Radiometric mapping of Goiania urban area: natural and artificial radiation dose

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, Nivaldo C.; Dias, Danila C.S.; Guerrero, Eder T. Z.; Alberti, Heber L.C.

2013-01-01

In the city of Goiania it is common to observe in some social groups, such as medical society, academy and communication (media), the association between cancer incidence and the 1987's Goiania radiological accident. Moreover, data of Population-Base Cancer Register published in 2010 by INCA (Instituto Nacional do Cancer), reveals that Goiania figures among the three cities where the major increases in cancer incidence were observed. Therefore, this project aims to provide a dose rate database over Goiania's road network aiming to: 1) assess the level radiation dose to which the population is exposed and 1) provide technical support for social communication of Brazilian Commission for Nuclear Energy. The monitoring was accomplished by using a mobile system (EBERLINE FHT 1376) which includes a 5-liter plastic scintillator detector coupled with a GPS (Global Positioning System) and a portable computer. This system allowed the recording of both the geographical coordinates and the dose rate of each single point. Using a NBR (Natural Background Rejection) the system is able to discriminate between natural and artificial radiation. After the field campaign, the raw data were then treated in a Geographical Information System (GIS) using the ArcGis software in order to produce dose maps. Therefore, this paper will present the results of the current stage of this research encompassing the monitoring of streets located on seven regions Goiania - divided in for administrative purposes. It is important to point out that more than 175175 individual data were collected with results ranging from 13 to 490 nSv/h. (author)

Radiometric mapping of Goiania urban area: natural and artificial radiation dose

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silva, Nivaldo C.; Dias, Danila C.S.; Guerrero, Eder T. Z.; Alberti, Heber L.C., E-mail: ncsilva@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: danilacdias@gmail.com, E-mail: edertzg@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: heber@cnen.gov.br [Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear (LAPOC/CNEN), Pocos de Caldas, MG (Brazil). Laboratorio de Pocos de Caldas; Santos, Eliane E.; Pimenta, Lucinei R.; Costa, Heliana F., E-mail: esantos@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: lucinei@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: heliana@cnen.gov.br [Centro Regional de Ciencias Nucleares do Centro Oeste (CRCN-CO/CNEN-GO), Abadia de Goias, GO (Brazil)

2013-07-01

In the city of Goiania it is common to observe in some social groups, such as medical society, academy and communication (media), the association between cancer incidence and the 1987's Goiania radiological accident. Moreover, data of Population-Base Cancer Register published in 2010 by INCA (Instituto Nacional do Cancer), reveals that Goiania figures among the three cities where the major increases in cancer incidence were observed. Therefore, this project aims to provide a dose rate database over Goiania's road network aiming to: 1) assess the level radiation dose to which the population is exposed and 1) provide technical support for social communication of Brazilian Commission for Nuclear Energy. The monitoring was accomplished by using a mobile system (EBERLINE FHT 1376) which includes a 5-liter plastic scintillator detector coupled with a GPS (Global Positioning System) and a portable computer. This system allowed the recording of both the geographical coordinates and the dose rate of each single point. Using a NBR (Natural Background Rejection) the system is able to discriminate between natural and artificial radiation. After the field campaign, the raw data were then treated in a Geographical Information System (GIS) using the ArcGis software in order to produce dose maps. Therefore, this paper will present the results of the current stage of this research encompassing the monitoring of streets located on seven regions Goiania - divided in for administrative purposes. It is important to point out that more than 175175 individual data were collected with results ranging from 13 to 490 nSv/h. (author)

Decision-Making Risks Concerning the Construction of the Goiania Waste Repository

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paschoa, A.S.; Rozental, J.J.; Tranjan Filho, A.

2001-01-01

As it is well known, an accident with a teletherapy source made of 137 CsCl with an initial activity of 59 TBq occurred in Goiania, in September of 1987. This paper will discuss the decision-making process, and the struggle that followed the decision to build the final repository for the remnants of the Goiania accident. The Goiania final repository was built as planned. The two subsurface structures under the grassy artificial hills hold the overall volume of the remnants of the Goiania accident. The near hill holds 5x10 3 m3 of stabilized wastes without radioactivity, or with very low radioactivity. The far hill holds the remaining 6.5x10 3 m 3 of stabilized wastes with low and medium radioactivity. The central part of each subsurface hill has been shielded by wastes with less and less radioactivity. The overall fenced area occupies 1.85x10 5 m 2 . The external radiation levels are similar to the surrounding background, and much lower than those found in the Brazilian areas of high natural radioactivity. The site is permanently monitored by independent institutions, including Brazilian universities, and national and international organizations. As it was mentioned earlier, the final repository was build to last for at least 400 years. Although the initial decision to adopt a too conservative decontamination criterion in the case of the Goiania accident was bound to produce excessive amount of waste; such decision proved, retrospectively, not to be bad because the excess low radioactive waste produced was used as extra shielding material in final repository. The technical decision-maker should not abandon risk estimates, but should be aware that credibility is the main basis to achieve acceptability of a decision by the general public. Risk perception should be regarded as only a first step towards what may be called knowledge, or comprehension of risk estimates, but risk perception by the general public is still an open issue. The problem of a fixed, or near

Goiania, ten years later. Proceedings of an international conference

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-12-01

Following the radiological accident that happened in Goiania, Brazil, in late 1987, the Brazilian National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) was able to turn to the international community for assistance under the terms of the 1986 IAEA sponsored Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency; this marked the first time the convention was invoked. Additionally, to prevent the loss of useful information, CNEN and the IAEA designated a panel of international experts to investigate the causes and consequences of the accident and draw up a comprehensive report, `The Radiological Accident in Goiania`, which the IAEA published in 1988. Under its nuclear safety programme, it is the IAEA`s intention to follow up serious radiological accidents with review and analysis, to document the causes and circumstances and to disseminate conclusions, lessons to be learned and recommendations from which all States may benefit. A decade after the Goiania accident, the CNEN convened the international conference `Goiania, Ten Years Later` in co-operation with the IAEA. The purpose of this conference was to share with the local population and the international community the knowledge gained during this tragic event and in the following years. The conference attracted some 400 participants from 17 countries (Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, Estonia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Russian Federation, Spain, Uruguay, United States of America and Venezuela). The present IAEA proceedings contain some 50 papers selected for publication by the editorial committee of the conference Refs, figs, tabs

Decision-Making Risks Concerning the Construction of the Goiania Waste Repository

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Paschoa, A.S. [Pontificia Univ. Catolica, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); Rozental, J.J. [Ministry of Environment (Israel); Tranjan Filho, A. [Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN) (Brazil)

2001-07-01

As it is well known, an accident with a teletherapy source made of {sup 137}CsCl with an initial activity of 59 TBq occurred in Goiania, in September of 1987. This paper will discuss the decision-making process, and the struggle that followed the decision to build the final repository for the remnants of the Goiania accident. The Goiania final repository was built as planned. The two subsurface structures under the grassy artificial hills hold the overall volume of the remnants of the Goiania accident. The near hill holds 5x10{sup 3} m3 of stabilized wastes without radioactivity, or with very low radioactivity. The far hill holds the remaining 6.5x10{sup 3} m{sup 3} of stabilized wastes with low and medium radioactivity. The central part of each subsurface hill has been shielded by wastes with less and less radioactivity. The overall fenced area occupies 1.85x10{sup 5} m{sup 2}. The external radiation levels are similar to the surrounding background, and much lower than those found in the Brazilian areas of high natural radioactivity. The site is permanently monitored by independent institutions, including Brazilian universities, and national and international organizations. As it was mentioned earlier, the final repository was build to last for at least 400 years. Although the initial decision to adopt a too conservative decontamination criterion in the case of the Goiania accident was bound to produce excessive amount of waste; such decision proved, retrospectively, not to be bad because the excess low radioactive waste produced was used as extra shielding material in final repository. The technical decision-maker should not abandon risk estimates, but should be aware that credibility is the main basis to achieve acceptability of a decision by the general public. Risk perception should be regarded as only a first step towards what may be called knowledge, or comprehension of risk estimates, but risk perception by the general public is still an open issue. The

Radiometric evaluation of graves of victims of the accident with Cesium 137 in Goiania, GO, Brazil: 25 years after; Avaliacao radiometrica das sepulturas das vitimas do acidente com o Cesio 137 em Goiania: 25 anos apos

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lage, Leonardo B.; Correa, Rosangela da S.; Santos, Eliane E. dos, E-mail: leonardobl@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: rcorrea@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: esantos@cnen.gov.br [Centro Regional de Ciencias Nucleares do Centro-Oeste (CRCN-CO/CNEN-GO), Abadia de Goias, GO (Brazil); Freitas-Junior, Ruffo, E-mail: uffojr@terra.com.br [Universidade Federal de Goias (UFG), Goiania, GO (Brazil). Faculdade de Medicina. Programa de Mastologia

2013-07-01

Twenty-five years after the radiation accident in Goiania, this study aims to evaluate the radiological situation in the area demarcated by the graves of the victims of the accident with cesium-137. Radiometric survey was carried out on the surface that encompasses the four graves and vicinity, from a pre-established mesh. Dose rate measurements were carried out, using the IdentFINDER equipment, positioned at 1 m height from the ground. The values of dose rates at the points measured ranged from 0.03 to 0.07 μSv/h. This variation of dose rate is less than those obtained in the local graveyard and are in the range of background radiation observed in Goiania. Considering the results obtained 25 years after the accident, it was concluded that engineering barriers adopted at that time are effective, stating the place absolutely safe from a radiological point of view, both for the individual from the public as to the environment.

Determination of the cesium distribution coeficient in Goiania and Abadia de Goias cities soils

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marumo, J.T.; Suarez, A.A.

1989-01-01

In September, 1987, an unauthorized removal of a cesium-therapy unit and its violation caused an accident, where several places of Goiania's city, capital of Goias, Brazil, were contaminated. The removal of the radioactive wastes generated from decontamination process, was made to Abadia de Goias's city (near Goiania), where an interim storage was constructed. Soil samples collected from the 57 th Street (Goiania) and from the interim storage permitted to determine, through static method, the cesium distribution coefficient for different cesium solution concentrations. Those results allows for some migration/retention evaluations in disposal site selection. Some soils parameters (water content, density, granulometric analysis etc) as well as clay minerals constituents were also determined. (author) [pt

Determination of the cesium distribution coefficient in Goiania and Abadia de Goias cities soils

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marumo, J.T.; Suarez, A.A.

1989-10-01

In September, 1987, an unauthorized removal of a cesium-therapy unit and its violation caused an accident, where several places of Goiania's city, capital of Goias, Brazil, were contaminated. The removal of the radioactive wastes generated from decontamination process, was made to Abadia de Goias city (near Goiania), where an interim storage was constructed. Soil samples collected from the 57 th Street (Goiania) and from the interim storage permitted to determine, through static method, the cesium distribution coefficent for different cesium solution concentrations. Those results allows for some migration/retention evaluations in disposal site selection. Some soils parameters (water content, density, granulometric analysis etc) as well as clay minerals constituents were also determined. (author) [pt

Radiological protection aspects regarding to assistance of the cesium-137 radiation accident victims in Goiania; Aspectos de protecao radiologica no atendimento as vitimas do acidente radiologico com cesio-137 em Goiania

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hunt, John Graham; Oliveira Filho, Denizart Silveira de; Rabelo, Paulo Ney Pamplona [Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria (IRD), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

1997-12-31

The radiological protection measures taken in the general hospital of Goiania (HGG/INAMPS) and in the FEBEM institution, due to the accident involving Cesium-137 are described, as well as the work of the IRD personnel in the areas of: radiological protection of the medical and auxiliary staff, contamination control of the ward, radiological monitoring of the patients, waste management, personnel and area decontamination and patient transportation. (author) 4 refs., 11 figs.; e-mail: marcos at omega.lncc.br

Cesium-137 accident lessons in Goiania, Goias State, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1990-11-01

This document relates the experience obtained by several professionals which had an important role in the cesium-137 accident occurred in Goiania, Goias State, Brazil in September, 1987. It's divided into chapters, according to the action area - medical, nursing, social assistance, odontological and psychological. At first, some notions of radioprotection are explained, followed by the accident history and by the doctors and nurses action during the emergency phase and the medical, odontological, social and psychological assistance to the victims. The social assistance report shows some statistical data about the economic, occupational and social conditions of the accident victims. It is shown some information about the health institutions and the sanitary care in the ionizing radiation and about the occupational radiological protection in Goiania

Biological effects of ionizing radiations. Radiological accident from Goiania, GO, Brazil; Efeitos biologicos das radiacoes ionizantes. Acidente radiologico de Goiania

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Okuno, Emico, E-mail: emico.okuno@if.usp.br [Instituto de Fisica da Universidade de Sao Paulo (IF-USP), SP (Brazil)

2013-01-15

This article presents the fundaments of radiation physics, the natural and artificial sources, biological effects, radiation protection. We also examine the sequence of events that resulted in Goiania accident with a source of caesium-137 from abandoned radiotherapy equipment and its terrible consequences. (author)

The radiological accident in Goiania 10 years later: an evaluation; 10 anos do acidente radiologico de Goiania: uma reflexao

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nouailhetas, Yannick; Xavier, Ana Maria [Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Superintendencia de Licenciamento e Controle. Diretoria de Radioprotecao e Seguranca Nuclear

1997-12-31

This article presents a reflection on the impact on the population of the actions taken in the city of Goiania, following the 137-Cs accident and the biological fundamental on which this actions should be based upon. (author) 16 refs.; yannick at cnen.gov.br; axavier at cnen.gov.br

Report about the radiological accident in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schrimer, H.P.; Gomes, C.A.; Recio, J.C.A.

1997-01-01

This work reports the activities developed by the technical groups who worked during the radiological accident in Goiania, held on September 1997. Several aspects of the accident are described. The final solution for the disposal of the radioactive wastes generated during the accident is presented, according to the Brazilian waste management policy. (author)

Post-traumatic stress disorders: Aftereffects of the Goiania radiological accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bandeira de Carvalho, A.

