Legislation before the Missouri House would make it easier and cheaper for a Canadian company to ship radioactive material through the state.
If the bill becomes law, Ontario-based Nordion Inc. would not have to pay fees or have shipments of colbat-60 undergo mandatory inspections in Missouri. The company sells colbat-60 for use sterilizing medical devices.
The Kansas City Star reports the amendment was written by a trade group for Nordion.
Critics say the change could be a risk to public health. And they say the fees charged for the shipments ensure the material is shipped safely.
Supporters of the measure say cobalt-60 is already inspected at the Canadian border. And they say no problems have been reported during 40 years of shipping the material through the U.S.