Year
2025
Abstract
In May 2023, a substantial amount of lead shielding was stolen from the radiography room at Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran, exposing significant vulnerabilities in radiological security within medical facilities. Over a five-month period, two maintenance workers stole approximately 1,600 kg of lead through a hidden route in the dropped ceiling. The thieves removed a few lead panels daily, wrapped them in hospital sheets, and transported them out of the hospital using a wheelchair.
In response to the theft, dosimetry measures were implemented in the affected area, temporary shielding was installed, and sections with high radiation doses were closed for remediation. This incident raised serious concerns regarding radiation exposure risks for hospital staff, patients, and visitors. While no immediate health effects have been officially confirmed, concerns remain about the potential long-term impact on patients and hospital workers, especially those in areas located above the radiography room. Furthermore, the theft disrupted cancer treatments for patients and generated significant public health and safety worries.
This incident highlights major weaknesses in the physical security of radiological materials and underscores the need for enhanced regulatory oversight in medical facilities handling radioactive sources. Delays in detecting the theft and restoring radiation safety emphasize the importance of robust monitoring systems, rapid response protocols, and improved physical security measures to prevent similar incidents. Investigations following the theft have further revealed the critical need for staff training, effective surveillance, and tamper-proof infrastructure to prevent such breaches in the future.
This incident serves as an important lesson for the nuclear materials management community, offering vital insights into safeguarding radiological materials and ensuring public health and safety in high-risk environments.