Kirker Pass Accident - Sept. 5, 2007

On Wednesday, September 5, 2007, Hazardous Materials Specialists removed radioactive medical waste from an accident scene on Kirker Pass Road near Concord.

HazMat Duty Officer for the Incident Greg Lawler (front left with walkie-talkie)
HazMat Team members on scene from left to right Adam Springer, Scott Hanson (his back) Paul Andrews (his back/in tyvek), Sue Loyd and Eric Jonsson (seated) All Haz Mat Specialists
Behind Scott Hanson is John Fallet CHP (the Incident Commander for the response)

Contra Costa Health Services Hazardous Materials Specialists responded following a morning commute accident involving a truck carrying radioactive medical waste. A lead container carrying vials of Technetium-99 (Tc-99), which is used in medical proceedures, was damaged and a vial was released. However, the vial did not break and only a low level of radiation was detected at the scene. As with any radioactive material, there is an increased chance that cancer or other adverse health effects can result from exposure to radiation. The risk of exposure to the material was determined to be low.

Paul Andrews (red) Eric Jonsson (blue) Both Hazardous Materials Specialists

photos courtesy of Hazmat

Content provided by Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Programs of Contra Costa Health Services.