O MAIOR DESASTRE NUCLEAR DO BRASIL

Summary

In September 1987, Goiânia, Brazil, experienced the deadliest radioactive accident in the country’s history when two garbage collectors unknowingly released cesium-137 from an abandoned radiotherapy machine. The substance spread rapidly, affecting hundreds, including children, leading to severe contamination and multiple deaths. Despite early signs of sickness, authorities were slow to react, exacerbating the crisis. As panic spread, victims faced harrowing decontamination processes, and the city’s cleanup was costly, with over 6,000 tons of contaminated waste. The tragedy highlighted the dangers of ignorance and negligence, forever altering Goiânia's history.

Takeaways

• 😀 In September 1987, Goiânia, Brazil experienced the largest radioactive accident in the country’s history, caused by cesium-137 contamination.
• 😀 Two garbage collectors unknowingly discovered a radiotherapy machine containing cesium-137, which they later dismantled and sold as scrap metal.
• 😀 Cesium-137, a radioactive material, was exposed to the public when the machine was sold to a scrapyard, where it was spread and mishandled by several individuals.
• 😀 The glowing, shiny appearance of cesium-137 attracted people, including Devair Ferreira and his family, who unknowingly spread the dangerous substance.
• 😀 A six-year-old girl, Leide das Neves Ferreira, ingested cesium-137 after playing with the glowing material, marking one of the first severe cases of contamination.
• 😀 People who came into contact with the cesium-137 powder began experiencing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss, leading to suspicion of radiation poisoning.
• 😀 The lack of awareness and delayed response led to significant contamination, with over 1,600 people affected by radiation, some fatally.
• 😀 Authorities were initially unaware of the scale of the contamination, and it wasn't until 15 days later that doctors began to suspect radiation poisoning.
• 😀 The cleanup process involved isolating contaminated areas, decontaminating people, and disposing of thousands of contaminated items and even animals.
• 😀 The aftermath of the accident led to a widespread panic, misinformation, and stigmatization of Goiânia, despite the actual contamination being limited to certain areas.
• 😀 Four confirmed deaths occurred due to the cesium-137 contamination, with many other victims suffering from long-term health effects, including cancer.
• 😀 The individuals responsible for abandoning the radioactive machine were convicted but received minimal sentences, while the government provided compensation to the victims.

Q & A

What caused the radioactive accident in Goiânia in September 1987?

The radioactive accident in Goiânia was caused when two garbage collectors, Wagner Mota Pereira and Roberto Santos Alves, removed a radiotherapy machine containing cesium-137 from an abandoned clinic. They unknowingly triggered a radioactive contamination that affected many people in the city.

What was cesium-137, and how did it affect the victims?

Cesium-137 is a highly radioactive substance that was used in cancer treatments. It caused severe radiation poisoning when people came into contact with or ingested it. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, and significant weight loss, which eventually led to deaths and long-term health issues for many victims.

How did the scrapyard owner, Devair Ferreira, contribute to the spread of contamination?

Devair Ferreira, the scrapyard owner, found the cesium-137 capsule and became fascinated by its glow. He distributed fragments of the radioactive material to his family, friends, and neighbors, unknowingly spreading the contamination. His six-year-old daughter, Leide das Neves Ferreira, also came into contact with the material, further spreading the radiation.

What role did physicist Walter Mendes Ferreira play in addressing the crisis?

Physicist Walter Mendes Ferreira played a crucial role in identifying the radioactive contamination. He used a radiation detector, which confirmed the presence of high radiation levels. He alerted authorities, helped isolate the scrapyard, and worked to contain the spread of the cesium-137 contamination, preventing further harm to the city.

What were the initial responses to the radiation contamination, and how did the public react?

Initially, people were unaware of the radiation risks, with some even dismissing symptoms as food poisoning. As the contamination spread, panic ensued, with people fearing widespread contamination. Thousands of people sought radiation tests, and misinformation led to exaggerated fears, including the belief that the entire city was contaminated.

How did the authorities manage the contaminated individuals and the cleanup process?

Authorities set up quarantine zones at the Olympic Stadium, where those affected by radiation underwent decontamination procedures, including bathing with water, vinegar, and coconut soap. The contaminated scrapyard and surrounding areas were demolished, and the waste was buried in specially prepared centers to prevent further contamination.

How many people were contaminated, and what was the outcome for the victims?

More than 1,600 people were contaminated by cesium-137. While four deaths were confirmed, many others suffered from long-term health issues, including cancers. Victims were provided lifetime pensions, and those who came into contact with the material, including emergency responders, were also compensated.

What were the legal consequences for those responsible for the abandoned radiotherapy machine?

Five individuals linked to the abandoned clinic were convicted for their role in the accident. They were sentenced to three years and two months in prison but had their sentences reduced in exchange for community service. However, many victims and citizens felt the punishment was insufficient for the scale of the tragedy.

How did the incident affect the reputation of Goiânia and its people?

The incident led to widespread fear and misinformation, causing people across Brazil to believe that the entire city of Goiânia was contaminated. This negatively impacted the local economy, with agricultural products being accused of contamination, further harming the city's reputation.

What is the current status of the site where the radioactive waste was buried?

The radioactive waste from the Goiânia accident is stored in a specially prepared facility in Abadia de Goiás. The site is monitored 24/7 by the Environmental Military Police, with an emergency response team in place. The area is carefully secured, and environmental research related to radioactivity is ongoing to ensure the site remains safe.