US ports aim to scan 'virtually all containers'
Almost all containers entering US ports will be scanned by radiation detecting equipment before the end of the year, according to US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
He said his agency also expected to scan 'virtually 100 %' of all containers that entered through border points.
The official was speaking during a visit to the twin Californian ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
'Countering the threat of nuclear terrorism and weapons of mass destruction is really the most important priority,' Chertoff said.
The Californian port complex handles some 40% all cargo container traffic entering the United States and officials said systems there are already in place to scan incoming cargo.
Chertoff said that his agency has been adding radiation portal monitors at major seaports and facilities and now had more than 1,000 of the devices in use.
Trucks carrying containers unloaded from ships pass through the detectors. If the machine finds signs of radiation, the container gets another scan and possibly an inspection by hand-held devices to help identify how much and what kind of radiation is present.
Chertoff said more advanced equipment was now needed to help speed the process.
He said his agency also expected to scan 'virtually 100 %' of all containers that entered through border points.
The official was speaking during a visit to the twin Californian ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
'Countering the threat of nuclear terrorism and weapons of mass destruction is really the most important priority,' Chertoff said.
The Californian port complex handles some 40% all cargo container traffic entering the United States and officials said systems there are already in place to scan incoming cargo.
Chertoff said that his agency has been adding radiation portal monitors at major seaports and facilities and now had more than 1,000 of the devices in use.
Trucks carrying containers unloaded from ships pass through the detectors. If the machine finds signs of radiation, the container gets another scan and possibly an inspection by hand-held devices to help identify how much and what kind of radiation is present.
Chertoff said more advanced equipment was now needed to help speed the process.