nuclear-news

Radioactive Canadians a daily occurrence at U.S. border

Radioactive Canadians a daily occurrence at U.S. border Highly sensitive equipment picks out border-crossers who have undergone radiological procedures
By Jeff Lee, Canwest News Service August 4, 2009
“…………….In what one U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer says is now “a daily occurrence,” American border agents are pulling aside people who have undergone nuclear medical procedures such as stress tests and radiation treatments. You could say they’re now catching Canadians with glowing hearts……………………..

It turns out the problem is so widespread that many hospitals in Canada now issue special identification cards at no cost to patients, according to Dr. Damien Maharaj, the head of nuclear medicine for the Fraser Health Authority.

Maharaj said if patients tell technicians they plan to travel across borders, they will receive a card indicating when, how much and what type of isotope was used. The cards also include a contact number at the hospital. Most treatments will remain detectable for several weeks to several months.

Radioactive Canadians a daily occurrence at U.S. border

August 5, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 1