On May 23, a radiation leak occurred in an atomic research lab in Tokaimura. As of May 26, reports have confirmed 30 people were exposed, with the highest radiation dose found to be 1.7 millisieverts.

The atomic research lab in Tokaimura where a radiation leak occurred on May 23, 2013. [Video clip]

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization said on May 26, another 24 researchers were confirmed to have been exposed. The 24 newly confirmed researchers range in ages from 24 to 55, and 22 of them are male.

The radiation dose found in seven of them is 0.1 millisievert, 0.2 millisievert in four of them, 0.4 millisievert in three of them and 1.7 millisieverts in one of them. 55 people were around the facility when the leak occurred. 49 of them have been tested and the remaining six will be tested on May 27.

It has been reported that experimental malpractice formed the main reason for the leak. The JAEA delayed reporting the incident until the evening of May 24, and the Nuclear Regulation Authority released the news to the media on the morning of May 25.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)