1984 Moroccan radiation accident

In March 1984, a serious radiation accident occurred in Morocco, where eight people died from pulmonary hemorrhaging caused by overexposure to radiation from a lost iridium-192 source.[1] Other individuals also received significant overdoses of radiation that required medical attention. Three people were sent to the Curie Institute in Paris for treatment of radiation poisoning.

The source was used to radiograph welds and became separated from its shielded container. As the source itself had no markings indicating it was radioactive, a worker took it home, where it stayed for some weeks, exposing the family to radiation. The laborer, his family, and some relatives were the eight deaths caused by the accident.[2]

See also
  • Nuclear and radiation accidents
  • Goiânia accident
  • Radiotherapy accident in Costa Rica
  • Radiotherapy accident in Zaragoza

References
  1. Lushbaugh, C; Ricks, R; Fry, S (1988). Radiological accidents: A historical review of sealed sources accidents. International Atomic Energy Agency.
  2. Metzger, J. (1985). "Information Notice No. 85-57: Lost Iridium-192 Source Resulting in the Death of Eight Persons in Morocco". United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Retrieved March 31, 2016.


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