2000-01-01

In September of 1987, a 137 Cs medical source was violated in the city of Goiania, Brazil and, as a result, four people died, 249 were internally and/or externally contaminated and 20 people were hospitalised at the Goiania General Hospital. The most serious cases were transferred to the Marcello Dias Naval Hospital in Rio de Janeiro. The objective of this paper is to describe the emotional and social impacts caused by this accident on the hospitalised victims. As these people belonged to a low social-economic level and did not understand the meaning of radioactivity, panic only started to be felt with the first deaths. The origin of their stress was, primarily, the radiation syndrome, but mostly the rejection suffered by them in the Goiania General Hospital, caused by fear of radioactivity; the difficulty in understanding the safety regulations; the always covered staffs; and the isolation due to immune-suppression. They feared having a limb amputated, were worried about their families, ambivalent about death: wishing and afraid of it. They felt guilty about the accident but at the same time they were seeking compensation from the State. Aggressive, due to the long confinement, they rioted inside the hospital. The need for psychological support was felt by the staff but few psychologists volunteered because of fear. Human beings present a number of psychological disorders after the trauma suffered in a catastrophe. These have a pattern, called post-traumatic stress disorders, which was noticed in this accident. It is a lesson learned in Goiania that psychological support is of vital importance to help the patient fight the consequences of the suffering. Psychologists should be trained to work without fear, during emergencies of this kind. (author)

A psychological analysis of the rehabilitation of the Goiania accident victims

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Costa Neto, S.B. da

1992-01-01

This paper brings out a psycho social analysis of the consequences of the radiologic accident of Goiania-Brazil, verified especially among its direct victims. It makes clear the psychological aspects shown by the isolated victims (hospitalized and sheltered) and the psycho therapeutic processes used by the Psychology Department. After all that study, it is clear the need of specific training for health professionals necessary for the regards and multi professional and interdisciplinary attendance to the victims Goiania. It is also important a unity of institutional objectives such as essential conditions for the rehabilitation of the patients in its largest bio psycho social aspect. (author)

Novel biodosimetry methods applied to victims of the Goiania accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Straume, T.; Langlois, R.G.; Lucas, J.; Jensen, R.H.; Bigbee, W.L.; Ramalho, A.T.; Brandao-Mello, C.E.

1991-01-01

Two biodosimetric methods under development at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory were applied to five persons accidentally exposed to a 137Cs source in Goiania, Brazil. The methods used were somatic null mutations at the glycophorin A locus detected as missing proteins on the surface of blood erythrocytes and chromosome translocations in blood lymphocytes detected using fluorescence in-situ hybridization. Biodosimetric results obtained approximately 1 y after the accident using these new and largely unvalidated methods are in general agreement with results obtained immediately after the accident using dicentric chromosome aberrations. Additional follow-up of Goiania accident victims will (1) help provide the information needed to validate these new methods for use in biodosimetry and (2) provide independent estimates of dose

Radiation protection in necropsy of the victims of the radiological accident in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maryins, Nadia S.F.; Silva, Lucia Helena C.; Rosa, Roosevelt

1997-01-01

Four of some victims of the radiological accident in Goiania, died in October and the necropsies were carried out at Marcilio Dias Naval Hospital (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Due to external and internal contamination presented by these victims, specific radiation protection procedures were adopted to support the medical team. The procedures established and applied by the Radiation Protection Staff during the arrangement of necropsy's room and for personal control since the necropsy's work until confining the bodies and the transportation back to Goiania are reported

Pressure sound level measurements at an educational environment in Goiania, Goias, Brazil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Costa, Jhonatha J.L.; Nascimento, Eriberto O. do; Oliveira, Lucas N. de [Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás (IFG), Goiânia, GO (Brazil); Caldas, Linda V. E., E-mail: lcaldas@ipen.br [Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN/CNEN-SP), São Paulo, SP (Brazil)

2017-07-01

In this work, twenty five points located on the ground floor of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Goias - IFG - Campus Goiania, were analyzed in morning periods of two Saturdays. The pressure sound levels were measured at internal and external environments during routine activities seeking to perform an environmental monitoring at this institution. The initial hypothesis was that an amusement park (Mutirama Park) was responsible for originating noise pollution in the institution, but the results showed, within the campus environment, sound pressure levels in accordance with the Municipal legislation of Goiania for all points. (author)

Pressure sound level measurements at an educational environment in Goiania, Goias, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Costa, Jhonatha J.L.; Nascimento, Eriberto O. do; Oliveira, Lucas N. de; Caldas, Linda V. E.

2017-01-01

In this work, twenty five points located on the ground floor of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Goias - IFG - Campus Goiania, were analyzed in morning periods of two Saturdays. The pressure sound levels were measured at internal and external environments during routine activities seeking to perform an environmental monitoring at this institution. The initial hypothesis was that an amusement park (Mutirama Park) was responsible for originating noise pollution in the institution, but the results showed, within the campus environment, sound pressure levels in accordance with the Municipal legislation of Goiania for all points. (author)

Lessons from Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nazari Alves, R.

2000-01-01

The lessons learned from the radiological accident of Goiania in 1987 derived from the observations from the Regulatory Agency which was in charge of the decontamination tasks may be consolidated into four classes: Preventive Actions, characterised as those that aim to minimise the probability of occurrence of a radiological accident; Minimisation of time between the moment of the accident occurrence and the beginning of intervention, in case a radiological accident does occur, despite all preventive measures; Intervention, which is correlated to the type of installation, its geographical location, the social classes involved and their contamination vectors; and Follow up, for which well established rules to allow continuing monitoring of the victims and rebuilding of homes are necessary. The greatest lesson of all was the need for integration of the professionals involved, from all organizations. (author)

Public monitoring during the radiological accident in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ferreira, W.M.

2000-01-01

During the radiological accident with Cs 137 occurred at Goiania, Brazil, many people were contaminated. To identify the people with possible contamination a large place in the center of the city was selected for screening people with a possibility of contamination. This paper describes the work involved monitoring about 112.800 persons in a period of three month. (author)

The radiological accident in Goiania 10 years later: an evaluation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nouailhetas, Yannick; Xavier, Ana Maria

1997-01-01

This article presents a reflection on the impact on the population of the actions taken in the city of Goiania, following the 137-Cs accident and the biological fundamental on which this actions should be based upon. (author)

Goiania 1987: searching for radiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Clarke Binns, D.A.

1998-01-01

The founding of the Searching for Radiation Group following the radiation accident in Goiania, Brazil, in 1987, is described. Particulars on the equipment and detector used, the number of people monitored, the techniques used to gather information on the probable date of the accident, about possibly contaminated places and people are provided and communicating with the general public is addressed. The discussion is divided into three main parts: 1) how the Searching for Radiation Group was formed; 2) the participation of the state Health Secretariat and the street children in the Group and 3) the lessons learned. (author)

Ten years after the radiological accident of Goiania, a reflection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nouailhetas, Y.; Xavier, A.M.

1998-01-01

This work contains a reflection on the impact of the radiological protection measures taken in the city of Goiania in the aftermath of the accident involving caesium-137, along with a discussion on the biological foundation of these actions. (author)

Psychosocial aspects of the victims of the accident with caesium-137 in Goiania (1987-1994)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Curado, M P [Fundacao Leide das Neves Ferreira, Goias (Brazil); Costa Neto, S B [Universidade de Brasilia, Instituto de Psicologia, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

2000-05-01

In September of 1987 two men took possession of and violated a source containing Caesium-137, which caused the Radiological Accident of Goiania. Besides the direct victims, a significant part of the community of Goiania was directly involved with this accident. The psychosocial impact in the social groups involved in this radiological accident - the population as a whole, immediate neighbours of contaminated sites, professionals and the victims themselves - gave rise to specific behaviour and attitudes which will be discussed in this paper. (author)

Psychosocial aspects of the victims of the accident with caesium-137 in Goiania (1987-1994)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Curado, M.P.; Costa Neto, S.B.

2000-01-01

In September of 1987 two men took possession of and violated a source containing Caesium-137, which caused the Radiological Accident of Goiania. Besides the direct victims, a significant part of the community of Goiania was directly involved with this accident. The psychosocial impact in the social groups involved in this radiological accident - the population as a whole, immediate neighbours of contaminated sites, professionals and the victims themselves - gave rise to specific behaviour and attitudes which will be discussed in this paper. (author)

Goiania radiological accident: five years talking with the population

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rozental, J.J.

1993-01-01

This article presents an overview five years after the Goiania radiological accident. It reviews from a number of important aspects the psychological impact and conflicting opinions, the public hearings and debates and, particularly describes the victims that still have difficulties to understand the accident and its consequences. (B.C.A.). 05 refs

The information in Nuclear Energy: The Experience in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ferreira, W.M.; Campos, E.P.

1998-01-01

After the accident in Goiania the Nuclear Energy National Commission implant in this city a information system for the human population. The objective consisted on giving a technical knowledge about the nuclear energy utilization. This work represents the utilized strategy and the results reached in this program during the period 1991-1996

Groundwater flow modelling in the region of the repository site of the radioactive wastes from Goiania accident-Brazil; Modelamento do fluxo de agua subterranea na regiao do repositorio dos rejeitos decorrentes do acidente radiologico de Goiania

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aquino Branco, Otavio Eurico de; Carvalho Filho, Carlos Alberto [Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN), Belo Horizonte, MG (Brazil)

1996-08-01

The radioactive wastes from Goiania`s accident, with be deposited at the repository site of Abadia de Goias, located 20 km away from the city of Goiania. This paper presents a groundwater flow in confined or unconfined, heterogeneous and anisotropic porous media with variable layer thicknesses. The necessary parameters to simulate the flow were taken from technical reports and from specific studies about the region. The geological and hydrogeological studies evidence that in this area there is one aquifer type water table. The permeability coefficient evaluated for aquifer formation was 1.88x10{sup -4}cm/s and for the porosity 0.47. The average annual rate of recharge was evaluated in 0.22 m. The potentiometric map generated using the MODFLOW code showed a good a agreement between the hydraulic head simulated and that measured in the field. (author) 8 refs., 3 figs.

Radiological survey of Goiania by a mobile monitoring unit

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moreira, M.C.F.

1989-01-01

After the initial response to the radiological accident in Goiania, a radiological survey throughout the city was performed using a mobile unit. This unit was equipped with two Geiger Muller detectors outsise the vehicle and one 4' x 4' NaI(Tl) detector connected to a dual recorder. All three detectors were placed 1 m above the ground. The survey system covers a wide range of exposure rate, since environmental levels up to 10 R h -1 . Eighty percent of the Goiania urban area was covered by this survey and except for some specific locations the contamination was restricted to the main foci surroundings ocurring in a non homogenous pattern. The highest value observed in the city after the main foci decontamination was of 0.7 mR h -1 in the 57 th street - where the source was opened. Results of the main foci and some other locations are apresented in the paper. The system designed to perform the survey in the city played a fundamental role during the decontamination process (author) [pt

Medical aspects of 137Cs decorporation: The Goiania radiological accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Farina, R.; Brandao-Mello, C.E.; Oliveira, A.R.

1991-01-01

In September 1987, the Goiania radiological accident involving a source of 137 Cs culminated in about 140 victims who presented internal and/or external contamination and/or external exposure to radiation and/or radiation burns. Internal contamination was verified through analysis of urine and fecal samples. Internal contamination was also evaluated by measurements performed at the whole-body counter installed in Goiania in November 1987. To enhance the decorporation of 137Cs, patients were treated with the following: (1) Prussian Blue, oral administration, in 46 patients; (2) diuretics, oral administration, in 17 patients; (3) induced perspiration, increasing 137 Cs elimination. These procedures were done under rigorous clinical evaluation and considering the data from assay of excreta and data obtained from the whole-body counter. The doses of Prussian Blue exceeded about 6.5 times the dose previously indicated in the literature. It was the first time diuretics were used in humans to treat 137 Cs internal contamination. The results of these procedures are discussed

Early measurements after the Goiania accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Godoy, J.M.; Moreira, M.C.F.; Fonseca, E.S. da

2000-01-01

During the early, intermediate late phase of the Goiania radiological accident different survey methods were applied involving aerial and terrestrial (using a car and directly in the field) inspections. The present work aims to show how and when they were and the obtained results. Furthermore, the 137 Cs concentration in soils were determined using a NaI(Tl) spectrometer during the accident, and also in Rio de Janeiro in a high resolution gamma spectrometry system. The concordance among those results and the validity of the 137 Cs measurements in soil with NaI(TI) are demonstrated. (author)

Psychological and social analysis of population of Goiania three years after the accident with the cesium-137

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Helou, Suzana; Costa Neto, Sebastiao Benicio da; Curado, Maria Paula

1995-01-01

Psychological and social analysis of population of Goiania - Brazilian city - three years after the accident with the cesium-137 occurred in 1987 are discussed. With this goal it is presented a public opinion research in order to retract the Goiania's radioactive accident residual psychological effects. The public opinion research was analyzed in sum individual answers terms, considering the factors multiplicity to what the individuals are exposed in the society. It was adopted Cabral's and Nick's concepts

Biological effects of ionizing radiations. Radiological accident from Goiania, GO, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okuno, Emico

2013-01-01

This article presents the fundaments of radiation physics, the natural and artificial sources, biological effects, radiation protection. We also examine the sequence of events that resulted in Goiania accident with a source of caesium-137 from abandoned radiotherapy equipment and its terrible consequences. (author)

The psychological impact of the radiological accident in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carvalho, A.B. de.

1988-01-01

This work describes the psychological impact of an accident caused by the violation of a capsule containing Cesium 137 in the city of Goiania, Goias, Brazil, in September of 1987. Its object is to confirm the importance of having mental health teams working, not only with accident victims, but also side by side with the rescue teams in the event of radiation accidents. (author) [pt

Consequences of radiological emergencies at Goiania and Mayapuri

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sharma, Ranjit; Pradeepkumar, K.S.; Singh, Rajvir

2012-01-01

Radiological accidents due to orphan sources can lead to emergencies in the public domain, as reported worldwide. Inadequate regulatory control, lack of accountability and improper disposal of radioactive materials in scrap have resulted in radiological emergencies. Apart from few fatalities, they lead to environmental contamination, economic loss and social and psychological impact on the society. The 137 Cs and 60 Co sources of strength TBq to PBq activity level may pose high radiation exposure risk if shielding integrity is affected in any accident. There had been few radiological accidents reported world over which resulted in radiation injuries, environmental contamination and out of proportion panic in the society. The response actions for both these radiological emergencies included search, recovery of sources, decontamination and waste removal for reducing the radiation/contamination levels at the affected site. In both cases, encapsulated sources were damaged by the persons unknowingly. Response operations were carried out for longer period at Goiania compared to Mayapuri because of large scale contamination. 60 Co source being metallic in nature, even after the breaking of sources at Mayapuri the spread of contamination was confined to a small area. In Goiania, the granules of Cesium Chloride were distributed to many people because of its glowing nature in dark which caused spread of contamination to a large area and the accident was detected early as more persons reported with radiation injuries. The detection of Mayapuri accident was delayed as affected personnel reported to the hospital after three weeks of exposure to radiation. The lack of expertise in identifying radiation injuries by medical professionals contributed to further delay in reporting and detection of this emergency. The fatalities in both accidents resulted from acute radiation exposures and delay in getting medical support. The experience gained at radiological emergencies of Goiania

30 years of the Goiania Accident: a comparative study with other radioactivity dispersion events

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, Ricardo Bastos; Vicente, Roberto

2017-01-01

The year 2017 marks 30 years since the radioactive accident that occurred in the city of Goiania, capital of the state of Goias. It was the largest radiological accident in Brazil, and one of the largest in the world occurring outside nuclear facilities. Regarding the accidents at nuclear power plants, two of the biggest were Chernobyl in Ukraine, a year and a half before Goiania, and the Fukushima accident in Japan, in 2011. Different amounts of radioactive material were dispersed in the environment in each of these events. However, each one’s main pathway of dispersion was different: the accident of Goiania was terrestrial, Chernobyl was at the atmosphere, and Fukushima was mainly in the ocean. This work aims to study these different amounts, comparing such activities. In addition, it proposes to compare the sea dispersion of Fukushima with the amount of radioactive waste dumped in the oceans, when the release of radioactive waste at sea was permitted. It also proposes to compare the Chernobyl aerial dispersion with the radioactive material dissipated in the atmosphere, resulting from the more than 500 atmospheric nuclear tests conducted between 1945 and 1962 by the United States, the former Soviet Union, England, France and China. (author)

30 years of the Goiania Accident: a comparative study with other radioactivity dispersion events

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Smith, Ricardo Bastos; Vicente, Roberto, E-mail: rbsmith@ipen.br, E-mail: rvicente@ipen.br [Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN/CNEN-SP), São Paulo, SP (Brazil)

2017-07-01

The year 2017 marks 30 years since the radioactive accident that occurred in the city of Goiania, capital of the state of Goias. It was the largest radiological accident in Brazil, and one of the largest in the world occurring outside nuclear facilities. Regarding the accidents at nuclear power plants, two of the biggest were Chernobyl in Ukraine, a year and a half before Goiania, and the Fukushima accident in Japan, in 2011. Different amounts of radioactive material were dispersed in the environment in each of these events. However, each one’s main pathway of dispersion was different: the accident of Goiania was terrestrial, Chernobyl was at the atmosphere, and Fukushima was mainly in the ocean. This work aims to study these different amounts, comparing such activities. In addition, it proposes to compare the sea dispersion of Fukushima with the amount of radioactive waste dumped in the oceans, when the release of radioactive waste at sea was permitted. It also proposes to compare the Chernobyl aerial dispersion with the radioactive material dissipated in the atmosphere, resulting from the more than 500 atmospheric nuclear tests conducted between 1945 and 1962 by the United States, the former Soviet Union, England, France and China. (author)

Victims of Chernobyl and Goiania with the same symptoms of Aids

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Terra, P.; Ladislau, W.

