Radiation Source Discovered in Chernigov

May 13, 2009

Abstract:

Ukraine’s Ministry of Emergencies reported that a metal sheet emitting radiation was found on the territory of the metallurgy company Vtortsvetmet on 13 May 2009. The Sanitation-Epidemiological Service discovered an object buried 0.3 meters below the ground that emitted gamma radiation of 450 microroentgen per hour.[1] The permissible level of background radiation is reported at 50 microroentgen/hour. While there was no threat of exposure to personnel and the local population, news agencies reported there was a possibility of radiation pollution of the surrounding environment and an investigation was launched.

[1] "V Chernigove obnaruzhili radioaktivnoye zagryazneniye" ["Radiation Pollution Discovered in Chernigov"], Zavtra, 14 May 2009, http://zavtra.com.ua/news/1/121224.

Abstract Number: 20090170
Headline: Radiation Source Discovered in Chernigov
Date: 13 May 2009
Bibliography: "V Chernigove obnaruzhili istochnik radioaktivnovo izlucheniya," Gazeta.ua, 14 May 2009, http://gazeta.ua/index.php?id=292470&lang=ru.
Material: Scrap metal

This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, or agents. Copyright © 2011 by MIIS.

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This article is part of a collection examining reported incidents of nuclear or radioactive materials trafficking in or originating from the Newly Independent States.