvey <harveyj@mcmail.CIS.McMaster.CA>]

We have been informed by the AECB that the shipment of I-125 was found on 
November 7 in the Air Canada storage area in the UK.


=======================================================================
John Harvey                            | McMaster University
Senior Health Physicist                | NRB-110
(905) 525-9140 ext 24226               | 1280 Main St. W.
harveyj@mcmail.cis.mcmaster.ca         | Hamilton, Ont Canada L8S 4K1

On Tue, 7 Nov 1995 /I=R/S=CAWTHORN/O=AECB.CCEA@mhs-atomcon.attmail.com wrote:

>         The Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB) was advised on November 
>         6, 1995 that a Type A radioactive material package being 
>         transported enroute from Pearson International Airport Toronto, 
>         Canada to United Kingdom was missing.  The missing radioactive 
>         material package contains 426 GBq (11.5 Ci) of Iodine-125 in the 
>         form of liquid sodium iodide (NaI).  I-125 is a low energy gamma 
>         emitter with a 60 day half-life.  Although the long half-life 
>         will prevent any significant decrease in radioactivity over the 
>         next couple weeks, the package shielding will prevent external 
>         radiation from the package from being a concern.
>         
>         This package is very dangerous if damaged or opened.  NaI is very 
>         volatile and instantly liberates radioactive gas when exposed to 
>         air.  When inhaled or in contact with the skin, the I-125 is 
>         immediately absorbed by the person's body and is concentrated in 
>         the thyroid gland.  Significant absorbed amounts will damage the 
>         person's thyroid gland.
>         
>         If the package is damaged or opened, the area should immediately 
>         be evacuated and potentially exposed persons given oral 
>         potassium iodide (KI) or have tincture of iodine applied to the 
>         skin.  
>         
>         According to supplied information, the package left the  
>         consignor, McMaster University by way of Topp Customs Services 
>         and was put on Air Canada Flight 868 on October 26 in container 
>         Number ALN 0584. The air waybill number is 01480193746.   The 
>         package was expected to arrive at Heathrow International Airport 
>          and Amersham International before November 1, 1995.
>         
>         Any information about the shipment or clues to the whereabouts 
>         of the missing package should be forwarded promptly to the 
>         proper authorities, the police, CANTEC, the AECB, McMaster 
>         University or Amersham International Inc.
>         
>           AECB          613-947-2054 (normal working hours)
>                         613-995-0479 (duty officer - 24 hours) 
>                         613-995-5086 (facsimile)
>           CANUTEC       613-996-6666 (24 hour) 
>           McMaster      905-528-4339 
>         
>         
>         Marisa Devine
>         Licensing and Transportation Section
>         Transport Officer                                                
>         
>