By Godson Umejiego, Correspondent USA
The Comision Nacional de Seguridad Nuclear y Salvaguardias (CNSNS), the Mexican nuclear regulator, has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about the theft and subsequent safe recovery of a radiography camera containing a radioactive source.
The radiography camera, with an Iridium-192 radioactive source, was stolen on April 11 together with the vehicle of a radiographer in the Teoloyucan municipality in Mexico State. The CNSNS informed the IAEA on April 13 that the radioactive source was safely recovered intact in its shielding within the camera in the town of Ojo de Agua, Tecámac in Mexico State.
The CNSNS informed the national civil protection authority in Mexico and a criminal investigation is underway.
Radiography cameras are used industrially to inspect welding and concrete for hidden flaws.
The IAEA remains in contact with authorities in Mexico.
