Several roads were closed and homes and businesses evacuated in a section of St. Louis on the evening of January 6 due to the potential threat of an MRI scanner explosion.
Television station KMOX in St. Louis reported that emergency crews inspecting the SSM Imaging Center in the wake of a New Year's Eve tornado found the MRI system still online.
According to the report, damage to the imaging center also likely damaged the scanner, making the MRI unit a potential safety hazard. If helium inside an MRI scanner isn't ventilated and air or water enters the system, ice can form, causing a blockage. If that happens, pressure can build from the helium and create an explosion.
In a prepared statement, SSM Health Care-St. Louis said there is "no risk of chemical or radiation exposure and minimal chance -- less than 1% -- of explosion. However, since safety is our top priority, as soon as we were made aware of the issue, we alerted the local public safety officials to address and secure the area. We are working with the manufacturer, [GE Healthcare of Chalfont St. Giles, U.K.], around the clock to determine the safest solution to resolve the danger as soon as possible."
Officials expect to have an update later today.
Related Reading
Rise in MRI accidents highlights need for magnet safety, August 11, 2009
Joint Commission may survey for MRI safety, March 5, 2009
Back to the present: VA updates MRI design guide, part I, December 3, 2007
Joint Commission MR safety surveys: Moving past the fire extinguisher, August 29, 2007
Magnet room finishes: Protect MRI safety and efficiency when building, August 14, 2006
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