USC Charged With 179 Radiation Violations

A 179-count criminal complaint charging USC and 10 research scientists with violating state laws regulating the use of radioactive materials was filed today by the city attorney’s office.

The violations show a “pattern of incredibly cavalier conduct” by USC and the scientists in handling radioactive materials and in testing research personnel to determine their exposure to radiation, City Attorney James K. Hahn charged. He said administrators on the USC health-science campus were not managing their radiation safety program properly to regulate the use of radioactive materials and to protect staff members and students from excessive exposure.