The country's nuclear regulator virtually junked the findings of an international advocacy group on high levels of radiation in Mayapuri scrap market in New Delhi. In a statement, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board admitted there was some contamination in local spots but it could not pose any health detriment.
The nuclear regulator pointed out that all the Cobalt-60 sources from the disposed off gamma cell have been recovered earlier and the same was confirmed on the basis of inventory check of the radioactive material transferred to Narora Atomic Power Station. "However, some traces of dust or particles of Cobalt-60 arising from cutting of the radioactive pieces have left some contamination in local spots.
"Radiation from these spots was far below levels which could pose any immediate health detriment," said the statement issued on behalf of Om Pal Singh, Secretary, AERB. Environment advocacy group Greenpeace had on Friday claimed to have found six hotspots with "considerably elevated radiation levels". A person who stands continuously about a metre away from a hotspot for five days is likely to receive the maximum allowed