On October 8, 2014, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted an interview with the tenant of an apartment in Boise, Idaho suspected of buying and/or selling radioactive material on Ebay. Upon arrival at the residence, NRC observed suspected radioactive and hazardous substances. As a result a hazardous materials response team was mobilized to assess conditions in the apartment.
Later that day the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) conducted an inspection of the apartment. IDEQ documented numerous locations and/or containers with powders, residues, and/or liquids throughout the apartment, some in unlabeled and/or open containers. IDEQ also documented equipment that could be used for chemical processing (glassware, mixing containers, etc.) as well as evidence of chemical processing (residues).
Concurrent with IDEQ, NRC conducted an inspection at the apartment. This inspection documented that the tenant had in his possession a variety of radioactive materials that included suspected uranium, uranium salts, and equipment associated with handling radioactive materials. Radiation levels in the apartment were reported to range from 0.5 mR to 1.5 mR.
As a result of these inspections, EPA was notified to assist in determining if there was a threat to human health or the environment.
Residents may contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Kay Morrison at 206-553-8321 (morrison.kay@epa.gov).
