U.S., Tennessee to Test Truck Radiation Detector

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img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>State and federal officials said a Tennessee weigh station would soon begin operating a first-of-its-kind truck radiation detector that can detect low levels of radiation and spot materials that could be used to make weapons of mass destruction.

"It's capable of detecting very low levels of radiation and can check trucks for the same material that is a possible ingredient in radiological dispersal devices or 'dirty bombs,'" Department of Energy spokesman Frank Juan said in an interview with Transport Topics.

Capt. John Williams of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division of the Tennessee Department of Safety said the scanner could be used to detect shipments of radioactive material lacking proper permits, as well as spotting illegally obtained material that could be used by terrorists.

For the full story, see the Dec. 2 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.