Orphan radioactive source found

Site with SIR or place of the event: Sofia, 72, Tzarigradsko shosse

Event description:

On 02.06.2010 the Nuclear Regulatory Agency received information concerning orphan radioactive source abandoned in the area close to the fence of the Scientific Center of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences located at 72, Tzarigradsko shosse, Sofia. The scene of the incident has been isolated and secured by the Police forces of 7-th Police Precinct and other security forces. An emergency response team of the National Competent Authorities – NRA, General Directorate “Civil Protection”-Ministry of Interior, National Center for Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, Municipality Directorate “Civil Protection” performed on-site gamma-spectrometric analysis. The measured value of the gamma dose rate was 5,5 µSv/h at the surface of the container. There is no contamination of the environment and no exposured people. An investigation was carried out and the prescribed in the law activities have been undertaken. The source was transferred to the Institute of Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy for nuclear forensics and safe storage until the end of the investigation. There is no danger for the population and the environment.