Idaho State University admits losing weapons-grade PLUTONIUM which could be used to make a dirty bomb

  • Idaho State University misplaced a small amount of weapons-grade plutonium
  • Officials say the amount is too small to make a nuclear bomb but could be used to make a dirty bomb to spread radiation
  • The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed an $8,500 fine  

Idaho State University misplaced a small amount of radioactive material that could be used to make a bomb, school officials have said.

The missing weapons-grade plutonium measuring about the size of a quarter could cost ISU an $8,500 fine, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission said in a statement Friday. 

Officials say the amount is too small to make a nuclear bomb but could be used to make a dirty bomb to spread radiation. 

Idaho State University misplaced a small amount of weapons-grade plutonium, pictured, a chemical element that is used in nuclear reactors and to make nuclear bombs (stock image)

Idaho State University misplaced a small amount of weapons-grade plutonium, pictured, a chemical element that is used in nuclear reactors and to make nuclear bombs (stock image)

'The NRC considers the loss of control of licensed radioactive material a significant regulatory concern because of the potential for unauthorized possession or use of licensed radioactive material or the unnecessary exposure of members of the public to radiation,' the statement said.

'The NRC considers the failure to provide information to the Commission that is complete and accurate in all respects a significant regulatory concern because it affects the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory functions.' 

The university's nuclear research program said documents from 2003 and 2004 indicate that the plutonium was on the Pocatello campus, but a search performed in October failed to locate it.  

The sample was reportedly taken out of active research use in 2003 after the school discovered it was leaking and scheduled its disposal.  

'Enhancements to ISU's inventory system and other administrative initiatives were immediately put into place to prevent this type of discrepancy in the future,' university spokeperson Andrew Taylor told Boise State Public Radio

'University and regulatory officials have responded in an appropriate and responsible fashion.' 

NRC spokesperson Victor Dricks said: 'They've been very cooperative with the NRC and have taken a number of corrective actions that we think will address the issue here.'

ISU was investigated back in 2010 after two other samples of plutonium went missing. Both samples were later found in a vault.  

The university in Pocatello, Idaho, pictured, is facing an $8,500 fine for the missing material

The university in Pocatello, Idaho, pictured, is facing an $8,500 fine for the missing material