Date: Dec 1972

Location: Wuhan, P. R. China

Type of event: accident with medical radiation equipment

Description:

A medical cobalt-60 source (140 Ci) fell from its location in its apparatus; during the 16 days it was out of its proper location, 20 patients and 8 workers were exposed to doses ranging from 5 to 245 rads.

Consequences: At least 1 injury.

References:

• Ziqiang, Pan, Fan Shengen, and Cong Huiling, 1996, "Exposure dose assessment and discussion on radioisotope production and application," Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 206(2):239-249.

© 2008 by Wm. Robert Johnston.
Last modified 8 October 2008.
Return to Home. Return to Nuclear Weapons Resources. Return to Database of radiological incidents and related events.