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Employee sets off radiation detectors at Bob Hope Airport
BURBANK — Radiation detected at Bob Hope Airport today was traced to an airport employee who recently underwent a medical procedure, airport officials said.
A radiation security device detected radiation around 12:50 p.m.
A Southwest Airlines passenger gate was closed for about an hour as police, firefighters, a hazardous materials team and sheriff's personnel all converged on the airport.
The all-clear was given about an hour later, and airport officials said no one was ever in danger.
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Airport officials later told ABC7 that an employee who had recently undergone a medical procedure involving nuclear medicine, such as a radiation treatment for cancer, set off the alarm.
Edward Skvarna of the Airport Police told the TV station the employee was "inside the fence'' on the airfield when the alert went off.
Even though it was a false alarm, an airport official told the TV station that travelers should feel good that the equipment works, is extremely sensitive and can detect radiation at a great distance.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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