Review of the Incident: A week has passed since the incident in Nanjing, where a radioactive source labeled as Iridium-192 was lost. Although it has now been recovered and no harm has been reported to people, the Ministry of Environmental Protection still classifies the event as a major radiation accident. The potential dangers of radiation are significant, and its impact can be widespread.
On-site efforts: Wearing protective gear to search for the source
Following the incident, all relevant authorities and officials became highly involved. Zhou Qizheng, deputy chief engineer at the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center under the Ministry of Environmental Protection, explained that once a radioactive source is lost, the top priority is ensuring its safety. The affected area was gradually narrowed down using specialized instruments. In the end, the source was found in a grassy area covering approximately 2 square meters. The grass was very dense, and the radioactive source itself was small—about 8 mm in diameter and 15 cm long, resembling a necklace. Due to the risk of exposure, strict protective measures were implemented throughout the operation.
Fang Guiping, deputy director of the Nanjing Environmental Protection Bureau, stated that on the afternoon of the 10th, the on-site command used a "human wave tactic." Each worker wore protective clothing and searched for 2-3 minutes before being replaced by another to minimize prolonged exposure. After four rounds of professional personnel entering the restricted zone, during the tenth round, the missing radioactive source was finally located and safely placed into lead containers for recycling.
How dangerous is Iridium-192?
According to international standards, China categorizes radioactive sources into five levels based on their type, energy, and radioactivity: high-risk, medium-risk, low-risk, and extremely low-risk. The Iridium-192 source that was lost in Nanjing was recently purchased five months ago for industrial inspection purposes. Based on its current activity level, the environmental protection department classified it as a second-class high-risk source.
"The loss of a radioactive source increases the risk significantly," said Zhou Qichen. Professor Guo Qiuju, associate professor at Peking University’s Department of Technical Physics, emphasized that Iridium-192 must be stored in shielded containers like lead tanks. "If properly handled according to regulations, it should not pose a problem in normal use."
Experts warned that if someone comes into direct contact with the source, such as carrying it close to the body, it could result in a high radiation dose. There have been cases where individuals suffered skin burns or even limb amputations due to improper handling. Prolonged exposure could even be fatal.
China Labor Insurance Network Editor's Encyclopedia:
What is protective clothing?
In daily life, the radiation from household appliances generally does not harm most people, but it can affect certain sensitive groups, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and patients. For example, prolonged computer use by pregnant women may impact fetal health. As a result, many expectant mothers choose to wear electromagnetic shielding vests, aprons, and covers to protect themselves from radiation.
Protective clothing is designed to guard against physical, chemical, and biological hazards. It includes various types such as fire-resistant suits, industrial workwear, medical gowns, military uniforms, and special clothing for vulnerable populations.
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