The following information was provided by the
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email:
As a result of an ongoing Agency investigation into unresponsive general licensees, the Agency became aware of one (1) generally licensed fluorescence analyzer device containing 40 millicuries of Cd-109 (Cat 4 source) that is missing.
Reportedly, in 2023, RCM Laboratories Inc (Hinsdale, Il) ceased operation, per a former employee. There is no indication of intentional theft/diversion, rather the result of an office closure and poor accountability.
The licensee failed to properly transfer or dispose of the device, a Niton LLC XLp-300A (serial number: 24555). The Agency investigated, and per the real estate agency [which owns the building], the building is empty and confirmed no equipment is in the building.
The quantity of radioactive material involved is reportable immediately to the Agency and the U.S. NRC.
Illinois Event Number: IL250041
- * * UPDATE ON 10/07/2025 AT 1143 EDT FROM GARY FORSEE TO KERBY SCALES * * *
The following update was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email:
On October 2, 2025, the individual previously associated with the general licensee contacted the Agency and provided appropriate documentation showing the device was properly decommissioned and returned to the manufacturer. The device had been moved to another location without appropriate notice to the Agency. Pending no new data, this matter is considered closed.
Notified R3DO (Edwards and Ziolkowski), NMSS Events Notification, and ILTAB via email.
THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
Sources that are "Less than
IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as
moisture density gauges or thickness
gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to
http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf