US nuclear security administration removes all high-risk caesium-137 from South Carolina
The United States Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has successfully removed all high-risk caesium-137 material from South Carolina, making it the 13th US state or territory to become free of it.
Announcing the news on Thursday 9 April, the NNSA wrote that caesium irradiators have been the target of removals. Used in medical applications such as blood treatment and cancer research, caesium irradiators contain highly radioactive sources, and, if stolen from a less secure facility, the caesium inside them could be used to create a radiological dispersal device, otherwise known as a "dirty bomb".
"By working with local partners, NNSA has removed all the caesium irradiators in South Carolina, eliminating that risk," the organisation wrote, adding that South Carolina now joins Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Dakota and Wyoming in being cleared of high-risk caesium-137 radioactive material.
"Since 2017, NNSA has worked with facilities throughout South Carolina to remove and, when necessary, replace their radioactive source-based devices with alternative technologies through the Cesium Irradiator Replacement Project (CIRP)," NNSA said. The voluntary programme has incentivised users of caesium-based irradiators to transition to safer, advanced alternatives.
Denying access to dangerous materials
"Clearing South Carolina of high-risk radioactive material represents a crucial step in executing NNSA’s mission to deny adversary access to dangerous materials that could jeopardise the safety and security of our communities," said NNSA administrator Brandon Williams.
In addition to eliminating radiological risk, NNSA partners with local law enforcement to prevent the misuse of radioactive materials by enhancing emergency response capabilities. NNSA and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) have worked together since 2023 to strengthen coordination for threat response, enhance radiation detection and bolster training.
"SLED is proud to support the state’s ongoing radiological response and prevention strategy, along with the NNSA’s efforts to strengthen US national security,"said SLED Chief Mark Keel. "This critical mission continues thanks to local, state and national partners working together to help keep South Carolina safe."
