The State provided the following information via e-mail:
At approximately 12:30 PM 8/18/2006 the Agency was informed by the Licensee that a patient receiving Iodine 131 therapy was discharged 8/16/2006. The Radiation Safety Staff proceeded to clean the patient's room. The containment items were placed into a plastic bag. The bag was transported to the waste storage area, where the Staff was unable to unlock the door. Security was called and they were unable to open the door. The Staff then moved the materials to the nuclear medicine preparation room which could be locked. The trash read 1.3mr/hr at the surface. The trash was not marked as being radioactive.
Upon arrival the next day, the Staff discovered that the cleaning crew had removed the trash. The cleaning crew were trained that if the trash is not marked 'Radioactive' they were to remove it. They attempted to catch the trash before removal to the landfill, but they were unsuccessful. The Staff also went to the landfill and attempted to recover the trash but were unsuccessful.
The material represents minimal public health risk if disposed into the landfill.
The Agency continues to investigate the event.
Press coverage is not anticipated.
First Notice: 06-07