nuclear-news

Radioactive leak in US National Laboratory

National Lab in NY Halts Some Work After Leak, ABC News, By FRANK ELTMAN Associated Press GARDEN CITY, N.Y. October 10, 2011 (AP) A sealed device used to check whether radiation detectors are working properly at Brookhaven National Laboratory leaked a small amount of radioactivity last month, lab authorities said. There was no threat to public health or the environment, but the lab has halted some operations while it investigates.

The radioactivity was later found on two employees, in a parking lot and private vehicle, and in one of the facility’s buildings, the lab said. The lab is reviewing policies, procedures and training programs.

“Even the leak of a small amount of radiation is unacceptable,” George Goode, assistant director for environmental safety and health at the lab on eastern Long Island, said Monday. “We are treating this very seriously.”

The lab announced in a statement Friday that it shut down all radiological operations following the Sept. 28 leak. The leak was first reported Monday by the Long Island Business News…..

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to radiation from cesium-137 results in increased risk of cancer. It is found in very small amounts in soil and water as a result of atmospheric fallout. It can last in the environment for decades.

The Brookhaven Lab in Upton is run by the U.S. Department of Energy. It conducts research in physical, biomedical and environmental sciences, as well as in energy technologies and national security. About 3,000 employees work at the lab, about 400 with radiological materials, spokesman Peter Genzer said…..

The lab was criticized after a leak of tritium, a radioactive chemical, from a spent fuel pool was discovered in the ground in 1998. It had gone undetected for 12 years, but Esposito said officials have since worked to improve safety and communicate better with the public.

Lab officials could not immediately explain the 10-day delay in announcing the leak. They said that an investigating committee has been formed to review all policies and procedures and officials at the Energy Department have been notified. An agency spokesman did not immediately comment….

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/national-lab-ny-halts-work-leak-14706415

October 11, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | incidents, USA