1991-01-01

Some consequences of the Goiania nuclear accident are discussed, including the serious injuries and the lack of resources towards the victims and the construction of a final repository. The study of the pollucite in natura, that can cause diseases due to natural radiation is also mentioned. 6 figs

Evaluation of secular trend and the existence of cases of clusters of bladder cancer in Goiania: descriptive study population-based; Avaliacao da tendencia temporal e da existencia de casos de clusters de cancer de bexiga em Goiania: estudo descritivo de base populacional

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Antonio, Gisele Guimaraes Daflon

2008-07-01

More than 20 years after the radiological accident with cesium-137 in the city of Goiania, there is still a feeling in local population that the number of cases of cancer in the city is growing up due to the past radiation exposure and that the number of people contaminated or exposed was higher than the number reported. The present study aims to evaluate the temporal trend and the space-time distribution of bladder cancer cases in Goiania from 1988 and 2003, taking into account that bladder cancer presents the highest risk coefficients per unit of radiation dose among solid cancers. The study population was composed of all incident cases of bladder cancer registered in the Population-Based Cancer Registry of Goiania, between 1988 and 2003.Temporal trend of bladder cancer incidence was analyzed by sex and age groups ( < 60 and {>=} 60 years of age) through polynomial regression using age standardized incidence rates of bladder cancer (world population). SaTscan was used to determine whether statistical significant geographic clusters of high incidence of bladder cancer cases can be located in the city. The results showed a significant increase of bladder cancer incidence rates in males of all ages (p= 0.025) and for age group higher or equal to 60 years old (p=O.022), and a stability in trends for female sex. In the space-time analysis, a cluster was identified, however without statistical significance (p=0.278) and its location has no relationship with the main focuses of contamination of the radiological accident in 1987. We concluded that, despite of the increase of incidence rates in males, this can be explained by the improvement in diagnostic procedures throughout time, being this increase still not perceived in females considering the small number of cases. As chance can not be ruled out as the explanation of the identified cluster, we do not suggest any further detailed investigation in this cluster, as the occurrence of cluster diseases in space can occur

How the radiological accident of Goiania was initially determined

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ferreira, W.M.

2000-01-01

Mainly the initial actions adopted to minimise the consequences of radiological accident involving the public are very important for bringing the situation to the normality. In this work the author presents a short history about the radiological accident with a 137 Cs source occurred in the city of Goiania, Brazil in 1987 as well as the actions adopted by him during the first hours after the detection of the accident. (author)

Psychological evaluation of the patients contaminated in the Goiania radiological accident in Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1989-08-01

The psychological evaluation of 68 patients contaminated in the Goiania accident as well as of the personnel (about 27) working at the organizations responsible for the assistance given to the victims of the accident is presented

Nursering assistance to the radiological accident patients in Goiania-an experience report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Graciotti, M.E.

1989-06-01

In september, 1987, a caesium-137 source was disrupted and caused a serious radiological acident. The victims were hospitalized in the General Hospital in city of Goiania, Goias state, Brazil. This is a report of a personal experience, during the two months of nursering care. (author) [pt

Resuspension and spreading of 137 Cs in urban areas: the Goiania experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rio, M.A.P. do.

1993-01-01

The characteristics of the Goiania accident (a restricted and local contamination) together with the fact that the region has received no contribution from the Chernobyl accident, neither from the atomic tests represents an unique opportunity to study the behaviour of 147 Cs at an urban area. The study of the resuspension and deposition processes of the 137 Cs associated to surface soil was performed at a house at the 57th. street near the main primary focus. It was decided to use the two gardens of the house, where continuous measurements of aerosol and total deposition took place. Impactor measurements were also performed to evaluate the size distribution of particles in the air. The results as a whole suggests a very complex pattern for the 137 Cs resuspension and deposition in Goiania, indicating to be these mechanisms local,phenomena and without evidences of a significant spreading of 137 Cs from the places of primary contamination. (author). 63 refs., 14 figs., 9 tabs

Final report of aerial surveying team of the Goiania City, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barreto, P.M.C.; Simoes, E.

1987-10-01

The results of the aeroradiometric survey using an helicopter, in Goiania City, Brazil, to localize focus of radioactive contamination due an accidental rupture of a capsule of Cs-137 source, are presented. The system of radiometric measurements consisted of two portable gamma spectrometers, two NaI(Tl) detectors and a graphic register. (M.C.K.) [pt

Considerations about house decontamination in Goiania: limits and consequences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, C.J. da; Delgado, J.U.; Luiz, M.T.B.; Cunha, P.G.; Barros, P.D. de

1988-01-01

We are considering some aspects related to the decontamination activities about 50 houses affected by Cs-137 in Goiania city. We described the way these contaminations occurred, the instruments used and the procedures. We also discuss the dose limits establised in the decontamination and the consequences resulting from this action. We call attention to the fact that not only the technical aspects in such activities bu also the psycho-social implications resulting from them are specially important. (author) [pt

The early medical response to the Goiania accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valverde, N.J.; Oliveira, A.R.

2000-01-01

The Goiania accident was the most severe radiological one that ever happened in the western hemisphere. The response to its human, social, environmental, economical and psychological burdens represented a huge challenge. Thanks to a multi-institutional intervention the consequences of the accident were greatly minimised. The medical response followed the same pattern and was based on a three-level system of progressive assistance. The early medical response encompassed medical and 'radiological' triage, admission to a specially prepared ward of a local hospital and treatment at a reference center in Rio de Janeiro. (author)

Assessment of ionizing radiation as a risk factor for breast cancer incidence in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lage, Leonardo Bastos

2016-01-01

This research aims to evaluate whether exposure to ionizing radiation to which women are subjected can be associated with the incidence of breast cancer in Goiania. The defined study area is the central region of Goiania, or the Sanitary Districts of Campinas-Centro and Sul, in which are the seven major accident sources of contamination with Cesium 137, and also, as shown by previous study, the majority of new cases of breast cancer (60,43 %). We used the geographical division of the city in census tracts and health districts. The data collection was divided in two stages: the first, for the survey of radiometric measurements, and the second, for identifying the addresses of women diagnosed with breast cancer. The radiometric survey occurred between 2010 and 2014, in which was used an environmental gamma radiation mobile measuring system. This system was composed by a high-sensitivity detector coupled to a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a microcomputer. The assembly was installed on a motor vehicle so that the height of the detector is found at one meter from the ground, and programmed to obtain a measurement of the doses absorbed in the air rate each second. The data collected were: doses absorbed in the air rate, geographical coordinates, altitude, date and time of acquisition. From Mobisys software, files were generated and from ArcGIS 10.0 platform, geospatial assessment survey through the elaboration of thematic maps and geospatial analysis statistics. The annual averages of effective doses and collective effective doses were estimated from the rate of doses absorbed in air collected by the system and the resident population in the census tracts. The second stage begun from the data collection at the Registry of Goiania's Population Based Cancer (RCBPGO), in which were identified addresses of women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2001 and 2010. Part of the data was geographically referenced and using census data were estimated and compared the

Transport of radioactive wastes arising from the decontamination work performed in Goiania-Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mezrahi, A.; Heilbron, P.F.L.; Xavier, A.M.

1989-01-01

The present article describes the major aspects related to the packaging and transport operations performed in Goiania, Brazil, following the violation of a Cs-137 teletherapy source, in September 1987, which led to the generation of about 3,500 m 3 of radioactive wastes. The violation of a teletherapy source in the city of Goiania, State of Goias, Brazil, in the month of September 1987, and the subsequent spread of most of its radioactive contents over a large urban area, brought about the need for the establishment of specific provisions to ensure an adequate packaging and transportation of the radioactive wastes to an interim storage. The purpose of this article is to describe the main aspects related to the above mentioned operations, which were performed, as far as possible, according to the IAEA requirements, as well as to discuss the difficulties that were faced by the technical staff of CNEN

Essay on the pertinence of Luscher's abbreviate test in psychological evaluation of the radioactive accident victims of Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Costa Neto, Sebastiao Benicio da

1995-01-01

The essay on the pertinence of Luscher's abbreviate test in psychological evaluation of the radioactive accident victims of Goiania - Brazilian city - occurred in 1987 is consequence of confront of data obtained in two distinct situations having for criterion: time, efficiency and pertinence. Besides of this, they are introduced palografic and the house-tree-person - HTP - tests. These tests aimed at the common psychological characteristics verification to radioactive accident victims' personality of Goiania and to the data existential moment for those people. Among the three tests, the one of Luscher was what obtained the best interviewees acceptance index

Individual monitoring and dosimetry: The Goiania experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lipsztein, J.L.; Melo, D.R.; Oliveira, C.A.N.; Bertelli, L.

2000-01-01

Several people were contaminated with 137 Cs in an accident involving the stealing and breaching of a radiotherapy source in Goiania, Brazil. A drug known as Prussian Blue was administered to some contaminated individuals to enhance Cs elimination from the body. Individuals internally contaminated were monitored for the two first months, exclusively by in vitro bioassay, i.e., urine and faeces analysis. After that period of time a field whole-body counter was set up in Goiania and individuals started to be monitored in vivo, on a regular basis. The total internal committed doses and the effect of Prussian blue treatment have been evaluated. For adults, the biological half-time (T 2 ) under PB treatment was reduced to an average value around to 31% of the half-time after finished treatment. For adolescents (T 2 ) was reduced to an average value around to 54% and for children was reduced to an average value around to 57%. A weight dependent biokinetic study of 137 Cs retention in humans was conducted. Data from 10 girls and 7 boys, aged 1 to 10 y old, as well as from 10 adolescents: 4 females and 6 males, and from 30 adults: 15 females and 15 males, contaminated in the accident, were used in this study. A planned experiment with beagle dogs were carried out to furnish some further data for our study. Based on these data, a three terms exponential equation is suggested to describe the 137 Cs retention in the body, the first-term associated with a very short half-time, the second with a longer half-time and the third term with a very long half-time, of the order of 400 to 570 days and relating to a retention fraction of only 0.1%. A table of weight, age and sex specific half-times for the second term is suggested. (author)

Management and transport of radioactive wastes in Goiania, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xavier, A.M.; Mezrahi, A.

1988-01-01

The radiological accident occured in Goiania, which has led to the liberation to the environment of c.l.350 Ci of Cs-137, demanded the formulation of special procedures related to waste management and transport of radioactive materials to a provisory storage facility. The main objectives of the present article are to describe the work performed in the above mentioned fields and to point out the basic needs for Brazilian research and development in the areas of waste treatment and design and testing of packages. (author) [pt

Social and economical aspects in the selection of the site for the final Goiania waste repository

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paschoa, A.S.; Tranjan Filho, A.; Rosenthal, J.J.

2000-01-01

Site selection criteria for low and intermediate level waste repositories are usually well established as far as the technological and scientific bases are concerned. However, social, cultural and economical aspects need to be examined on a case by case basis because there are many situations to be faced before succeeding to convince the public and authorities that a waste repository is to be built at any chosen site. In the specific case of Goiania there is an ongoing process that started several years ago, to make the repository accepted by local, state and national authorities, and to answer legitimate questions raised by significant segments of the population. This paper will summarise those more relevant aspects concerning the site selection process for the Goiania repository. (author)

Evaluation of Sao Paulo population knowledge about nuclear energia and radioactive wastes. Did the Goiania accident rise any interest ?; Avaliacao do conhecimento da populacao paulistana sobre a energia nuclear e os rejeitos radioativos. O acidente de Goiania despertou o interesse?

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rzyski, Barbara M.; Sartori, Carla E. [Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil)

1997-12-31

The results of the inquire collected in 1996, about 10 years after Goiania accident, regarding to the knowledge of nuclear energy and rad wastes are presented. The survey was performed among university students and the population of the Sao Paulo city, of all social levels and different ages. The results show that people between 45 and 55 years are more receptive to the matter. It was observed that the major part of the information absorbed by the public arise form news divulged by newspapers and some spread facts, in cases of incidents or accidents as was Goiania 2 refs., 11 tabs., 1 append.; e-mail: bmrzyski at net.ipen.br

Reminiscences of Goiania - 10 years later - the psychological effects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carvalho, Ana Bandeira de

1997-01-01

The author, at that time working at the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission's Human Resources Management Department as psychologist, remembers her experience during the follow-up of the radiological accident which happened in Goiania, Brazil, in 1987, when a 137 Cs capsule was stolen from an abandoned radiotherapy clinic. She emphasizes the emotional impact suffered by the victims, the population, the health team and the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission's staff of emergency responders during the city clean-up and victim's aid and gives some proposals for psychological preparedness to attend radiological emergencies and nuclear accidents. (author)

Report of the psychological support given to victims of the Goiania radiological accident in Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nunes, Lenice Cruvinel; Pereira, Maria Emilia Pontes

1988-02-01

The psychological support given to the victims of the Goiania accident are described. The assistance lasted two months on the average and was given while the victims were in the hospital and later on in the recuperation center

Evaluation of Sao Paulo population knowledge about nuclear energia and radioactive wastes. Did the Goiania accident rise any interest ?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rzyski, Barbara M.; Sartori, Carla E.

