Saved by the rain
Article Abstract:
An explosion occurred in a uranium processing plant in Tokaimura, Japan, on Sep 30 1999, and the government has been criticized for responding slowly. Rain following the explosion helped to reduce contamination levels by diluting the fall-out and preventing it from traveling away from the site. The chain reaction was arrested by Oct 1 1999, and electric utlities cooperated to help contain the problem. There are allegations that rules have been broken by the company running the plant, JCO, for a long time, in order to cut costs.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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All over in a flash
Article Abstract:
An accident occurred on Sep 30 1999 at a uranium processing plant in Tokaimura, Japan. Two workers involved are not likely to survive they radiation doses that they received. The plant is owned by JCO, which had encouraged illegal practices to reduce costs. The workers involved lacked experience and used too much uranium oxide. They were using a vessel that permitted critical mass to accumulate, and there was no containment since such accidents were not deemed possible.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: