Efforts to cut a lead container led to radiation: Chavan

NEW DELHI - Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Prithviraj Chavan said efforts to cut a lead container carrying a radioactive substance led to radiation in a west Delhi industrial area.

Interacting with media here, Chavan said experts have identified the material as Cobalt-60.

Due to the radiation one person was seriously injured, while five others were less injured.

“The Government is planning to devise some mechanism to ensure that scrap dealers report to the authorities detection of radioactive material among scrap,” Chavan said.

A team of scientists from Mumbai’s Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Narora Atomic Power Station in New Delhi, scanned the Mayapuri Industrial area to examine whether there is any other source of a similar emission in the vicinity.

The team, collected and isolated the mysterious shining object from the scrap shop in a sophisticated lid and have sent it for further scientific investigation.

The incident came to light when a scrap dealer, Deepak Jain, suffered serious burn injuries.

The Apollo Hospital, where Jain is undergoing treatment informed the Government about radiation in that area.

According to hospital sources, Jain fell unconscious and his hands had turned black after coming into contact with the object.

The material was reportedly bought as part of medical waste from a city hospital.

Four workers employed by Jain also suffered injuries in the incident. (ANI)