Radiological Accident in Istanbul

A serious radiological accident occurred in Istanbul, Turkey, in December 1998 and January 1999 when two packages used to transport "60"Co teletherapy sources were sold as scrap metal. The persons who purchased the two packages opened them and broke open the shielded containers, thereby unknowingly exposing themselves and several others to radiation from at least one unshielded "60"Co source. The persons who dismantled the containers suffered from acute radiation syndrome. Altogether, eighteen persons were admitted to hospital, ten of which exhibited clinical signs and symptoms of acute radiation exposure. The present report gives an account of the circumstances which led to the accident, the medical aspects, and the lessons learned.International Atomic Energy Agency Staff is the author of 'Radiological Accident in Istanbul' with ISBN 9789201014009 and ISBN 9201014007.