Update on Radioactive Leak at Sabia in Idaho Falls
Update on Radioactive Leak at Sabia in Idaho Falls
Posted: March 3, 2008 08:04 PM
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The investigation is complete into a radioactive material leak at an Idaho Falls business. The red 'hazardous material' tape still blocks the entry to Sabia Incorporated, but the Department of Energy's Radiological Assistance Program team has cleared the scene.
The RAP team used radiological testing equipment to test the air and hard surfaces inside the building for dangerous material. Officials would not say how much of the material was leaked but would say it was stronger in one area than others. None of the radioactive material leaked outside Sabia's facility.
This incident started Friday when an employee was extracting radioactive material from a nuclear gauge and preparing it for disposal when it broke and he inhaled an unknown amount of Strontium 90. The worker sought treatment at a local hospital and was later released. Three other workers who were in the area were not affected.
Employees at Sabia were not back at work today, but those businesses next to the company opened their doors after getting a little peace of mind from the RAP team.
Steven Morreale, Regional RAP Team Leader: "We went into the adjacent bays with the business owners and demonstrated to them that there was no radiation by showing them how the instruments work and demonstrating they were safe."
Sabia will now be responsible for cleaning up the radioactive material. They said they will hire a contract company and will re-open after the clean-up is complete.
Gregor Gable
in Nuclear Power Plant Accidents
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