Radioactive contaminated cargo detected

15 September 2012 09:05 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 14 Bookmark

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A consignment of stainless steel and aluminum products contaminated with an artificial radioactive element has been detected at the Colombo harbor.

The release and distribution of the contaminated products has been halted with immediate effect, Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Authority (SLAEA) stated. SLAEA Chairman Dr. R L Wijayawardena speaking to Daily Mirror said the cargo, imported from India had contained about 125 units stainless steel and aluminum products contaminated with cobalt 60 – an extremely hazardous, artificial radioactive element.

Upon further analysis carried out by the Radiation Protection Division of the SLAEA, a decision has been made to halt the release and distribution of the contaminated products.

“We have not yet explored any grounds to take legal action against the Indian company. But a decision has been made to instruct Sri Lanka Customs to return the consignment to India and to inform the Atomic Energy Commission of India and the International Atomic Energy Agency concerning the products,” Dr. Wijayawardena added.

The contaminated cargo is currently held at Sri Lanka Ports Authority. (Lakna Paranamanna)

Comments - 14

Jagath Leanage Saturday, 15 September 2012 09:27 AM

Where has it come from? Made in China?

35 9

IrangaJ Saturday, 15 September 2012 10:10 AM

If its Indian goods...never trust them !

12 30

weha Saturday, 15 September 2012 10:17 AM

I smell a price hike :P

16 8

Ahmad Saturday, 15 September 2012 11:24 AM

Cobalt 60 mainly used for medical purpose. Hospitals in Sri Lanka import radio active materials.

5 21

Maharajah Saturday, 15 September 2012 03:18 PM

From chennai, TNadu.. trying to kill Sinhalese one way or another..

3 4

IBNU ABOO Saturday, 15 September 2012 04:06 PM

CArefully look in to this matter . it may be an undercoverattack by Tamilnaadu on srilankan

7 13

Fusion Saturday, 15 September 2012 07:06 PM

Any ideas how the Cobalt 60 could get in to the cargo?

1 4

Fair N Square Sunday, 16 September 2012 01:55 AM

duh it says from India... stop bashing China, If u don't like chinese do not buy... I personally am reluctant to buy unless something isn't made elsewhere...

1 7

nihu Sunday, 16 September 2012 04:52 AM

donkey... it says shipment from india and u asked whether its from china???

1 11

Subbiah Sunday, 16 September 2012 07:36 AM

This clearly indicates Indian 'safety standards' are questionable.

0 8

citizen1 Sunday, 16 September 2012 03:02 PM

what standards?

1 1

Ravi C Sam Monday, 17 September 2012 02:49 AM

Hats off officers for finding.

Anyway the containers should be checked for radio activity since it could have been in the Japanese zone during the fukushima disaster.

0 0

Melvin Samarasinghe Monday, 17 September 2012 04:50 AM

What is the radio active element in this consignment?

0 0

Dr I.M.C.Fernando,UK Monday, 17 September 2012 12:35 PM

60 Co, a synthetic radioactive isotope emits dangerous gamma radiation which will affect the workers handling this cargo.It is reassuring to note that the SLAEA has taken prompt/correct action and rightly deserves congratulations. It is not indicated from what Indian port this cargo arrived ? definitely needs further investigation.
I posted these comments yesterday, but a message from the website read "Please enter your name" My name is always entered - in fact it is the first requirement. So what is happening ????????????????????

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