1997-01-01

The results of the inquire collected in 1996, about 10 years after Goiania accident, regarding to the knowledge of nuclear energy and rad wastes are presented. The survey was performed among university students and the population of the Sao Paulo city, of all social levels and different ages. The results show that people between 45 and 55 years are more receptive to the matter. It was observed that the major part of the information absorbed by the public arise form news divulged by newspapers and some spread facts, in cases of incidents or accidents as was Goiania

Radioecological studies in Goiania urban area: review; Estudos radioecologicos na area urbana de Goiania: revisao

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rio, Monica Pires do; Amaral, Eliana [Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria (IRD), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

1997-12-31

Studies on the behaviour and transport of {sup 137} Cs in urban areas, including, resuspension and deposition experiments, {sup 137} Cs uptake by leafy vegetables and small domestic animals that accidentally ingested contaminated soil, were performed in a house located at 57{sup t}h Street near the main focus of contamination. The resuspension of surface soil did not contribute much to the spreading of the radionuclide in Goiania, but can lead to the local contamination of vegetables, equipment, structures and other environmental surfaces. The mechanism also presented a seasonal effect. The soil is an important medium for the uptake of {sup 137} Cs by small domestic animals. The street dust sampling is a suitable method to assess the dispersion of {sup 137} Cs in urban areas. After 10 years, the radionuclide activity concentration is restricted only to the initially impacted area an it is decreasing with time. (author) 9 refs., 2 figs, 2 tabs.

The radiological accident in Goiania, Brazil an overwiew

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mendoca, A.H.

1988-01-01

The Cs-137 radiological accident which occurred in Goiania, Brazil, the largest of its kind, consisted of an accidental dispersion of 1370 Ci contained in the radiotherapy source by the rupture of its shield and capsule. The dissemination of the 19 g of the radioactive material, in the form of cesium chloride, way by a) displacement and personal contact of the people involved, b) commercialization of the raw materials collected in the junkyard and c) wind and rainwater transport. Such dispersion occurred in the period between the capsule rupture on September 17th and 29th when CNEN was informed of the accident. With the CNEN intervention ground and aero radiometric surveys were carried out and population monitored. Seven main radioactive points were identified in the city districts around this junkyard, some of them with exposure levels of up to 100 R/h at one meter. More than 118,000 people were monitored out of which 244 presented internal or external contamination. Medical care was provided to 129 people, but only fifty were hospitalized. Thirteen developed severe bone-marrow depression, among them four died. The drainage system was monitored as well as an environmental monitoring network has been established at the urban area around the main contaminations focus. Up to now, the results have shown the urban area as the most affected one. Soil and leaves samples presented specific activities of up to 10 5 Bq/kg within 50 m apart the main focus. Decontamination work resulted in more than 2,000 drums of 200 l/each, several metal containers and boxes. The wastes were removed to a temporary repository 20 km away from Goiania

The great fear of 1987: a rereading of the accident with Cesium-137 in Goiania, Brazil; O grande medo de 1987: uma releitura do acidente com o Cesio-137 em Goiania

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oliveira Junior, Euripedes Monteiro de

2016-11-01

The works that take as object of study the radioactive accident in Goiania, and I have found to date, have tried to give special importance to its legal, psychosocial and clinical trials of radiation patients. Here in this text, I will try to understand this event from its historical dimension of fear, emphasizing its historicity from the social and cultural practices of some people, groups and entities involved with the issue. In other words, the focus of this study will be in the memories of those social relations that have been built while unfolding the event, both past and present. In this sense, we find our main concerns contained in a number of issues that are constantly alluded to discussions in which the central concepts refer to the event, memory and narrative in this case will be worked out by building the fear contained in people's memories, in groups involved in the event as well as the narratives constructed by official agencies involved in the event along with the film and the news media. (author)

Reminiscences of Goiania ten years later: the psychological effects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carvalho, A.B.

1998-01-01

The author recalls her experiences during the follow-up of the radiological accident in Goiania, Brazil, in 1987, when a 137 Cs capsule was removed from an abandoned radiotherapy clinic. At the time of the accident she was employed by the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission's (CNEN) Department of Human Resources Management as a psychologist. She describes the emotional impact suffered by the victims, the population, the medical care team and the staff of emergency responders of CNEN as they decontaminated the city and cared for the victims. The author puts forward proposals for psychological preparedness for radiological emergencies and nuclear accidents. (author)

The 1987 radiation accident in Goiania: medical and organizational experiences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oliveira, A.R. de; Souza, P.C. de

1989-12-01

The present works describes the circumstances of the accident occurred on 13 September 1987, in Goiania (Brazil), when two scavengers removed a teletherapy device a 50.9 TB q (1375Ci) cesium source, from a clinic. They took the apparatus home and tried to dismantled it. The authors describe the circumstances of the event, the first aid measures taken on the site, and the medical structure organized to triage and treat the casualties. Aspects relating to hospital contamination control, the environment, and radioprotection and decontamination procedures are also discussed. (L.M.J.) [pt

Report of the psychological support given to victims of the Goiania radiological accident in Brazil; Relatorio das atividades desenvolvidas pela Psicologia no Hospital Geral de Goiania (HGC) e CRF (FEBEM) com as vitimas diretas do Cesio-137

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nunes, Lenice Cruvinel; Pereira, Maria Emilia Pontes

1988-02-01

The psychological support given to the victims of the Goiania accident are described. The assistance lasted two months on the average and was given while the victims were in the hospital and later on in the recuperation center 1 tab.

Evaluation to a long term remediation actions after Goiania radiological accident; Avaliacao a longo prazo das acoes de remediacao apos o acidente radiologico de Goiania

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rochedo, Elaine R.R.; Rio, Monica A. Pires do; Coutinho, Celia M.C.; Acar, Maria E.D.; Romeiro, Carlos H. [Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria (IRD), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

2000-07-01

Ten years after the Goiania radiological accident, the results obtained by the IRD Environmental Monitoring Program are compared to the values adopted for establishing the intervention levels at the time of the accident occurrence (1987), and to the values of the parameters obtained by European countries, after the Chernobyl accident. Significant differences were observed in parameter values, particularly, those related to a long term prediction of the contamination behaviour in an urban area. This paper shows the importance of the survey for the environmental behaviour of pollutants in tropical climate conditions. (author)

Dermatological consequences of the Cs-137 radiological accident in Goiania, Goias State, Brazil; Repercussoes dermatologicas no acidente radioativo com o Cesio 137 em Goiania

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Castro, Lia Candida Miranda de

1996-07-01

The objective of the present study was to analyse the occurrence of dermatosis in individuals that had been exposed to cesium{sup 137} during the radioactive accident in Goiania, in 1987 and detect pre-cancerous dermatosis or those predictive of low immunity. The groups were evaluated according to the intensity of radiation they had been exposed to and then compared to a control group of people not exposed to radiation. The population exposed to the cesium{sup 137} was comprised of 109 people, who were divided into Groups I and II, according to the CNEN norms. In group I, 54 people with {<=} 20 rads exposure and/or radio lesion were included; in group II, 55 people with > 20 rads exposure were included, along with the children of group I individuals. This was a historic cohort study, that is, a retrospective study that lasted 9 years, extending from September of 1987 to August, 1996. The presence of the oncoprotein p-53 was studied in the radio lesions of 10 patients. There is no evidence of an increase in the incidence of dermatosis in the exposed groups, excepts for pyoderma in patients with radio lesions. The most frequent dermatosis were: pyoderma, pityriasis versicolor, scabies, dermatophytosis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. The results obtained were not statistically significant for the evaluation of dermatosis predictive of low immunity or precancerous lesions. The oncoprotein p-53 in individuals with radio lesion showed a 80% positivity rate and risk factor estimated in 8 times, for the test. It has proved to be useful because it represents one more option in terms of propaedeutic evaluation and suggests that one should pay close and continuous attention in order to better control the evolution of these individuals. (author)

Reminiscences of Goiania - 10 years later - the psychological effects

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carvalho, Ana Bandeira de

1997-12-31

The author, at that time working at the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission`s Human Resources Management Department as psychologist, remembers her experience during the follow-up of the radiological accident which happened in Goiania, Brazil, in 1987, when a {sup 137} Cs capsule was stolen from an abandoned radiotherapy clinic. She emphasizes the emotional impact suffered by the victims, the population, the health team and the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission`s staff of emergency responders during the city clean-up and victim`s aid and gives some proposals for psychological preparedness to attend radiological emergencies and nuclear accidents. (author) 8 refs.; e-mail: anita at openlink.com.br

Reminiscences of Goiania ten years later: the psychological effects

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carvalho, A B [Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

1998-12-01

The author recalls her experiences during the follow-up of the radiological accident in Goiania, Brazil, in 1987, when a {sup 137}Cs capsule was removed from an abandoned radiotherapy clinic. At the time of the accident she was employed by the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission`s (CNEN) Department of Human Resources Management as a psychologist. She describes the emotional impact suffered by the victims, the population, the medical care team and the staff of emergency responders of CNEN as they decontaminated the city and cared for the victims. The author puts forward proposals for psychological preparedness for radiological emergencies and nuclear accidents. (author)

Considerations related to the decontamination of houses in Goiania: Limitations and implications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

da Silva, C.J.; Delgado, J.U.; Luiz, M.T.; Cunha, P.G.; Barros, P.D.

1991-01-01

We are considering some aspects related to the decontamination activities of about 50 houses affected by 137 Cs in Goiania. We describe the way these contaminations occurred, the instruments used, and the procedures. We also discuss the dose limits established for decontamination and the consequences resulting from this action. We call attention to the importance of not only the technical aspects in such activities but also the psycho-social implications resulting from them

Evaluation to a long term remediation actions after Goiania radiological accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rochedo, Elaine R.R.; Rio, Monica A. Pires do; Coutinho, Celia M.C.; Acar, Maria E.D.; Romeiro, Carlos H.

2000-01-01

Ten years after the Goiania radiological accident, the results obtained by the IRD Environmental Monitoring Program are compared to the values adopted for establishing the intervention levels at the time of the accident occurrence (1987), and to the values of the parameters obtained by European countries, after the Chernobyl accident. Significant differences were observed in parameter values, particularly, those related to a long term prediction of the contamination behaviour in an urban area. This paper shows the importance of the survey for the environmental behaviour of pollutants in tropical climate conditions. (author)

Radioecological studies in Goiania urban area: review

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rio, Monica Pires do; Amaral, Eliana

1997-01-01

Studies on the behaviour and transport of 137 Cs in urban areas, including, resuspension and deposition experiments, 137 Cs uptake by leafy vegetables and small domestic animals that accidentally ingested contaminated soil, were performed in a house located at 57 t h Street near the main focus of contamination. The resuspension of surface soil did not contribute much to the spreading of the radionuclide in Goiania, but can lead to the local contamination of vegetables, equipment, structures and other environmental surfaces. The mechanism also presented a seasonal effect. The soil is an important medium for the uptake of 137 Cs by small domestic animals. The street dust sampling is a suitable method to assess the dispersion of 137 Cs in urban areas. After 10 years, the radionuclide activity concentration is restricted only to the initially impacted area an it is decreasing with time. (author)

Radiation protection measures applied during the autopsies on the casualties of the Goiania accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martins, N.S.F.; Silva, L.H.C.; Rosa, R.

1998-01-01

The most seriously affected casualties of the radiological accident caused by the opening of a 137 Cs source capsule in Goiania were treated at the Marcilio Dias Naval Hospital (HNMD) in Rio de Janeiro in the period from October to December 1987. Four of the injured died in October. The autopsies were performed at this institution. Due to the external and internal contamination presented by these victims, specific radiation protection procedures were adopted to enable the medical team to perform their duties. The radiation protection staff, under the co-ordination of technicians of the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), were responsible for the preparation of the autopsy room and for advising the professionals on duty during these events. The radiation protection staff took specific measures to prevent the spread of contamination throughout the hospital, the contamination of persons attending the autopsies and to minimize any radiation dose to the medical and professional team. The measures aimed at personal control and the preparation of the autopsy room are described as well as the radiation protection steps applied in connection with the performance of the autopsies, the emplacement of the bodies into the coffins and their transport back to Goiania. (author)

Groundwater flow modelling in the region of the repository site of the radioactive wastes from Goiania accident-Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aquino Branco, Otavio Eurico de; Carvalho Filho, Carlos Alberto

1996-08-01

The radioactive wastes from Goiania's accident, with be deposited at the repository site of Abadia de Goias, located 20 km away from the city of Goiania. This paper presents a groundwater flow in confined or unconfined, heterogeneous and anisotropic porous media with variable layer thicknesses. The necessary parameters to simulate the flow were taken from technical reports and from specific studies about the region. The geological and hydrogeological studies evidence that in this area there is one aquifer type water table. The permeability coefficient evaluated for aquifer formation was 1.88x10 -4 cm/s and for the porosity 0.47. The average annual rate of recharge was evaluated in 0.22 m. The potentiometric map generated using the MODFLOW code showed a good a agreement between the hydraulic head simulated and that measured in the field. (author)

Dose assessment for decontamination in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Amaral, E.C.S.

2000-01-01

Shortly after the accident at Goiania, the need arose to set derived intervention levels for the various exposure pathways to guide and optimise clean up measures. For the members of the critical group an intervention level of 5 mSv for the total effective dose in the first year after the accident was chosen, which then was subdivided into values of 1 mSv due to the contribution of external irradiation indoors, 3 mSv from external irradiation while being outdoors, and 1 mSv due to incorporation of resuspended particles and ingestion of locally produced food. The clean up indoors could be directed such that a pre-described ambient dose rate was no longer exceeded. These exposure levels and effective doses to the critical groups predicted in 1988 are compared to actual measurements made in 1988 to 1993 in a local house near one primary contamination foci, and best estimate. It can be shown that the actual doses received by members of the public living in the affected areas were significantly lower. The various reasons for this overprediction will be discussed. (author)

Behaviour of {sup 137} Cs in oxysoils and Goiania soil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wassermann, Maria Angelica [Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria (IRD), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

1997-12-31

{sup 137} Cs soil-to-plant transfer factor obtained in oxy soils accidentally contaminated in Goiania and artificially contaminated shows that these soils present higher transfer when compared with data obtained under temperate climates. These differences were discussed in the light of pedology and geochemical partitioning. Some tropical soil characteristics as acidity, low available nutritive elements and low content of 2:1 clay type seems determine high availability for {sup 137} Cs. Results of sequential extraction showed {sup 137} Cs weakly bound to soil components and underline the importance of Fe oxides in the control of {sup 137} Cs availability in tropical climates. (author) 25 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.

The resuspension and redeposition of 137Cs in an urban area: the experience after the Goiania accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pires Do Rio, M.A.; Amaral, E.C.S.; Paretzke, H.G.

