VietNamNet Bridge – The installation of devices to monitor 600 major radioactive sources in the country will be completed by October 30, officials said yesterday, Oct 6.

A radioactive source. — Internet illustrative photo

Vuong Huu Tan, head of Viet Nam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety, said the monitoring devices would help authorised agencies keep a close watch on radioactive sources and raise alerts if they are moved, or in case of emergencies.

At a press conference held yesterday by the ministry of science and technology, Tan also said the installation started on October 1.

Each monitoring device, made by the Ha Noi University of Science and Technology, costs around VND30 million (US$1,340). That is just half the price of such devices built by other countries.

The decision to install monitoring devices was taken after several radioactive sources were reported missing earlier this year.

VNS