Is Our Radioactive Material Being Handled Properly?

The government may be leaving the safeguarding of radioactive materials in the hands of unqualified people. The Government Accountability Office said that could leave some materials at hospitals and other facilities more vulnerable to tampering, sabotage or theft. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission oversees security of radiological sources. But GAO said the agency's requirements don't prescribe specific measures. It said the NRC leaves too much up to individual states. The congressional watchdog testified at a Senate subcommittee hearing yesterday. NRC commissioners go before another committee today.