Could nuclear material stolen from Chernobyl be used in a dirty bomb?

Matthew Sparkes is a writer.

During the chaos caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, radioactive material was stolen from a laboratory near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, but there is no danger of a dirty bomb being made from it. The staff at Chernobyl have been working without pay for nearly two months.

A scientist working for the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, told New Scientist that radioactive material was probably stolen from a radiation monitoring laboratory in Chernobyl.

The Russian invasion of February pushed the staff of the power plant and laboratories away from the site. Thieves took samples of radioactive isotopes and radioactive waste from the site of the 1986 disaster.

Science reported the loss of radioactive material. The anonymous source speaking to New Scientist has confirmed that the reports are accurate, and that communication with another lab that houses powerful sources of radiation has also been cut off.

There is no cause for concern over the stolen material as it wasn't the right type to create a nuclear weapon, according to Bruno Merk. This material wouldn't be needed for such a weapon. The construction of a dirty bomb would probably be limited to a small amount of radioactive material and conventional explosives.

Read more: Chernobyl staff denied access to radiation monitoring lab

Materials used in medical equipment or on building sites would be more dangerous than anything found in the laboratories and offices around Chernobyl.

There are many radioactive sources around the world. If someone wants to get their hands on this, it's an easier way to do it. It was possible for someone to sneak in and steal something. I don't think the risk is any higher than before the Russians invaded.

They will be calibration sources, material you use to calibrate detection equipment. There are clear rules from the IAEA for this and that doesn't seem likely.

The city of Slavutych was hastily constructed to house Chernobyl workers after the 1986 disaster, according to a scientist. Those who did not flee the Russian troops now have no food or medicine.

The scientist says there is a very thin line of humanitarian help. The staff of my institute has not been paid for almost two months because the authority is located in Ivankiv. We usually spend the day and night looking for food. I have a lot to do with that.

The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine did not respond to requests for comment.