Radioactive Device Goes Missing, Triggers Investigations and Public Concern
In a perplexing incident that has captured national attention, a small radioactive device containing Germanium-68 (Ge-68) has vanished during transportation from a New Jersey cancer center, prompting federal and state investigations and fueling widespread speculation about mysterious drone sightings in the region.
What happened?
On December 2, a medical device used for calibrating cancer scans disappeared while being transported from the Nazha Cancer Center in Newfield. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reported that the package arrived empty and damaged, with a “pin source” containing 0.267 millicuries (mCi) of Ge-68 now unaccounted for.
Radiation risks: How serious is the threat?
Despite initial public alarm, experts emphasize that the missing device poses minimal risk to public safety. “It emits the same amount of radiation as a regular CT scan,” authorities reassured concerned citizens. The NRC categorized the incident as “less than a Category 3,” indicating a low-level radiation threat.
Social media and local speculation have centered on a series of unidentified drone sightings in the area. John Ferguson, CEO of Saxon Aerospace, offered insight into the potential connection. “Drones flying low at night are often searching for something,” he stated, suggesting the drones might be part of a radiation detection effort.
Government response and investigations
Top government officials have been quick to mitigate public fears. John Kirby, the National Security Communication Advisor, explicitly stated no safety or national security risks were associated with the sightings. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas dismissed any evidence of foreign intervention.
Such incidents, while rare, are not unprecedented. In 2023, ten radioactive seeds disappeared from the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, and a nuclear moisture density gauge went missing in North Carolina in 2021.
FBI’s ongoing investigation
Assistant FBI Director Robert Wheeler acknowledged an ongoing investigation during a congressional hearing. Of the more than 3,000 drone sighting reports received in a week, less than 100 were deemed worthy of further investigation.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has long warned about the potential for malicious use of radioactive materials, including their potential use in “dirty bombs.”
As investigations continue, the incident remains shrouded in mystery. While authorities maintain that public safety is not at risk, the disappearance of the radioactive device and concurrent drone sightings continue to fuel public speculation and concern.
Experts continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of proper handling and transportation of sensitive materials.
