Radioactive material was detected in scrap metal waste delivered to a scrap yard (Shredded Products, Montvale
VA) on 5/13/05. The scrap yard notified the State of
Virginia Department of Health. The State Department of Health, with the assistance of a contractor (Physics Associates) located the radioactive material. The radioactive material was a sealed source of
Strontium-90 used in a thickness measuring
gauge.
Identification marking on the Strontium-90 source indicate that it was a 10 millicurie source in 1967. Based on current radiation measurements, the source strength is estimated at about 4 millicuries. The source has been verified to be intact and not leaking and is safely in possession of Physics Associates (licensed to posses this material).
Region 1 (Ragland) provided additional information on the
Sr-90 source based on information received from the State of
Virginia. The
gauge is believed to be a Model 32-19-001, Serial Number 384-41044, manufactured by Avionics Corporation. The origin of the scrap shipment is reported to be from a scrap yard in Salem,
Virginia.