1994-01-01

In Goiania, Brazil, the accidental opening of a 137 Cs teletherapy source led to the contamination of an urban area of approximately 1 km 2 . The restricted, local contamination patterns without any significant influence from previous contaminations (Chernobyl reactor accident and atmospheric atomic bomb test fall-out) provided a unique opportunity to study the resuspension and redeposition mechanisms in an urban area under tropical climate characteristics. Air, total deposition, rainwater, surface soil and street dust were sampled over 2 years at a garden of a house and the surroundings and analysed for 137 Cs. The local meteorological conditions were recorded. In addition, some size fractionation measurements were performed. The data show a significant seasonality and a very slow long-term decrease with time for the activity concentration in air and deposition rate. The data as a whole suggest that in Goiania, resuspension and deposition are mainly local phenomena and no evidence was found for a significant spreading of 137 Cs from the place of primary contamination. (author)

Report of the activities carried out by the Psychological Support Group in the Goiania radiological accident in Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1988-01-01

The report analyzes the characteristics and attitudes of the population directly involved in the Goiania radiological accident. The inhabitants of the affected area were interviewed in their residence. Factual information about the accidents were given and specific psychological support were received whenever necessary

Aterros sanitários para geração de energia elétrica a partir da produção de biogás no Brasil: comparação dos modelos LandGEM (EPA e Biogás (Cetesb

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jean Agustin Velásquez Piñas

2016-04-01

Full Text Available Resumo Atualmente existe preocupação em relação aos impactos ambientais provocados pela produção de resíduos sólidos, o que contribui para incrementar a mudança climática já presente. Ao serem dispostos em aterros sanitários, os resíduos sólidos geram biogás, produto da decomposição anaeróbia dos compostos orgânicos de origem animal ou vegetal. A presente nota de pesquisa faz uma estimação da quantidade de biogás e energia gerada da decomposição anaeróbia em um aterro sanitário na cidade de Três Corações, Minas Gerais. Para realizar a estimação dos parâmetros foram utilizados os modelos LandGEM (EPA e Biogás (Cetesb, que mostraram resultados similares no momento de fazer a comparação, com uma variação de apenas 5% para ambos os modelos. Para o LandGEM, nos 20 anos de vida útil do aterro sanitário, existe uma produção de biogás acumulada de 26.075.960 m3, com uma energia acumulada de 128,68 GWh e potência média de geração de 242 kW. Para o modelo Biogás, a produção acumulada é de 27.476.360 m3, com uma energia acumulada de 141,31 GWh, para uma potência média de geração de 255 kW.

Proceedings of the 2. International symposium on the radioactive accident in Goiania. Program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1993-01-01

This 2. International symposium on the radioactive accident with cesium-137 brings together in Goiania renowned international and Brazilian specialists. These are recognized professionals of Medicine, Physics, Biology and Psychology who, gathered around a strictly scientific event, will discuss the complex problems originated by a serious accident, exchanging experiences and searching for definite solutions for the issues. The main topics are: the environmental and social impacts; technical and medical procedures; victims contamination and biological radiation effects in the body of the victims

The radiological accident of Goiania and its legislative implications; O acidente radiologico de Goiania e suas implicacoes legistativas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Costa, Ieda Rubens

2001-07-01

Starting from a reflective view of the historical relationships existing between mankind and nature, this work seeks to pinpoint the today crises and ecological awareness in order to better understand the sparse use of various forms of assault relating to the environment, emphasising the caesium 137 accident as an object of this research. The destructive crisis of capitalism and its ethics, has the ecological crisis as only one of its aspects, however, the caesium 137 accident in Goiania was never left to be treated without pertaining to that crisis. In this way, tackling the issue of the caesium 137 and its unfolding disclosures became impossible not to mention the dimensions of cultural, philosophy, politics, economics and legal issues of the accident. Therefore, within the scope of this research, the Caesium 137 accident was treated as to avoid a fragmented analysis. It was also been transformed into a interdisciplinary work, as it shows the configuration of many concepts, but not legal matters in itself, because the Law itself, as a science, does not have an object through excellency. (author)

First aid for the public exposed to cesium 137 in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valverde, N.

1986-01-01

The criterias for triage and reference to a third-level center of individuals of the public exposed to sup(137)Cs, in Goiania, State of Goias, Brazil, are described. Triage was hindered by the lack of physical dosimeters, the characteristics of the place where the accident took place, the delay between the casualty and its recognition, cultural mishaps together with a sense of possible legal liability, making the delivered information suspicious and a strike affecting the hospital where the patients were admitted, as well as its sponsoring institution, that made laboratory assistance virtually not available. Triage was exclusively based upon the histories, prodomal manifestations and physical findings. (author)

Radiological protection aspects regarding to assistance of the cesium-137 radiation accident victims in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hunt, John Graham; Oliveira Filho, Denizart Silveira de; Rabelo, Paulo Ney Pamplona

1997-01-01

The radiological protection measures taken in the general hospital of Goiania (HGG/INAMPS) and in the FEBEM institution, due to the accident involving Cesium-137 are described, as well as the work of the IRD personnel in the areas of: radiological protection of the medical and auxiliary staff, contamination control of the ward, radiological monitoring of the patients, waste management, personnel and area decontamination and patient transportation. (author)

Cytogenetic follow-up of patients exposed, 7.5 years after radiological accident in Goiania, Brazil; Sete anos e meio de acompanhamento citogenetico de pacientes expostos no acidente radiologico de Goiania

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ramalho, Adriana T. [Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria (IRD), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

1996-07-01

Ten persons exposed to {sup 137} Cs during the radiological accident in Goiania (Brazil) were reexamined for the frequency of unstable chromosomal aberrations (dicentric chromosomes, centric rings and acentric fragments) 7.5 years the first examination. It was found that the frequencies fell to about 5% of the initial values, for those individuals who had been exposed to moderate to high doses. For the subjects exposed to low doses, of the order of 0.2 Gy or less., the observed frequencies of chromosomal aberrations fell much more slowly. (author)

Localized lesions induced by 137Cs during the Goiania accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oliveira, A.R.; Brandao-Mello, C.E.; Valverde, N.J.; Farina, R.; Curado, M.P.

1991-01-01

A description is given of initial symptoms and clinical observations regarding acute localized radiation lesions in 28 persons exposed to 137Cs during the Goiania radiological accident. Specialized procedures to estimate the extent and gravity of the lesions and establish a therapeutic strategy, as well as to anticipate the prognosis in each case, are briefly discussed. Measures taken for reduction of pain and inflammation are noted, and an explanation is given for difficulties encountered due to adverse working conditions and the serious clinical manifestations presented by various patients concomitantly with their lesions. Also noted is the difficulty in obtaining credible information regarding exposure, such as source-to-object distance, duration of exposure, and source activity, which precluded dosimetry studies in most cases

Radiometric evaluation of graves of victims of the accident with Cesium 137 in Goiania, GO, Brazil: 25 years after

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lage, Leonardo B.; Correa, Rosangela da S.; Santos, Eliane E. dos; Freitas-Junior, Ruffo

2013-01-01

Twenty-five years after the radiation accident in Goiania, this study aims to evaluate the radiological situation in the area demarcated by the graves of the victims of the accident with cesium-137. Radiometric survey was carried out on the surface that encompasses the four graves and vicinity, from a pre-established mesh. Dose rate measurements were carried out, using the IdentFINDER equipment, positioned at 1 m height from the ground. The values of dose rates at the points measured ranged from 0.03 to 0.07 μSv/h. This variation of dose rate is less than those obtained in the local graveyard and are in the range of background radiation observed in Goiania. Considering the results obtained 25 years after the accident, it was concluded that engineering barriers adopted at that time are effective, stating the place absolutely safe from a radiological point of view, both for the individual from the public as to the environment

Goiania incident case study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Petterson, J.S.

1988-06-01

The reasons for wanting to document this case study and present the findings are simple. According to USDOE technical risk assessments (and our own initial work on the Hanford socioeconomic study), the likelihood of a major accident involving exposure to radioactive materials in the process of site characterization, construction, operation, and closure of a high-level waste repository is extremely remote. Most would agree, however, that there is a relatively high probability that a minor accident involving radiological contamination will occur sometime during the lifetime of the repository -- for example, during transport, at an MRS site or at the permanent site itself during repacking and deposition. Thus, one of the major concerns of the Yucca Mountain Socioeconomic Study is the potential impact of a relatively minor radiation-related accident. A large number of potential impact of a relatively minor radiation-related accident. A large number of potential accident scenarios have been under consideration (such as a transportation or other surface accident which results in a significant decline in tourism, the number of conventions, or the selection of Nevada as a retirement residence). The results of the work in Goiania make it clear, however, that such a significant shift in established social patterns and trends is not likely to occur as a direct outcome of a single nuclear-related accident (even, perhaps, a relatively major one), but rather, are likely to occur as a result of the enduring social interpretations of such an accident -- that is, as a result of the process of understanding, communicating, and socially sustaining a particular set of associations with respect to the initial incident

Aspects of radiation protection to attend the victims of radiological accident with cesium 137 in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hunt, J.G.; Oliveira Filho, D.S. de; Rabello, P.N.P.

1988-01-01

The radiological protection measures taken in the general hospital of Goiania (HGG/INAMPS) and in the FEBEM institution, due do the accident involving cesium 137 are described, as well the work of the NUCLEI personnel in the areas of: radiological protection of the medical and auxiliary staff, contamination control of the ward, radiological monitoring of the patients, waste management, personnel and area decontamination and patient transportation. (author) [pt

Analysis of the external doses received by workers involved in the mitigation of the Goiania radiological accident

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mauricio, C.L.P., E-mail: claudia@ird.gov.br [Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Div. de Dosimetria

2017-07-01

In 1987, after identification that a stolen head of a Cs-137 radiotherapy irradiator was violated, it starts, in Goiania, the screening of the involved persons, the decontamination and the collection of the radiative waste. The contaminated areas were isolated and the professionals who worked within these areas received individual film monitors and TLD rings, provided by the Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria (IRD), to evaluate their external dose. The aim of this paper is to present a statistical analysis of the external occupational doses received by this intervention staff. The used data were extracted from the Goiania accident database, maintained by IRD. A total of 1091 workers were monitored, some for only a few days and others for almost one year. All the total external occupational doses, received during these works, including the management of the radiative waste, were lower than the individual annual dose limit of 50 mSv for practices. Only one dose exceeded the value of 20 mSv. Their estimated mean effective doses were about 1.0 mSv, which is the annual dose limit for public exposure. About 80% of the doses were lower than this value. (author)

General medical and related aspects of the Goiania accident, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oliveira, A.R. de; Brandao-Melo, C.E.; Hunt, J.G.

1988-01-01

In a recent radiation accident occurred in the city of Goiania, central area of Brazil, approximately 250 people were exposed to a 137Cs source from a radiotherapy unit abandoned in a amedical clinic in that city. At least twelve patients showed some degree of bone marrow depression, from which eight developed the classical signs and symptoms of Acute radiation Syndrome (ARS). 28 people presented local radiation burns ranging from first to third degree. Around 100 people showed evidences of internal contamination due to the dissemination of the source powder. The authors describe the circumstances of the event, the first-aid measures taken at place, the criteria adopted during the triage of victims and the radiation protection procedures used during the management and treatment of the irradiated individuals. (author) [pt

Medical follow up of ten patients victims of the radiological accident occurred in Goiania, Goias State, Brazil 1988/1992; Acompanhamento clinico de dez pacientes vitimas do acidente radiologico de Goiania - 1988/1992

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Curado, M.P.; Morais, M.S.A.; Silva, J.F.; Assis, P.R.; Oliveira, A.R.; Santos, E.A

1992-12-31

The author makes an update of the medical aspects of ten victims of the radiological accident occurred in Goiania in September 1987. These patients received specialized treatment during the critical phase at Marcilio Dias Naval Hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Actually these patients are under medical follow-up at Leide das Neves Ferreira Foundation since march 1988. The clinical, haematological and laboratorial results are presented and discussed. The importance of a close medical follow-up direct victims of a radiological accident is stressed. (author) 13 refs., 5 tabs., 2 graphs.

The behaviour of caesium-137 in oxisols and in the Goiania soil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wasserman, M.A.

1998-01-01

The 137 Cs soil-to-plant transfer factors obtained in oxisols accidentally contaminated in Goiania and in artificially contaminated soils are found to be higher than those of soils in temperate climates. These differences are discussed in the light of pedology and geochemical partitioning. Tropical soil characteristics such as acidity, the low availability of nutritive elements and low content of 2:1 clay types seem to determine a high availability of 137 Cs. The results of sequential extraction showed 137 Cs weakly bound to soil components and underlines the importance of Fe oxides in the control of the 137 Cs in topical climates. (author)

The influence of Goiania radiological accident on Brazilian public opinion concerning new nuclear electric plants; A influencia do acidente radiologico de Goiania na aceitacao publica de novas usinas nucleoeletricas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Meldonian, Nelson Leon; Mattos, Luis Antonio Terribile de [Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil). Grupo de Energia e Ambiente

1997-12-31

The Brazilian society is against applications of nuclear energy, mainly respecting to construction of new nuclear power plants, believing that they are harmful to population`s welfare and the environment. By this reason, Brazilian nuclear sector would promote a more intensive program of public discussion, not limited to technical and scientific community. Intending to contribute to a better judgment by society about the differences between diverse employment of nuclear energy, arguments concerned to its benefits are presented, pointing out that adverse accounts to nuclear electricity based on Goiania radiological accident, are not justified 10 refs., 5 tabs.; e-mail: meldonia at net.ipen.br

The behaviour of caesium-137 in oxisols and in the Goiania soil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wasserman, M A [Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear, Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

1998-12-01

The {sup 137}Cs soil-to-plant transfer factors obtained in oxisols accidentally contaminated in Goiania and in artificially contaminated soils are found to be higher than those of soils in temperate climates. These differences are discussed in the light of pedology and geochemical partitioning. Tropical soil characteristics such as acidity, the low availability of nutritive elements and low content of 2:1 clay types seem to determine a high availability of {sup 137}Cs. The results of sequential extraction showed {sup 137}Cs weakly bound to soil components and underlines the importance of Fe oxides in the control of the {sup 137}Cs in topical climates. (author) 25 refs, 2 figs, 2 tabs

Cytogenetic follow-up of patients exposed, 7.5 years after radiological accident in Goiania, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramalho, Adriana T.

