NNSA increased security in 100 U.S. communities, making America safer from radiological terrorism

From San Francisco to Indianapolis to New York to tiny Vinton, Louisiana, the RadSecure 100 Initiative gave communities a security upgrade.

National Nuclear Security Administration

July 15, 2025

A woman opens the door to a machine that has the words X-RAY ON written above it -- but not lit up. It's shaped like small refrigerator and the door opens the same way. She is wearing a white lab coat and blue gloves.

A woman opens an X-ray machine. One key part of the RadSecure 100 Initiative was replacing cesium irradiators with X-ray devices across the country.

America’s communities just got a security upgrade. The Office of Radiological Security (ORS) within NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation has completed the RadSecure 100 Initiative, making 100 metropolitan areas safer from radiological threats.

RadSecure 100 focused on enhancing radiological security in communities across the country, from San Francisco to Houston to Indianapolis to New York.

A large crane sets a container onto a flatbed tractor trailer. The crane is sitting in a parking lot and four people in high-visibility clothing watch it from a distance.

The Office of Radiological Security team loads an irradiator into a container in preparation for transport. The Cesium Irradiator Replacement Project, a key part of the RadSecure 100 Initiative, has removed cesium-137 irradiators in states nationwide.

Radioactive materials can be used for peaceful purposes like treating cancer. However, if lost or stolen, these materials pose a great risk, including the threat of use in a “dirty bomb.” The RadSecure 100 Initiative mitigated this risk in dozens of American communities, strengthening safety and security efforts nationwide.

“The RadSecure 100 Initiative is a testament to our proactive approach to national security, enhancing radiological defenses across the country,” said Christine Bent, NNSA’s Assistant Deputy Administrator for Global Material Security. “ORS is committed to continuing this vital work, ensuring the safety and prosperity of American communities.”

To complete the initiative, ORS integrated a series of targeted strategies to enhance public safety and keep radioactive material out of the hands of terrorists, including:

Achieving permanent risk reduction by replacing devices that use radioactive sources – like cesium-137 – with safer technologies;
Bolstering security for facilities and industries that continue to use high-activity sources by providing assessments, enhancements, and training; and
Increasing state and local law enforcement’s ability to respond to potential radiological theft incidents.

Shown from the back, a woman wearing a jacket emblazed POLICE watches two television screens while she is in the audience during a presentation. A presenter is at the front of the room.

A police officer participates in radiological response training. The RadSecure 100 Initiative focused on 100 communities across the United States and worked with first responders nationwide.

Since RadSecure 100 launched in January 2021, ORS secured 47 buildings, removed 240 high-activity radioactive source-based devices, and provided training and resources to 123 law enforcement, fire, public health, and emergency management agencies at the local, state, and federal level across the United States.

“RadSecure 100 showcased ORS’s dedication to protecting America, and this accomplishment underscores our commitment to innovative solutions for a more secure tomorrow,” said Kristin Hirsch, Director of ORS.

To learn more about ORS and how you can keep your community and country safe, please contact: ORSinfo@nnsa.doe.gov.