CBP Issues Fact Sheet on its Radiation Detection Rules for Cargo, Etc.
In a fact sheet on its radiation detection protocols, U.S. Customs and Border Protection lays out what it does to address radiological risks at ports of entry to detect and resolve any security or safety risks that are identified with inbound travelers and cargo.
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Ports’ Screening Methods Include Use of Equipment, Isolation, Expert Analysis
CBP employs several types of radiation detection equipment in its operations at ports of entry. If radiation is encountered, CBP has protocols in place to isolate the affected traveler or cargo and perform more detailed inspection to determine the level and type of radiation present. CBP science officers are available 24-hours/day, 365-days/year who have expertise in the analysis of radiation detector data and in assessing the risk of radiation present.
Maritime Containerized Cargo Screened at Port of Arrival, Isolated if Necessary
Containerized cargo arriving in the U.S. via sea is screened at the port of arrival for elevated radiation levels using large scale radiation detectors. If radiation is encountered, CBP has protocols in place to isolate the cargo and to perform a more detailed inspection to determine if level and type of radiation. In the vast majority of cases, the radiation detected is from naturally-occurring sources common in many commodities (such as fertilizers, ceramics, and concrete).
General Cargo and Air Baggage Scanned, May be Held for Decontamination
CBP scans passenger baggage and general cargo for the presence of radiation. If radiation is encountered, CBP has protocols in place to isolate the affected baggage to perform a more detailed inspection to determine if level and type of radiation. Cargo will be released if the level of radiation present is determined to be low and the isotope does not present a concern. If the level of radiation present is determined to be high, then the baggage or cargo will be held for decontamination procedures in accordance with local protocols.
CBP Coordinates with FDA, USDA, FSIS for Food Shipments
The Food and Drug Administration is the primary authority that regulates the safety of food products imported into the U.S., while the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) also plays a key role on meat, eggs, milk and other products. CBP coordinates with FDA and USDA/FSIS on proper responses and guidance for food shipments. Cargo shipments containing food undergo the same radiation detection scanning procedures as those that govern other cargo shipments.
UPS/FedEx Scan Express Consignments, Return Contaminated Parcels
Since 2005, FedEx and UPS have had Memoranda of Understanding with CBP to scan all shipments prior to departure for the U.S. FedEx and UPS are responsible for resolving radiation detection alarms through established protocols. Both companies maintain a zero tolerance policy on transporting packages that are determined to have radiation contamination. Contaminated parcels are returned to the shipper.
Handheld Radiation Detectors Used for Aircraft Passengers and Crew
In the air environment, CBP frontline personnel are equipped with personnel radiation detectors (PRD), and all airports have more sensitive handheld equipment to determine the type of radiation encountered. To identify the source of a PRD alert, CBP Officers use handheld Radiation Isotope Identification Devices (RIID) to isolate the source and determine the type and level of radiation present. CBP will focus on the health concerns of any traveler exhibiting signs of radiation sickness and refer the traveler to HHS and CDC for examination. In these cases, the admissibility decision for non-US persons can be deferred until the health issues are addressed.