Friday 28 February 2014

Workers exposed to radiation at US nuclear waste site

Thirteen workers have tested positive for radiation exposure following a recent leak at an underground nuclear waste site in the US.

All employees working at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in south eastern New Mexico were checked for any external contamination when the leak occurred earlier this month, the US Department of Energy and plant operator Nuclear Waste Partnership said in a joint statement.

Biological samples were also collected “to check for possible exposure from inhaling radioactive particles”.

The statement said: “It is important to note that these are initial sample results. These employees, both federal and contractor, will be asked to provide additional samples in order to fully determine the extent of any exposure.”

Since the event, only essential people have been allowed access to the site following which they have been checked for any external contamination.