Database of radiological incidents and related events--Johnston's Archive
Guangzhou radiological assault, 2002
compiled by Wm. Robert Johnston
last modified 18 September 2007
Date:
May 2002
Location:
Guangzhou, P.R. China
Type of event:
use of radioactive material in intentional assault on an individual
Description:
A Chinese nuclear scientist, Gu Jiming, used radioactive iridium-192 pellets in an attack on a business rival. Gu used forged papers to obtain an industrial machine containing the iridium-192, then placed them above the ceiling panels in the hospital office of the rival. The victim soon reported symptoms including memory loss, fatigue, appetite loss, headaches, vomiting, and bleeding gums. Another 74 staff members of the hospital, including one pregnant woman, also had symptoms. Gu was convicted 29 September 2003, given a suspended death sentence (life in prison), and an assistant was sentenced to a 15-year prison term.
Consequences:
75 injuries.
References:
- Mohtadi, Hamid, and Antu Murshid, 7 July 2006, "A global chronology of incidents of chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear attacks: 1950-2005," on line, National Center for Food Protection and Defense [http://www.ncfpd.umn.edu/docs/GlobalChron.pdf].
- Nature, 9 Oct. 2003, "Researcher faces life in prison for revenge radiation poisoning," Nature, 425:552.
© 2007 by Wm. Robert Johnston.
Last modified 18 September 2007.
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