1996-01-01

Ten persons exposed to 137 Cs during the radiological accident in Goiania (Brazil) were reexamined for the frequency of unstable chromosomal aberrations (dicentric chromosomes, centric rings and acentric fragments) 7.5 years the first examination. It was found that the frequencies fell to about 5% of the initial values, for those individuals who had been exposed to moderate to high doses. For the subjects exposed to low doses, of the order of 0.2 Gy or less., the observed frequencies of chromosomal aberrations fell much more slowly. (author)

The influence of Goiania radiological accident on Brazilian public opinion concerning new nuclear electric plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meldonian, Nelson Leon; Mattos, Luis Antonio Terribile de

1997-01-01

The Brazilian society is against applications of nuclear energy, mainly respecting to construction of new nuclear power plants, believing that they are harmful to population's welfare and the environment. By this reason, Brazilian nuclear sector would promote a more intensive program of public discussion, not limited to technical and scientific community. Intending to contribute to a better judgment by society about the differences between diverse employment of nuclear energy, arguments concerned to its benefits are presented, pointing out that adverse accounts to nuclear electricity based on Goiania radiological accident, are not justified

Radioactive waste management Goiania - São Paulo: 30 years later

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Souza, D.C.B. de; Geraldo, B.; Tessaro, A.P.X.; Rostelato, M.E.C.M.; Marumo, J.T.; Carvalho, V.S.; Barbosa, N.K.O.; Vicente, R., E-mail: dcsouza@usp.br [Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN/CNEN-SP), São Paulo, SP (Brazil)

2017-07-01

Considered the largest urban radiological accident in the world, the accident in Goiânia with Cesium-137 resulted in the death of four people and injuries in another 49, besides measurable levels of internal or external contamination in 129. The accident generated also environmental contamination and thousands of tons of radioactive waste that resulted from the response activities. The accident occurred as a result of the dismantling of an equipment of radiotherapy by employees of a junkyard. Before the accident was identified, contaminated materials were sent to recycling companies in the state of São Paulo. The objective of this work was to report the existence of waste from Goiania accident in the state of São Paulo and to check the estimated activities at the time of the waste conditioning by measuring the current dose rates in waste packages, allowing a refinement of previously applied calculations. (author)

Radioactive waste management Goiania - São Paulo: 30 years later

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Souza, D.C.B. de; Geraldo, B.; Tessaro, A.P.X.; Rostelato, M.E.C.M.; Marumo, J.T.; Carvalho, V.S.; Barbosa, N.K.O.; Vicente, R.

2017-01-01

Considered the largest urban radiological accident in the world, the accident in Goiânia with Cesium-137 resulted in the death of four people and injuries in another 49, besides measurable levels of internal or external contamination in 129. The accident generated also environmental contamination and thousands of tons of radioactive waste that resulted from the response activities. The accident occurred as a result of the dismantling of an equipment of radiotherapy by employees of a junkyard. Before the accident was identified, contaminated materials were sent to recycling companies in the state of São Paulo. The objective of this work was to report the existence of waste from Goiania accident in the state of São Paulo and to check the estimated activities at the time of the waste conditioning by measuring the current dose rates in waste packages, allowing a refinement of previously applied calculations. (author)

Report about decontamination and follow-up of Cesium-137 radiation victims at the FEBEM unit in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cambises, P.B.S.; Sanchez, A.S.; Almeida, C.C.

1997-01-01

The acquired experience and the facts related to treatment and external decontamination of contaminated people of the primary group of the Goiania accident are reported. This group was sent to Unidade FEBEM from October 10 to December 20, 1987. The external decontamination methods and the observed results obtained by daily monitoring reports are presented. Furthermore, the applied methodology to release people or to ask them for further periodical check ups at the radiological control units is also presented. (author)

Hydrogeologic study of the radioactive waste disposal of Abadia de Goias, Goiania-GO

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pessoa, P.F.P.

1993-01-01

This study concerns with the results of hydrogeological evaluation of the area near Abadia de Goias district, Goiania, Brazil where 3.500 tons of radioactive waste of Cesium-137 will be buried. These results were obtained from several field tests and represent the pumping well data of the unconfined aquifer plus the water level seasonal variations from the observation wells. The piezometers grid was constructed to provide a more detailed information on the water movement along a two dimension surface. Samples were collected from bore holes and sent to laboratory for granulometric analysis. Field investigation and air photograph interpretation evidenced all drainage patterns what simplifies the understanding of morphological and structural relations. (author)

Monitoring the genetic health of humans accidentally exposed to ionizing radiation of Cesium-137 in Goiania (Brazil)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cruz, A. da; Glickman, B.W. [Victoria Univ., BC (Canada). Dept. of Biology. Centre for Environmental Health

1997-12-31

A long-term genetic monitoring of the Goiania population exposed to ionizing radiation of Cesium-137 is described using cytogenetic and molecular endpoints. Two molecular methods were employed: the hprt clonal assay, involving in vitro selection of 6-thioguanine-resistant hprt mutant clones which were characterized at the molecular level using RT-PCR and genomic analysis. Ionizing radiation exposure initially elevated hprt mutation frequency which gradually diminished, so that no significant increase was observed 4.5 years after original exposure. The spectrum of hprt mutation recovered from 10 individuals exposed to relatively high doses of radiation revealed a 4-fold increase in the frequency of A:T{yields}G:C transitions. Additionally, a two-fold increase in the frequency of deletions was observed which may reflect radiation-induced DNA strand breakage; determination of micro satellite instability using fluorescent PCR and genomic DNA from mononuclear cells. The frequency distribution of somatic micro satellite alterations in exposed and non-exposed populations were not different. We estimated the risk associated with radiation exposure for the exposed Goiania population. The estimated genetic risk of dominant disorders in the first post-exposure generation was increased by approximately a 24-fold. The risk of carcinogenesis was increased by a factor of 1.5 13 refs.; e-mail: acruz at uvic.ca.; bwglick at uvic.ca

The radiological accident of Goiania and its legislative implications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Costa, Ieda Rubens

2001-01-01

Starting from a reflective view of the historical relationships existing between mankind and nature, this work seeks to pinpoint the today crises and ecological awareness in order to better understand the sparse use of various forms of assault relating to the environment, emphasising the caesium 137 accident as an object of this research. The destructive crisis of capitalism and its ethics, has the ecological crisis as only one of its aspects, however, the caesium 137 accident in Goiania was never left to be treated without pertaining to that crisis. In this way, tackling the issue of the caesium 137 and its unfolding disclosures became impossible not to mention the dimensions of cultural, philosophy, politics, economics and legal issues of the accident. Therefore, within the scope of this research, the Caesium 137 accident was treated as to avoid a fragmented analysis. It was also been transformed into a interdisciplinary work, as it shows the configuration of many concepts, but not legal matters in itself, because the Law itself, as a science, does not have an object through excellency. (author)

Radiation protection during the medical assistance to the victims of the accident in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, L.H.C.; Fajardo, P.W.; Rosa, R.

1989-01-01

Some of the casualities of the radiological accident occured in Goiania (Brazil), consequence of the violation of a Cs-137 source were assisted at Marcillo Dias Naval Hospital. The risks associated to the contact with the patients were radioactive contamination and external exposure. To deal with this problem, a Radiation Protection Group was formed and a Radiation Protection Program was developed and implemented in order to assure that risks would be maintained as low as reasonably achievable. The objective of this paper is to present the acquired experience on the radiation protection support in case of emergency medical assistance in radiological accidents. (author). 1 ref.; 2 tabs

Comparative evaluations of surface contamination detectors calibration with radioactive sources - used in the Goiania accident, and standard sources

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Becker, P.H.B.; Marecha, M.H.H.

1997-01-01

The construction of Cs-137 standard flat sources for calibration of surface contamination detectors, used in the Goiania accident in 1987, is described and the procedures adopted are reported. At that time, standard sources were not available. Nowadays the Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria has standard sources acquired from Amersham which are used as calibration standards for surface contamination detectors. Comparative evaluations between the standard flat sources constructed for the accident and the calibrated ones are presented

induced chromosome aberrations analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Eight years follow up of the Goiania radiation accident victims

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Natarajan, A.T.; Santos, S.J.; Darroudi, F.; Hadjidikova, V.; Vermeulen, S.; Chatterjee, S.; Van de Berg, M.; Grigorova, M.; Sakamoto-Hojo, E.T.; Granath, F.; Ramalho, A.T.; Curado, M.P.

1998-01-01

The radiation accident in focus here occurred in a section of Goiania (Brazil) where more than a hundred individuals were contaminated with on September 1987. In order to estimate the absorbed radiation doses, initial frequencies of dicentrics and rings were determined in 129 victims [A.T. Ramalho, PhD Thesis, Subsidios a tecnica de dosimetria citogenetica gerados a partir da analise de resultados obtidos com o acidente radiologico de Goiania, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992]. We have followed some of these victims cytogenetically over the years seeking for parameters that could be used as basis for retrospective radiation dosimetry. Our data on translocation frequencies obtained by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) could be directly compared to the baseline frequencies of dicentrics available for those same victims. Our results provided valuable information on how precise these estimates are. The frequencies of translocations observed years after the radiation exposure were two to three times lower than the initial dicentrics frequencies, the differences being larger at higher doses (>1 Gy). The accuracy of such dose estimates might be increased by scoring sufficient amount of cells. However, factors such as the persistence of translocation carrying lymphocytes, translocation levels not proportional to chromosome size, and inter-individual variation reduce the precision of these estimates

Induced chromosome aberrations analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Eight years follow up of the Goiania radiation accident victims

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Natarajan, A.T.; Santos, S.J.; Darroudi, F.; Hadjidikova, V.; Vermeulen, S.; Chatterjee, S.; Van de Berg, M.; Grigorova, M. [Leiden University Medical Centrum LUMC, Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, Wassenaarseweg 72, 2333 AL Leiden (Netherlands); Sakamoto-Hojo, E.T. [Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto (Brazil); Granath, F. [Department of Mathematical Statistics, Stockholm University, Stockholm (Sweden); Ramalho, A.T. [Institute of Radioprotection and Dosimetry, National Commission of Nuclear Energy, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); Curado, M.P. [Foundation Leide das Neves Ferreira, Goiania (Brazil)

1998-05-25

The radiation accident in focus here occurred in a section of Goiania (Brazil) where more than a hundred individuals were contaminated with on September 1987. In order to estimate the absorbed radiation doses, initial frequencies of dicentrics and rings were determined in 129 victims [A.T. Ramalho, PhD Thesis, Subsidios a tecnica de dosimetria citogenetica gerados a partir da analise de resultados obtidos com o acidente radiologico de Goiania, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992]. We have followed some of these victims cytogenetically over the years seeking for parameters that could be used as basis for retrospective radiation dosimetry. Our data on translocation frequencies obtained by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) could be directly compared to the baseline frequencies of dicentrics available for those same victims. Our results provided valuable information on how precise these estimates are. The frequencies of translocations observed years after the radiation exposure were two to three times lower than the initial dicentrics frequencies, the differences being larger at higher doses (>1 Gy). The accuracy of such dose estimates might be increased by scoring sufficient amount of cells. However, factors such as the persistence of translocation carrying lymphocytes, translocation levels not proportional to chromosome size, and inter-individual variation reduce the precision of these estimates

In vitro susceptibility testing of dermatophytes isolated in Goiania, Brazil, against five antifungal agents by broth microdilution method Teste de suscetibilidade in vitro de dermatófitos isolados em Goiânia, Brasil, contra cinco agentes antifúngicos pelo método de microdiluição em caldo

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Crystiane Rodrigues Araújo

2009-02-01

Full Text Available The antifungal activities of fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine and griseofulvin were tested by broth microdilution technique, against 60 dermatophytes isolated from nail or skin specimens from Goiania city patients, Brazil. In this study, the microtiter plates were incubated at 28 ºC allowing a reading of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC after four days of incubation for Trichophyton mentagrophytes and five days for T. rubrum and Microsporum canis. Most of the dermatophytes had uniform patterns of susceptibility to the antifungal agents tested. Low MIC values as 0.03 µg/mL were found for 33.3%, 31.6% and 15% of isolates for itraconazole, ketoconazole and terbinafine, respectively.Atividades antifúngicas de fluconazol, itraconazol, cetoconazol, terbinafina e griseofulvina foram testadas pelo método de microdiluição em caldo contra 60 isolados de dermatófitos. Os resultados mostraram que todos os isolados produziram crescimento claramente detectável a 28 ºC e a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM foi determinada após quatro dias de incubação para Trichophyton mentagrophytes e cinco dias para T. rubrum e Microsporum canis. A maioria dos isolados teve um padrão uniforme de suscetibilidade para os agentes antifúngicos testados. Baixos valores de CIM como 0,03 µg/mL foram encontrados para 33,3%, 31,6% e 15% dos isolados para itraconazol, cetoconazol e terbinafina, respectivamente.

Monitoring the genetic health of persons in Goiania accidentally exposed to ionizing radiation from caesium-137

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Da Cruz, A.D.; Glickman, B.W.

1998-01-01

This work describes the long term genetic monitoring of the Goiania population exposed to ionizing radiation from 137 Cs, using cytogenetic and molecular endpoints. Cytogenetically, micronucleus frequencies differentiated groups exposed to different levels of radiation. Two molecular methods were employed: 1) the hprt clonal assay, involving in vitro selection of 6-thioguanine-resistant hprt mutant clones which were characterized at the molecular level using RT-PCR and genomic analysis. Ionizing radiation exposure initially elevated hprt mutation frequency which gradually diminished, so that no significant increase was observed four and a half years after original exposure. The spectrum of hprt mutations recovered from ten individuals exposed to relatively high doses of radiation revealed a fourfold increase in the frequency of A:T → G:C transitions. The increase is consistent with the effects of ionizing radiation in prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes. Additionally, a twofold increase in the frequency of deletions was observed which may reflect radiation induced DNA strand breakage; 2) determination of microsatellite instability using fluorescent PCR and genomic DNA from mononuclear cells. The frequency distributions of somatic microsatellite alterations in exposed and non-exposed populations were not different. Our assay lacked sensitivity to discriminate between spontaneous and induced microsatellite instability and therefore, is not suitable for population monitoring. Finally, we estimated the risk associated with radiation exposure for the exposed Goiania population. The estimated genetic risk of dominant disorders in the first post-exposure generation was increased nearly twenty-fourfold. The risk of carcinogenesis was increased by a factor of 1.5. (author)

Monitoring the genetic health of persons in Goiania accidentally exposed to ionizing radiation from caesium-137

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Da Cruz, A D; Glickman, B W [Centre for Environmental Health, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC (Canada)

1998-12-01

This work describes the long term genetic monitoring of the Goiania population exposed to ionizing radiation from {sup 137}Cs, using cytogenetic and molecular endpoints. Cytogenetically, micronucleus frequencies differentiated groups exposed to different levels of radiation. Two molecular methods were employed: (1) the hprt clonal assay, involving in vitro selection of 6-thioguanine-resistant hprt mutant clones which were characterized at the molecular level using RT-PCR and genomic analysis. Ionizing radiation exposure initially elevated hprt mutation frequency which gradually diminished, so that no significant increase was observed four and a half years after original exposure. The spectrum of hprt mutations recovered from ten individuals exposed to relatively high doses of radiation revealed a fourfold increase in the frequency of A:T {yields} G:C transitions. The increase is consistent with the effects of ionizing radiation in prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes. Additionally, a twofold increase in the frequency of deletions was observed which may reflect radiation induced DNA strand breakage; (2) determination of microsatellite instability using fluorescent PCR and genomic DNA from mononuclear cells. The frequency distributions of somatic microsatellite alterations in exposed and non-exposed populations were not different. Our assay lacked sensitivity to discriminate between spontaneous and induced microsatellite instability and therefore, is not suitable for population monitoring. Finally, we estimated the risk associated with radiation exposure for the exposed Goiania population. The estimated genetic risk of dominant disorders in the first post-exposure generation was increased nearly twenty-fourfold. The risk of carcinogenesis was increased by a factor of 1.5. (author)

The fate of chromosomal aberrations in 137Cs-exposed individuals in the Goiania radiation accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramalho, A.T.; Nascimento, A.C.

