NNSA’s Office of Radiological Security partnered with Jordan's Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission to replace all of Jordan’s high-activity cesium-137 irradiators with X-ray technology.
National Nuclear Security Administration
October 30, 2023
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Jordan now solely uses X-ray technology for this vital medical sterilization method, reducing the risk of radiological terrorism
WASHINGTON – The National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Radiological Security (ORS), part of the Department of Energy, partnered with Jordan's Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) to replace all of Jordan’s high-activity cesium-137 irradiators with X-ray technology.
We value our long-term partnership with Jordan and commend everyone involved for making the transition to X-ray technology, which offers permanent risk reduction and increased blood throughput for medical purposes.
With the recent completion of a project at the Jordan University Hospital-Cell Therapy Center, Jordan now solely uses X-rays for blood irradiation and research, reducing the risk of radiological terrorism and potential hazards from ionizing radiation exposure to both individuals and the environment.
“We value our long-term partnership with Jordan and commend everyone involved for making the transition to X-ray technology, which offers permanent risk reduction and increased blood throughput for medical purposes,” said Corey Hinderstein, NNSA’s Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation.
“Jordan’s commitment to reducing radiological risk serves as a great example for other countries in the region and around the world,” said Kristin Hirsch, Director of the Office of Radiological Security.
ORS’s nearly 20-year relationship with EMRC began with ORS providing security systems for the cesium-based irradiators that have now been replaced. ORS’s work in Jordan and across the globe directly supports the National Security Strategy, which calls for the United States to “lead the world in coordinated efforts to lock down nuclear and radiological materials and prevent terrorist acquisition.”
“EMRC greatly appreciates the partnership and support provided by NNSA’s Office of Radiological Security during Jordan’s recent adoption of X-ray technology for blood irradiation,” said Chief Commissioner/Chief Executive Office Engineer Zeyad Al Saaydeh. “Our agencies worked collaboratively throughout the entire process, and we look forward to future collaborations to support regional and global adaptation of alternative technologies.”
To aid in the transition, ORS assisted with procurement and installation of the X-ray irradiators and the removal and secure storage of the cesium-137 sources.
This effort was also supported by a donation from the United Kingdom’s Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, now known as the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.