This is one of those stories that makes you shake your head and say what idiot did this? And then you are thankful that at least someone learned of the idiot’s mistake.

AUSTRALIAN nuclear experts working to prevent terrorists launching a regional “dirty bomb” attack have found large, unsecured sources of dangerous radioactive material in Southeast Asia.

In one case, radiation safety experts from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation found a substantial piece of cobalt, used for medical therapy, which had been abandoned when a radiation therapy centre was closed.

A conventional bomb wrapped around a small stick of cobalt could contaminate a large area of a city, dramatically boost cancer rates and force out residents for decades, scientists say.

Another radioactive source, possibly also cobalt, was found in a second country in similar circumstances. About 25 other radiation centres are also being investigated in a third country.

“There are two countries where we have located quite large sources,” ANSTO’s chief of operations Ron Cameron said. He declined to identify them until the material had been properly secured.

Well, there are worse ways to learn about these kinds of mistakes I guess.

ANSTO’s concern came as intelligence reports from South Korea revealed Australia had been listed by al-Qaeda as a prime target for an attack this year.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service last week told the country’s parliament that a “senior” al-Qaeda operative arrested last month had made specific reference to Australia in a list of targets.

“According to NIS, this terrorist testified that South Korea, Japan and The Philippines are secondary targets, while the US, Britain and Australia are the prime targets for this year,” a South Korean parliamentarian said yesterday.
…
ANSTO’s concern came as intelligence reports from South Korea revealed Australia had been listed by al-Qaeda as a prime target for an attack this year.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service last week told the country’s parliament that a “senior” al-Qaeda operative arrested last month had made specific reference to Australia in a list of targets.

“According to NIS, this terrorist testified that South Korea, Japan and The Philippines are secondary targets, while the US, Britain and Australia are the prime targets for this year,” a South Korean parliamentarian said yesterday.
…
A single 30cm rod of cobalt dispersed by conventional explosives in lower Manhattan would badly contaminate 300 city blocks. Residents who remained would have an increased risk of cancer for the next 40 years and demolition of parts of the city might be necessary, the scientists said.

A medical gauge containing caesium, exploded in 4.5kg of TNT, would create a radioactive cloud that would kill no one immediately but cause long-term health problems. In five surrounding city blocks, residents would have a one in 1000 chance of developing cancer.

How could anyone just leave this stuff laying around? If they cannot be responsible maybe they shouldn’t be allowed to have it.