1991-01-01

Following the Goiania radiation accident, lymphocytes from 110 exposed or potentially exposed individuals were analyzed for the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations (dicentrics and centric rings) to estimate absorbed radiation dose. Dose estimates for 21 subjects exceeded 1.0 Gy, and for eight subjects they exceeded 4.0 Gy. Four of the subjects died. After the emergency period, a cytogenetic follow-up of 10 of the highest exposed patients was started. The results suggest that the average disappearance half-time of lymphocytes containing dicentric and centric rings was 130 d, which is shorter than the usually accepted value of 3 y reported in the literature

Report about decontamination and follow-up of Cesium-137 radiation victims at the FEBEM unit in Goiania; Relato de participacao e a experiencia adquirida no tratamento de descontaminacao e acompanhamento de radioacidentados com Cesio-137 na Unidade FEBEM de Goiania

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Cambises, P.B.S.; Sanchez, A.S.; Almeida, C.C. [Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil)

1997-12-31

The acquired experience and the facts related to treatment and external decontamination of contaminated people of the primary group of the Goiania accident are reported. This group was sent to Unidade FEBEM from October 10 to December 20, 1987. The external decontamination methods and the observed results obtained by daily monitoring reports are presented. Furthermore, the applied methodology to release people or to ask them for further periodical check ups at the radiological control units is also presented. (author) 2 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.

Recent evaluation of gamma radiation levels due to 137 Cs accident in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Umisedo, Nancy K.; Okuno, Emico; Yoshimura, Elisabeth M.; Guimaraes, Carla C.; Facure, Alessandro; Anjos, Roberto Meigikos dos

2001-01-01

This paper presents recent results of thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) in two lots of Goiania, the city of central region of Brazil that was the local of one of the worst radiological accidents of the world, in 1987. The dosimeters used in this work are similar to those used in the Dosimetry Laboratory of Physics Institute of S. Paulo University in routine dosimetry. Fifteen environmental monitors were placed in air, one meter above the ground, at chosen locations of both lots during 56 days. Three persons that live and work at one of the lots were also monitored with personnel dosimeters. The highest value obtained for personal dose equivalent rate was 3.56 mSv/year and the values of ambient dose equivalent rate ranged from 2.31 to 12.47 mSv/year. (author)

Comparative evaluations of surface contamination detectors calibration with radioactive sources - used in the Goiania accident, and standard sources; Estudo comparativo da calibracao dos monitores de contaminacao superficial com as fontes radiativas utilizadas durante o acidente de Goiania e com fontes padrao

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Becker, P.H.B.; Marecha, M.H.H. [Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria (IRD), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

1997-12-31

The construction of Cs-137 standard flat sources for calibration of surface contamination detectors, used in the Goiania accident in 1987, is described and the procedures adopted are reported. At that time, standard sources were not available. Nowadays the Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria has standard sources acquired from Amersham which are used as calibration standards for surface contamination detectors. Comparative evaluations between the standard flat sources constructed for the accident and the calibrated ones are presented 6 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.; e-mail: pbecker at ird.gov.br; mhelena at ird. gov.br

Soil sampling in emergency situations; Amostragem de solos em situacoes de emergencia

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Carvalho, Zenildo Lara de [Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria (IRD), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Ramos Junior, Anthenor Costa [Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Superintendencia de Licenciamento e Controle

1997-12-31

The soil sampling methods used in Goiania`s accident (1987) by the environmental team of Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) are described. The development of this method of soil sampling to a emergency sampling method used in a Nuclear Emergency Exercise in Angra dos Reis Reactor Site (1991) is presented. A new method for soil sampling based on a Chernobyl environmental monitoring experience (1995) is suggested. (author) 15 refs.

The spread of 137Cs by resuspension of contaminated soil in the urban area of Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pires do Rio, M.A.; Amaral, E.C.S.; Paretzke, H.G.

2000-01-01

Measurements regarding the population exposure were performed in Goiania after the radiological accident as well as studies on resuspension and redeposition of 137 Cs in urban areas, on the contribution of soil splash to the 137 Cs uptake by leafy vegetables and on the transfer of 137 Cs from soil to chicken meat and eggs. Periodical street dust sampling was used to follow-up the spreading of the radionuclide in the city. The results do not indicate a measurable spreading of this radionuclide throughout the city from the contaminated areas, but resuspension can lead to significant local contamination of agricultural products, equipment, structures, etc. (author)

Medical follow up of ten patients victims of the radiological accident occurred in Goiania, Goias State, Brazil 1988/1992

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Curado, M.P.; Morais, M.S.A.; Silva, J.F.; Assis, P.R.; Oliveira, A.R.; Santos, E.A.

1992-01-01

The author makes an update of the medical aspects of ten victims of the radiological accident occurred in Goiania in September 1987. These patients received specialized treatment during the critical phase at Marcilio Dias Naval Hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Actually these patients are under medical follow-up at Leide das Neves Ferreira Foundation since march 1988. The clinical, haematological and laboratorial results are presented and discussed. The importance of a close medical follow-up direct victims of a radiological accident is stressed. (author)

Radiation protection in the Marcilio Dias Naval Hospital during the arrived of the victims of the accident in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fajardo, P.W.

1988-05-01

The procedure carried out for Nuclear Medicine Sector of the Marcilio Dias Hospital in the arrived of the victims more graves of the accident in Goiania are presented. The datas obtained with the services of monitoring realized with the detector DSM-3 of the Nardeaux and the radiometric raising of the patients and of their bedroom, making with a ionization chamber 'baby-line' are shown. The services of radiation protection in the ward and the decontamination of the patients are described. The procedures to the necropsy of the contamineted bodies are presented. (V.R.B.)

The radiological accident in Goiania. Environmental aspects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rochedo, E.R.R.

2000-01-01

In 1987 a radioactive source containing CsCl powder was removed from a teletherapy machine in Goiania, Brazil. Subsequently it was ruptured in a residential garden, causing the dissemination of the 137 Cs powder over about 1 km 2 in an urbanized area of the city. The radioactive material was passed on to several people with consequent contamination of their families, houses, and surrounding environments. Mechanisms of resuspension/deposition spread the material over roofs, trees and home gardens. Environmental surveys were performed by helicopter and by car; contaminated places were mapped following monitoring with hand held instruments and an extensive environmental sample monitoring programme was undertaken. Dose assessments were performed: the criteria established by the authorities for decontamination were a dose of 5 mSv in the first year and an average lifetime dose of 1 mSv per year. The first-year dose criterion was found to be the most restrictive. Significant contamination was found at 85 houses: 41 of these had to be evacuated. Houses were first decontaminated indoors, by washing, scraping and/or removing contaminated items and furniture, and then outdoors by tearing out walls, roofs and pavements. Layers of soil were removed from contaminated gardens. Follow-up monitoring of the environment showed that several years after the accident, the residual activity had not migrated and no further spread through resuspension or deposition had occurred. A weathering half-life of 13 years was observed for gamma dose rates. Lessons learned included the need to improve several aspects of emergency response preparedness such as general management and interface between institutions, medical and paramedical support teams, dealing with the media and adequate prospective models for dose assessment. (author)

Report of the activities carried out by the Psychological Support Group in the Goiania radiological accident in Brazil; Relatorio de atividades desenvolvidas pelo Nucleo de Apoio Psicologico da Rua 57

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1988-01-01

The report analyzes the characteristics and attitudes of the population directly involved in the Goiania radiological accident. The inhabitants of the affected area were interviewed in their residence. Factual information about the accidents were given and specific psychological support were received whenever necessary 11 tabs.

Determination of cesium-137 soil-to-plant concentration ratios for vegetables in Goiania City, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lauria, D.C.; Sachett, I.A.; Pereira, J.C.; Zenaro, R.

1994-01-01

The radiological accident that occurred in Goiania City, Brazil, in September 1987, led to the spreading of 137 Cs in the urban area. Even after the decontamination procedure, there was a reminiscence of 137 Cs activity in the soil of residential gardens. This activity was enough to conduct preliminary experiments for determination of soil to vegetable concentration ratios. Experiments were conducted for carrots, lettuce and radishes. Two types of experimental patterns were used to determine the concentration ratios: lysimeters cultivation under greenhouse condition and soil cultivation in open field plot. The concentration ratios measured for cultivation under greenhouse and field plot conditions are considerably higher than those mentioned in the International Union of Radioecologist (IUR) data bank for the same vegetables and cultivation condition. (author) 5 refs.; 2 figs.; 3 tabs

Cesium-137 monitoring of aquatic and terrestrial environment in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Godoy, J.N.O.; Guimaraes, J.R.D.; Gouvea, V.A.; Rochedo, E.R.R.

1988-01-01

During the Goiania radiological accident, aprox. 1200 Ci of Cs - 137 were inadvertently manipulated and an unknown fraction of this total was available for environmental dispertion during at least 6 weeks, before efficient remedial action could be undertaken. The main dispersion pathways were rainwater run-off and soil ressuspension and further deposition. Cs-137 monitoring in the local environment started in the first week of October, including to date aprox. 1300 measurements of soil, vegetable (fruits and kitchen-gardens), ground and drinking water, sediments and fish, aerosol, precipitation and external dose measurement with TL dosimeters, in the surroundings of the main contamination spots. Until the conclusion of de-contamination activities in late December, the ranges of Cs-137 in a 50m radius of evacuated areas were as follows: 10 2 -10 4 Bq/Kg for surface soils and edible vegetables, 10 0 -10 1 mBq/m 3 in air and 10 Bq/l in all water types. River sediment and fish 5-10 Km downstream the accident are ranged respectively 10 2 -10 3 and 10 2 /Kg. These data indicated the pathways and locations for intervention for further reduction of radiation exposure. This intervention consisted mainly in tree-tipping and surface soil removal. (author) [pt

The follow-up of in vivo measurements on the patients of the Goiania accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oliveira, C.A.N.; Melo, D.R.; Dantas, B.M.; Nani, G.J.; Lipsztein, J.L.; Laurer, G.R.

2000-01-01

A radiological accident occurred in September 1987 in the city of Goiania, Brazil, due to violation of a 50.9 TBq 137 Cs source used for medical therapy. This accident resulted internal and external contamination as well as irradiation of members of the public. Some people had radiation bums after rubbing the fragments of the source on their skin. Successive skin decontamination were carried on until there was no external detection of $ radiation. In August 1990, with the objective of verifying the long term retention of Cs in the scares, a detection system to perform in vivo measurements in specific regions of the body, with enough sensitivity to discriminate surface and deep contamination, based on the ratio K α /K β ( 137m Ba characteristic X-rays) was set up in Goiania. This system was also used to obtain information of the distribution of residual activities of 137 Cs in the body, 3 years after the intake. The detector applied in this set of measurements system consisted of a HPGe type N, collimated with a 20 cm x 0.5 mm layer of cooper. Ten people were selected for this study based on their remaining 137 Cs body burden, which was obtained using a 8''x4'' NaI(Tl) detector, and on the presence of radiation bum scares. The selected individuals laid down on a thin matrix under the detection system. The HPGe was positioned over and close to the region of interest, which was different for each patient. Two of the subjects showed evidence of significant caesium activity still remaining in wound sites. These results were obtained through the detection of the 137m Ba characteristic X-rays from the decay of 137 Cs. Four of the 10 individuals measured exhibited high levels of X-ray activity in the surface area above the liver. The measurement of these low energy X-rays (30 keV) from an organ as deep in the body as the liver indicates a significant amount of activity in that organ and also that caesium is probably not homogeneously distributed. (author)

Subsidies to cytogenetic dosimetry technique generated from analysis of results of Goiania radiological accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramalho, Adriana Teixeira

1993-06-01

Following the Goiania radiation accident, which occurred in September of 1987, peripheral lymphocytes from 129 exposed or potentially exposed individuals were analyzed for the frequency of unstable chromosomal aberrations (dicentrics and centric rings) to estimate absorbed radiation dose. During the emergency period, the doses were assessed to help immediate medical treatment. After this initial estimation, doses were reassessed using in vitro calibration curves produced after the accident, more suitable for the conditions prevailing in Goiania. Dose estimates for 24 subjects exceeded 0,5 Gy. Among those, 15 individuals exceeded 1,0 Gy and 5 exceeded 3,0 Gy. None of the estimates exceeded 6,0 Gy. Four of the subjects died. During the emergency period, a cytogenetic follow-up of 14 of the exposed patients was started, aiming to observe the mean lifetime of lymphocytes containing dicentric and ring aberrations. The results suggest that for the highly exposed individuals the disappearance rate of unstable aberrations follows a two- term exponential function. Up to 470 days after the exposure, there is a rapid fall in the aberration frequency. After 470 days, the disappearance rate is very slow, almost constant. The estimated average half-time of elimination of dicentrics and rings among the highly exposed group (> 1 Gy) was 140 days for the initial period after the exposure (up to 470 days). This value is significantly shorter than the usually accepted value of 3 years reported in the literature. Mean disappearance functions of unstable chromosome aberrations were inferred, to be applied in accident situations in which there is a blood sampling delay. Statistical analysis of possible correlations between the individual half-times and biological parameters, such as sex, age, leukopenia level shown during the critical period, absorbed dose (initial frequency of chromosomal aberrations) and the administration of the bone marrow stimulating factor (rHuGM-CSF) was

Subsidies to cytogenetic dosimetry technique generated from analysis of results of Goiania radiological accident; Subsidios a tecnica de dosimetria citogenetica gerados a partir da analise de resultados obtidos com o acidente radiologico de Goiania

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ramalho, Adriana Teixeira

1993-06-15

Following the Goiania radiation accident, which occurred in September of 1987, peripheral lymphocytes from 129 exposed or potentially exposed individuals were analyzed for the frequency of unstable chromosomal aberrations (dicentrics and centric rings) to estimate absorbed radiation dose. During the emergency period, the doses were assessed to help immediate medical treatment. After this initial estimation, doses were reassessed using in vitro calibration curves produced after the accident, more suitable for the conditions prevailing in Goiania. Dose estimates for 24 subjects exceeded 0,5 Gy. Among those, 15 individuals exceeded 1,0 Gy and 5 exceeded 3,0 Gy. None of the estimates exceeded 6,0 Gy. Four of the subjects died. During the emergency period, a cytogenetic follow-up of 14 of the exposed patients was started, aiming to observe the mean lifetime of lymphocytes containing dicentric and ring aberrations. The results suggest that for the highly exposed individuals the disappearance rate of unstable aberrations follows a two- term exponential function. Up to 470 days after the exposure, there is a rapid fall in the aberration frequency. After 470 days, the disappearance rate is very slow, almost constant. The estimated average half-time of elimination of dicentrics and rings among the highly exposed group (> 1 Gy) was 140 days for the initial period after the exposure (up to 470 days). This value is significantly shorter than the usually accepted value of 3 years reported in the literature. Mean disappearance functions of unstable chromosome aberrations were inferred, to be applied in accident situations in which there is a blood sampling delay. Statistical analysis of possible correlations between the individual half-times and biological parameters, such as sex, age, leukopenia level shown during the critical period, absorbed dose (initial frequency of chromosomal aberrations) and the administration of the bone marrow stimulating factor (rHuGM-CSF) was

The radiological accident of Goiania and its consequences for the development of law

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Franco, N.M.F.L.

