Three employees from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) have been exposed to radiation at its nuclear medicine production facility in New South Wales, according to a July 1 report in the Mandarin.
The article cites an ANSTO spokesperson who said two employees received a radiation dose approximately two to three times above the annual dose limit, which is equivalent to a radiation therapy treatment. The incident involved molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), which is used to generate technetium-99m (Tc-99m). The facility was only licensed to produce the isotope in May.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the mishap. A report is scheduled for release July 5, according to the Mandarin.
In the meantime, ANSTO cannot resume operations until the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) gives its approval.
