RADIATION ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS HAPPENED DURING 2008TH YEAR IN LITHUANIAN
There were 29 radiological accidents investigated by RSC specialists in 2008, i.e., 6 accidents more.
23 reports on detected persons, items and cargo with increased radiation were received from the State Border Guard Service at the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania (VSAT).
There were 7 reports on persons intending to cross LR border after radionuclide therapy or diagnostics received. 4 persons did not have certificates about application of radiopharmaceuticals. Taking into account the documents provided by VSAT the RSC issued permits to these persons to cross LR border.
15 reports were received on cargo (potassium fertilizers, chemicals, metal scrap, etc.) with increased level of radiation. For example, potassium fertilizer contains about 0,01% of natural radioactive potassium, therefore during transportation of such cargo the increased level of gamma radiation is detected by portals on the borders.
The seized cargo was allowed to be sent by transit through LR in 13 cases.
No such permission was given in 2 cases.
A truck with zirconium powder was sent back to Belarus because no documents necessary for transportation of this cargo in Belarus were available. Permit for return of cargo was issued by RSC.
Increased dose rate was detected at the rare wheels of a truck with metal scrap which was going from Kazakhstan to Germany and which was seized on the LR border. Radium 226Ra was identified. No permission of transit through Lithuania was issued by RSC because no necessary documents were available.
Report about Lithuanian citizen carrying camera “Canon” in Vilnius airport was received. Radiation of camera was above permitted level.
Also the report about bucket found in the forest of Dubingiai forestry district which was labeled with the label of radiation was investigated by RSC specialists. The bucket was taken home by a person living in Vilnius district but after suspicions have arisen the person asked RSC to find out if the car used for transportation of bucket was not radioactively contaminated. Measurements of surface contamination and dose rate were performed by RSC specialists. No increase of radiation was detected. Measurements of radioactive contamination and dose rate of all the surfaces of bucket did not reveal radioactive contamination.
