Missing CNSC sealed source recovered

On November 4, 2014, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) discovered that a radioactive source used during a police training session at the Canadian Police College had been left behind. The session took place on August 22, 2014.

As part of the training session, CNSC trainers had placed the source in a remote location on the college campus in Ottawa, away from public areas.

The 3.7-gigabecquerel (GBq) cesium-137 source was retrieved intact on November 4, 2014. There was no impact on the environment. Current information also indicates it is highly unlikely that a member of the public could have been exposed to a radiation dose over the annual public dose limit of 1 millisievert (mSv).

An investigation has been initiated and will be reported as required within 21 days.

The International Atomic Energy Agency classifies a 3.7-GBq cesium-137 source as Category 4 (low risk). This means it is considered unlikely to be personally dangerous.

For more information on sealed sources:

Sealed Source Tracking