Science and innovation
Radiation screening at ports and airports
Radiation screening has been introduced at UK ports and airports to screen goods, vehicles and passengers entering the UK for the illicit importation of radioactive materials.
Programme Cyclamen
Cyclamen forms a key element of the UK’s counter terrorism strategy CONTEST as part of Protect. The aim of the programme is to deter and detect the illicit movement into the UK of nuclear and radioactive materials that might be used in a nuclear or radiological terrorist device.
This will be done by screening inbound traffic at key points of entry to the UK, the Home Office and UK Border Agency (UKBA) are responsible for delivery and implementation of the programme, and UKBA is responsible for screening operations.
The Programme is rolling out the latest fixed radiological capability nationally across the UK.
Equipment at ports and airports
The installation of radiation detection equipment at all major UK ports and airports is under way. Air, sea and Channel Tunnel traffic entering the UK will be subject to screening on a risk and intelligence led basis. Screening will cover:
- containers
- road freight
- rail freight
- air freight
- tourist vehicles
- foot passengers
The equipment is entirely passive – it does not emit radiation but is able to detect radiation emitted from the vehicle or object being screened. Any object or person passing through or near the detection system will not be affected.
Most vehicles, freight, cargo or passengers causing the equipment to alarm will be dealt with quickly and with minimal impact on the flow of traffic. They will be directed aside so that UKBA officers can determine the cause of the alarm.
If an illicit source is suspected or found, specialist experts will be on hand to ensure that these incidents are dealt with quickly and safely, minimising the risk to the public.
Mobile radiation detection
To complement the fixed equipment, Mobile Radiation Detection Units (MRDUs) are being deployed nationally across the UK, also on a risk and intelligence led basis. They are being used for both UKBA and Police operations on this basis.
Tried and tested
Radiation screening is not new. The UKBA’s screening equipment uses the latest radiation detection technology. Other countries, including the USA, Russia and Finland, already use similar equipment and procedures.
Natural radiation
Some sources of radiation may be brought into the UK legally, such as industrial equipment, or radiation produced by medical treatments. There are also other common items such as foodstuffs, fertilisers, cement and ceramics which naturally emit radiation.
The screening equipment is sophisticated enough to identify a wide variety of radioactive sources so that legitimate importations can be identified quickly.
Who is responsible?
The Home Office has lead responsibility for the implementation of this programme at ports and airports. The UK Border Agency is responsible for operating the equipment at points of entry, and for the initial detection of any imported radiological or nuclear material.
In line with existing arrangements, all serious incidents will be dealt with by the Police.
