July 11, 2023
Report

Summary of Forensic Examinations in Support of Breach Sealed Source Event at Harborview Medical Facility on 2 May 2019

Abstract

On May 2, 2019, International Isotopes, Inc. (INIS), a subcontractor to Triad National Security, LLC (contractor for Los Alamos National Laboratory) breached a sealed radioactive source containing ~2800 Ci of the radioactive isotope cesium-137 (137Cs) at the University of Washington Harborview Research and Training (HRT) Building in downtown Seattle while attempting to recover the source for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA’s) Off-site Source Recovery Program (OSRP). The breach of the source resulted in the contamination of 13 personnel, all 7 floors of the building, and a release of material to the environment. A summary of root and contributing causes of the event was investigated and published by a joint investigation team (JIT) co-led by NNSA and Triad National Security, LLC. That investigation was supported by forensics examinations provided by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. This report summarizes the results of those forensic examinations.

Published: July 11, 2023

Citation

Schwantes J.M., E.M. Hanson, J.D. Bohlke, J.R. Cartwright, R.A. Clark, J.F. Corbey, and M.D. Engelmann, et al. 2020. Summary of Forensic Examinations in Support of Breach Sealed Source Event at Harborview Medical Facility on 2 May 2019 Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.