under observation after they were found to have been exposed to
radioactive tritium vapour beyond the permissible limit.
The incident took place on June 23 at Unit 5 when a modification work
was on during a routine biennial shutdown.
Emphasising that there was no abnormal release of radioactivity and
that the workers were hale and hearty, Executive Director in-charge of
media at the Nuclear Power Corporationof India Limited (NPCIL)
Nalinish Nagaich said tritium was only mildly radioactive and would
get removed from the body within a short time.
"There is absolutely no cause for worry. Tritium is a soft beta
emitter and once it enters the body, its removal starts and it gets
reduced appreciably withina week."
The workers were continuing to report for work and posted in
non-radioactive areas. The incident was investigated by a committee
set up by NPCIL and another by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
Their recommendations to prevent such incidents were being
implemented.
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