College uranium in a secure storeroom
The material in question is not buried, but is held in a proprietary storeroom. The article also says that the plutonium source is “highly volatile”. This is incorrect. The plutonium source is not unpredictable in any way. Like every radioactive source, it decays at its own characteristic rate.
The natural uranium that UCC holds is only mildly radioactive. College no longer has any need for this material for teaching or research and, so, would dispose of it if a route compatible with national and international regulations and guidelines became available.
In the meantime it remains securely stored and, left undisturbed, poses no hazard to anyone.
Prof William J Reville,
Radiation Protection Officer,
University College, Cork.
