Delhi’s radioactive crisis could be deepening. Officials may have traced the Cobalt-60 to Delhi University but paradoxically, that has led to a much bigger concern. New details have emerged about how there could be more lethal toxic pieces from Delhi University’s Gamma Irradiator which are still missing. (Delhi University admits fault for radiation leak)
The officials are now searching for missing toxic pieces which could harm more people.
“There is every possibility that there is still more radioactivity out there in Delhi”, Dr SS Bajaj, Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board confirmed to NDTV.
The Delhi University’s machine possibly had 54 slots for cobalt pencils. The big worry is that till date, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has confiscated only five radioactive pencils. (Radiation leak source traced to Delhi University Chemistry lab)
It could be that 49 slots were unused or empty. But, officials suspect that given the sort of work done by the lab, there could be at least three missing radioactive pencils.
On its part the authorities have combed the Mayapuri scrap market and declared it clean.
Now, the search for the remaining killer cobalt rests on the police, and their interrogation of the scrap dealers.
How to handle radioactive Cobalt-60
At the cobalt processing center, special robotic arms handle the hot Cobalt-60. You can view the radioactive cobalt, but only through thick glass. This glass wall, two meters thick, is impregnated with lead to block any radioactive leaks.
Delhi’s worry: More radioactive material out there?
Experts say that some toxic pieces from Delhi University’s radioactive machine could still be missing.
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