Hospital honored for efforts to reduce radiological threats

Emory University Hospital in Atlanta received a Medical Innovation Award last month at the Nuclear Industry Summit for its efforts to help reduce radiological threats. The hospital recently replaced a blood irradiator containing Cesium-137, a radiological source that could be used to create a dirty bomb, with an alternative technology approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Irradiators are used to irradiate blood prior to transfusion. The Nuclear Threat Initiative last month recommended that nations and the private sector accelerate efforts to replace radiological materials in medicine and other sectors with alternative technologies where feasible. "All of us in Georgia can be proud that Emory is leading the way on reducing risks," said former Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn, NTI co-chairman and CEO. "I would call that a win all the way around - and I encourage more hospitals and research centers to look into whether they can do the same."