Radiation screening
The UK Border Agency uses radiation screening equipment at United Kingdom ports and airports to detect radioactive materials in incoming traffic.
Our radiation screening programme is called 'Cyclamen', and is an important part of the United Kingdom's counter-terrorism strategy.
Cyclamen's aim is to deter and detect the illicit movement of nuclear and radioactive materials that might be used in a terrorist device. We do this by screening inbound traffic at key points of entry to the United Kingdom.
Detection at major ports and airports
We are now rolling out the latest radiation detection equipment at all major ports and airports nationwide.
Traffic entering the United Kingdom by air, sea and the Channel Tunnel may have to pass through large portals containing this screening equipment. We also have mobile detection units which are used at sites where there are no fixed portals.
We use this equipment on the basis of our experience and knowledge of the risks, as well as intelligence we have received. In addition to containers and road, rail and air freight, we also screen tourist vehicles and foot passengers.
The equipment is entirely passive - it does not emit radiation, but it can detect radiation emitted from any vehicle or object being screened. Objects and people passing through or near the detection equipment are not affected.
If vehicles, freight or passengers set off an alarm on the equipment, our officers will take them aside to determine the cause of the alarm. Most will be dealt with quickly and, if the alarm can be explained, allowed to proceed on their way. If officers suspect or find an illicit source of radiation, specialist experts are on hand to deal with the incident quickly and safely, minimising the risk to the public.
The UK Border Agency is responsible for operating the equipment and initially detecting any radiological or nuclear material, but all serious incidents will be dealt with by the police.
Mobile radiation detection
We also deploy mobile radiation detection units across the United Kingdom. These vehicles are used for both UK Border Agency and police operations, where we are aware of a risk or have received specific intelligence.
Tried and tested
Our screening equipment uses the latest radiation detection technology, but radiation screening is not new - other countries, including the USA, Russia and Finland, use similar equipment and procedures.
Natural radiation
Some sources of radiation - such as industrial or medical equipment, and people who have had medical treatments - may enter the United Kingdom quite legally. There are also a number of common items, such as foodstuffs, fertilisers, cement and ceramics, that emit radiation naturally.
Our equipment is sophisticated enough to identify a wide variety of radioactive sources, so that legitimate imports can be identified quickly and can proceed on their way.