Ketika Dua Orang Pemulung Menyebarkan Radiasi Radioaktif ke 112.000 Orang (Goiânia Accident)

Summary

In 1987, two scavengers in Goiania, Brazil discovered and dismantled a Cesium 137 teletherapy device, unknowingly triggering a massive radioactive contamination disaster. As they and others handled the glowing powder from the device, they began to exhibit severe symptoms of radiation poisoning. Over 100,000 people were screened, with 249 confirmed exposed, leading to four deaths. The source of the contamination, Cesium 137, caused significant health and environmental damage. The incident led to legal scrutiny and prompted stricter regulations on handling radioactive materials in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of safety and awareness to prevent future disasters.

Takeaways

• 😀 In September 1987, two scavengers in Goiania, Brazil discovered an abandoned radiotherapy machine containing Cesium 137, leading to a major radioactive contamination disaster.
• 😀 The scavengers attempted to dismantle the machine and sell it for scrap, unaware that it contained highly radioactive material.
• 😀 The radioactive material in the teletherapy unit emitted gamma radiation, which is capable of penetrating the skin and causing severe health issues.
• 😀 The glowing blue powder from the Cesium 137 source became a source of fascination, leading to people touching, playing with, and spreading it unknowingly.
• 😀 Many individuals who came into contact with the cesium-laced powder suffered symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, burns, and radiation sickness.
• 😀 Over 100,000 people were screened for radiation exposure, with 249 individuals confirmed to have been contaminated, and 46 receiving intensive care.
• 😀 The contamination spread across various districts of Goiania, affecting public areas, homes, and even transportation vehicles.
• 😀 The scrap dealer who purchased parts of the radiotherapy unit brought the powder home, where it was handled and distributed to neighbors and family members.
• 😀 The Gôiania radiation incident led to significant environmental cleanup, with 3,500 cubic meters of radioactive waste being collected from affected areas.
• 😀 The incident prompted Brazil to implement stricter regulations and safety protocols regarding the management of radioactive materials to prevent future disasters.

Q & A

What was the Goiania incident, and why is it significant?

The Goiania incident, which occurred in September 1987 in Brazil, was a radioactive contamination disaster. Two scavengers unknowingly dismantled a Cesium 137 teletherapy unit, causing widespread radiation exposure. It is significant because it resulted in the contamination of over 100,000 people and led to four deaths, highlighting the dangers of improper handling of radioactive materials.

What role did the abandoned radiotherapy machine play in the disaster?

The abandoned radiotherapy machine, a Cesium 137 teletherapy unit, contained highly radioactive material. After being dismantled by the scavengers, the radioactive powder inside, which emitted a bluish glow, spread across the city, causing contamination and illness among residents.

How did the scavengers come across the radioactive device?

In September 1987, two scavengers, Roberto Santos Alves and Wagner Mota Pereira, entered an abandoned building that used to be the Goiania Institute of Radiotherapy. They discovered the Cesium 137 teletherapy unit, which they attempted to dismantle in order to sell its scrap metal.

What symptoms did the individuals exposed to the radioactive material experience?

Individuals exposed to the radioactive material experienced symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, burns on the skin, and swelling. Some people also suffered from more severe health effects, including internal contamination, radiation sickness, and in some cases, death.

Why did the scrap dealer, Devire Alves Ferreira, not recognize the danger of the glowing powder?

Devire Alves Ferreira, who purchased the dismantled device from the scavengers, was fascinated by the glowing powder inside and believed it might have supernatural properties or be valuable. He did not recognize the severe radioactive risk and, instead, shared the powder with his family and neighbors.

What action did Maria, the wife of Devire, take when she suspected the powder was causing illness?

Maria, Devire's wife, who experienced illness from the exposure, suspected that the blue glowing powder was the cause of the strange symptoms in her family and others. She collected the remaining powder and brought it to a health office, which led to the discovery of the radioactive contamination.

How did the authorities confirm the presence of radioactive contamination?

Medical physicist Welter Mendz used a radiation measuring device to detect radiation in the collected powder. Initially, the device showed maximum radiation readings, confirming the presence of a significant radioactive source. Authorities were then alerted, leading to an evacuation and investigation.

What were the immediate consequences for the people in the contaminated areas?

As a result of the contamination, over 100,000 people were screened for radiation exposure. 249 people were found to be contaminated, and 49 were treated in intensive care. The affected areas included households, public facilities, and transportation routes. Extensive decontamination efforts were later carried out.

What legal and regulatory actions were taken after the Goiania incident?

Following the Goiania incident, investigations were conducted, focusing on the responsibility of those managing the radioactive equipment, including the IGR clinic owner. The incident led to legal consequences for those negligent in handling the radioactive material, and it prompted regulatory reforms in Brazil to improve safety and management of radioactive materials.

How did the cleanup process unfold after the incident?

The cleanup process, which lasted from November 1987 to March 1988, involved the removal of radioactive waste from contaminated areas. A total of 3,500 cubic meters of waste were collected, reducing the radioactive source from 1,375 curies to 1,200 curies. The contaminated areas were thoroughly surveyed and decontaminated.