Mount Sinai Experience in Reducing and Removing the Risks of Malicious Use of Radioactive Materials

Since September 11, 2001, the United States government has been making efforts to minimize the risk of terrorist attacks using Radioactive Dispersal Devices (RDD). Due to the unique characteristics of the cesium chloride (Cs-137) used in medical and research irradiators, it could be potentially used as an RDD. To reduce the risk of malicious use of radioactive materials, Mount Sinai at New York City has adopted several measures. Since 2010, we started to prepare for possible radiological emergencies. We had drills with the Fire Department and Police Department; we purchased equipment to detect, survey, and decontaminate radioactive materials; we implemented enhanced security in facilities having radioactive materials in quantities of concern with the collaboration with the US Department of Energy (DOE); biometric systems, 24/7 video monitoring devices, and radiation detectors with alarm (RMS system) have been installed. The Radiation Monitoring System (RMS) is connected to local law enforcement agencies (LLEA) so that the armed force can intervene timely. Another measure was to limit the number of people who can access the radioactive materials in quantities of concern. A single individual was designated to irradiate the specimen for all the researchers to reduce the number of people accessing the irradiators. The adoption of these measures has reduced the risk significantly already; however, the best way to remove the risk of these radioactive materials being used as an RDD permanently isto find alternative technology to replace these high-activity radioactive sources.