1998-01-01

The radiological accident of Goiania and its repercussions caused intense debate in Brazilian society, which extended to the legislative sphere. One of the principal outcomes of this debate was the inclusion in the new Brazilian Constitutional Charter of legal provisions covering the control of nuclear energy and of radiation sources. Internationally, the 1986 Vienna Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency were invoked following the accident and proved to be effective in facilitating international co-operation and solidarity to deal with the aftermath of the accident. A number of international treaties on assistance in the event of nuclear accidents, the management of radioactive waste and the management of spent fuel are currently in force. The Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste, adopted in 1997, is the most recent treaty promoting the sustainability of nuclear activities. Looking ahead, an international legal framework is needed to build upon and improve the principles of a culture of radiation safety. (author)

Study of {sup 137} Cs contamination in Rochedo Reservoir, Meia Ponte river (Goias State) from the radiologic accident in Goiania; Estudo da contaminacao por {sup 137} Cs na Represa do Rochedo, Rio Meia Ponte (GO), proveniente do acidente radiologico de Goiania

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

De Luca, Marcia Emilia M. [Universidade Federal, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Inst. de Biofisica; Godoy, Jose Marcos O. [Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria (IRD), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

1997-12-31

Through {sup 137} Cs concentration profiles in sediments from Rochedo Reservoir, it was possible to estimate the amount of this radionuclide (94 GBq) which has reached the Meia Ponte River system, as a consequence of the Goiania radiological accident in 1987. Based on in-situ measurements as well as on laboratory studies, the influence of N H{sub 4}{sup +} concentration on the K{sub d} value was also investigated. The results have shown that for high N H{sub 4}{sup +} concentrations there is a clear correlation between both parameters. It was also observed the influence on the aging effect on the {sup 137} Cs release from the sediment, as well as of the illite content in it. (author) 9 refs., 6 figs.

The radiological accident of Goiania and the acceptance by the public of new nuclear power plants; El accidente radiologico de Goiania y la aceptacion publica de nuevas centrales nucleares

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Meldonian, N L; Mattos, L A.T. [Grupo de Energia e Ambiente, Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares, Sao Paulo (Brazil)

1998-12-01

Misunderstandings on the peaceful uses and the safety of nuclear energy have been a leading cause of apprehension in Brazilian public opinion. A lack of knowledge of the characteristics and destination of radioactive wastes and negative media coverage of the use of nuclear energy have aggravated this situation. Believing that applications of nuclear energy are harmful to the population`s welfare and the environment, Brazilian public opinion is opposed to the utilization of nuclear energy, and in particular to the construction of new nuclear power plants. For this reason, the Brazilian nuclear sector should promote a more intensive programme of public discussion, directed not solely at the technical and scientific communities, but also at the Brazilian public at large. Such a campaign would contribute towards a better understanding by Brazilian society of the different uses of nuclear energy and would present arguments in support of the benefits of this form of energy. Moreover, a campaign of this kind would show that negative associations about the use of electricity derived from nuclear power, which are based on the Goiania radiological accident, are not justified. (author) 10 refs, 5 tabs

Study of 137 Cs contamination in Rochedo Reservoir, Meia Ponte river (Goias State) from the radiologic accident in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

De Luca, Marcia Emilia M.

1997-01-01

Through 137 Cs concentration profiles in sediments from Rochedo Reservoir, it was possible to estimate the amount of this radionuclide (94 GBq) which has reached the Meia Ponte River system, as a consequence of the Goiania radiological accident in 1987. Based on in-situ measurements as well as on laboratory studies, the influence of N H 4 + concentration on the K d value was also investigated. The results have shown that for high N H 4 + concentrations there is a clear correlation between both parameters. It was also observed the influence on the aging effect on the 137 Cs release from the sediment, as well as of the illite content in it. (author)

The use of uranium exploitation techniques in the selection of a candidate site for Cs-137 radioactive wastes from the Goiania accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saad, S.

1997-01-01

The selection of a candidate site for the disposal of wastes containing Cesium-137 originated by the Goiania accident followed a sequence of studies where specific exploratory techniques in the field of geoscience were applied through geophysical, geochemical, hydrological, hydrogeological and pedological investigations and subsurface drillings. This programme has been aimed at characterizing in detail the selected site, in order to obtain parameters for the conceptual engineering design and also to elaborate the Environmental Impact Report. Among the different options encountered, the site which presented the best characteristics to store those wastes is located about 300 m west of the provisional repository. (author)

Aerial radiometric surveying of Goiania city, Brazil, after the accident with Cs-137

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barreto, P.M.C.; Fonseca, E.S. da

1988-01-01

A low altitude (40 m) aeroradiometric survey with an helicopter was carried out over Goiania city few days after the Cs-137 radiological accident was communicated to CNEN. The objective was to evaluate the extension of the contamination. All the urban area plus dwellings centers in the outskirts of the city as well as drainage systems were surveyed in two days of operation. A total of 67 million m 2 were evaluated. This survey found out only one contamination point (1.1 R/h) which was not yet identified by the ground crews. No contamination was found in the Capin Puba Creek and Meia Ponte river. Detection tests at differen heights over the main contamination points showed that Cs-137 radiation could be detected at more than 350m above them. The results demonstrated that the contamination was restricted to points in the neighbourhood of the junkyard where the source was violated. Such points were under the control of CNEN personnel. The advantages of the airbone technique was to cover a large area in short time. The non-existence of a regional contamination was an important fact to calm the population and the Government. (author) [pt

Six years of cytogenetic follow-up of unstable chromosome aberrations in Goiania patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramalho, A.T.; Curado, M.P.; Natarajan, A.T.; Cohen, J.A.

2000-01-01

Following the radiological accident which occurred in the city of Goiania (Brazil), in September of 1987, a cytogenetic follow-up of 16 exposed patients was started, aiming to observe the mean life time of lymphocytes containing dicentric and ring aberrations. The results suggest that for the highly exposed individuals (doses above 1 Gy) the disappearance rate of unstable aberrations follows a two-term exponential function. Up to 470 days after exposure, there is a rapid fall in the aberration frequency. After 470 days, the disappearance rate is very slow. These results may reflect different subpopulations of human lymphocytes, with different life spans. The estimated average half-time of elimination of dicentrics and rings among the highly exposed group (doses above 1 Gy) was 140 days for the initial period after the exposure (up to 470 days). This value is significantly shorter than the usually accepted value of 3 years reported in the literature. For the individuals who had received less than 1 Gy the disappearance of aberrations seems to have occurred in a slower way. Mean disappearance functions of unstable chromosome aberrations were inferred, to be applied in accident situations in which there is a blood sampling delay. (author)

Management of radioactive wastes from HNMD (Hospital Naval Marcilio Dias) and from IRD (Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria) due to the accident in Goiania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Peres, S.S.; Silva, J.J.G.

1988-01-01

A description of the methods and procedures for the management of the radwastes from HNMD (Hospital Naval Marcilio Dias) and from IRD (Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria) due to the radioactive accident at Goiania City, is presented. Basically the radwastes are consituted by excreta of persons involved in the accident and materials used for medicals care of patients. The method employed for treatment of faeces was its aggregation in lime and cement and for the case of urine, ion exchange resing, was used. Others type of radwastes were compacted or simply conditionned. Many releases to the environment, were possible. (author) [pt

Assessment of natural and artificial radiation dose in the city urban area of Goiania, Goias, Brazil: results of Campinas - Centro and Sul regions

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Silva, Nivaldo C.; Dias, Danila C.S.; Guerrero, Eder T.Z.; Alberti, Heber L.C., E-mail: ncsilva@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: edertzg@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: heber@cnen.gov.br [Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear (LAPOC/CNEN), Pocos de Caldas, MG (Brazil). Laboratorio de Pocos de Caldas; Santos, Eliane E.; Pimenta, Lucinei R.; Costa, Heliana F., E-mail: esantos@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: lucinei@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: heliana@cnen.gov.br [Centro Regional de Ciencias Nucleares do Centro-Oeste (CRCN-CO/CNEN-GO), Abadia de Goias, GO (Brazil)

2011-07-01

An assessment of external gamma dose was carried out in some urban areas in the city of Goiania - GO - Brazil, allowing to infer the contribution of this component to the average annual effective dose value for the population leaving in that region. The measurements were done using a vehicle with a mobile radioactivity measurement system, Thermo-Eberline FHT 1376, consisting of plastic scintillation detector and a Global Position System (GPS), which is able to collect gamma dose rate as well as the local spatial coordinates. These data, associated with those from national census, provided by Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistic, were analyzed using the ArcGIS software, a well known Geographical Information System - GIS. As the main result, radiometric maps were produced, illustrating how effective dose values are distributed within the selected areas and also correlating the collective dose values for these populations. Around 57,000 geo referenced effective dose values were measured in the so-called Campinas-Centro and Sul Regions, which are two of the seven regions Goiania is divided in for administrative purposes. The dose rates ranging from 10.4 to 192.7 nSv/h with an average of 22.4 nSv/h, which means 0.20 mSv/year as the annual effective dose. This values are lower than the worldwide average effective dose value of 0.46 mSv/year for outdoor exposures from terrestrial radiation sources) and lower than the previous average values found in Brazil for the regions of Pocos de Caldas, Guarapari, Andradas and Caldas. Actually, the average value is comparable with those observed in the Ribeirao Preto - SP - Brazil City. (author)

Assessment of natural and artificial radiation dose in the city urban area of Goiania, Goias, Brazil: results of Campinas - Centro and Sul regions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, Nivaldo C.; Dias, Danila C.S.; Guerrero, Eder T.Z.; Alberti, Heber L.C.

2011-01-01

An assessment of external gamma dose was carried out in some urban areas in the city of Goiania - GO - Brazil, allowing to infer the contribution of this component to the average annual effective dose value for the population leaving in that region. The measurements were done using a vehicle with a mobile radioactivity measurement system, Thermo-Eberline FHT 1376, consisting of plastic scintillation detector and a Global Position System (GPS), which is able to collect gamma dose rate as well as the local spatial coordinates. These data, associated with those from national census, provided by Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistic, were analyzed using the ArcGIS software, a well known Geographical Information System - GIS. As the main result, radiometric maps were produced, illustrating how effective dose values are distributed within the selected areas and also correlating the collective dose values for these populations. Around 57,000 geo referenced effective dose values were measured in the so-called Campinas-Centro and Sul Regions, which are two of the seven regions Goiania is divided in for administrative purposes. The dose rates ranging from 10.4 to 192.7 nSv/h with an average of 22.4 nSv/h, which means 0.20 mSv/year as the annual effective dose. This values are lower than the worldwide average effective dose value of 0.46 mSv/year for outdoor exposures from terrestrial radiation sources) and lower than the previous average values found in Brazil for the regions of Pocos de Caldas, Guarapari, Andradas and Caldas. Actually, the average value is comparable with those observed in the Ribeirao Preto - SP - Brazil City. (author)

The great fear of 1987: a rereading of the accident with Cesium-137 in Goiania, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oliveira Junior, Euripedes Monteiro de

2016-01-01

The works that take as object of study the radioactive accident in Goiania, and I have found to date, have tried to give special importance to its legal, psychosocial and clinical trials of radiation patients. Here in this text, I will try to understand this event from its historical dimension of fear, emphasizing its historicity from the social and cultural practices of some people, groups and entities involved with the issue. In other words, the focus of this study will be in the memories of those social relations that have been built while unfolding the event, both past and present. In this sense, we find our main concerns contained in a number of issues that are constantly alluded to discussions in which the central concepts refer to the event, memory and narrative in this case will be worked out by building the fear contained in people's memories, in groups involved in the event as well as the narratives constructed by official agencies involved in the event along with the film and the news media. (author)

The radiological accident of Goiania and the acceptance by the public of new nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meldonian, N.L.; Mattos, L.A.T.

1998-01-01

Misunderstandings on the peaceful uses and the safety of nuclear energy have been a leading cause of apprehension in Brazilian public opinion. A lack of knowledge of the characteristics and destination of radioactive wastes and negative media coverage of the use of nuclear energy have aggravated this situation. Believing that applications of nuclear energy are harmful to the population's welfare and the environment, Brazilian public opinion is opposed to the utilization of nuclear energy, and in particular to the construction of new nuclear power plants. For this reason, the Brazilian nuclear sector should promote a more intensive programme of public discussion, directed not solely at the technical and scientific communities, but also at the Brazilian public at large. Such a campaign would contribute towards a better understanding by Brazilian society of the different uses of nuclear energy and would present arguments in support of the benefits of this form of energy. Moreover, a campaign of this kind would show that negative associations about the use of electricity derived from nuclear power, which are based on the Goiania radiological accident, are not justified. (author)

The role of FUNLEIDE in the follow-up or assistance to the victims of the Goiania accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Santos, Q.C.B.

2000-01-01

The FUNLEIDE (Fundacao Leide Da Neves Ferreira) was created by the Government with the objectives of planning, organising, supervising and giving assistance to the persons involved in the radiation accident with 137 Cs in Goiania. The medical service of the FUNLEIDE is responsible for searching early signals for possible alterations caused by ionising radiation, such as cancer, cataract, genetic changes, etc., following a specific protocol for routine exams of the patients assigned Group I (with radiodermatitis and/or whole body dosimetry above or equal to 20 rads), Group II (no dermatitis, dosimetry below to 20 rads) and Group III (professionals who worked in the emergency phase of the accident as well as relatives and other persons who got in contact with patients from Group I and II). The FUNLEIDE is formed by the following departments: Medical Department, Nursing Department, Laboratories, Department of Odonthology, Department of Psychology and Department of Social Service. Besides the routine exams, the Medical Department provides any kind of medical assistance for the population involved in the accident. (author)

Study of the mineralogic composition influence of the ground of Goiania, Brazil, in the distribution coefficient of the 137 Cs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon

2000-01-01

Interactions between the soil and a solute in a liquid effluent depend on the characteristics of this solute as well as on the nature of the soil. The soil distribution coefficient K d in non altered natural systems can be estimated by the summation of the K d 's of its individual mineral components. In thesis this approach allows an evaluation of the distribution coefficient on the basis of the qualitative and quantitative identification of the mineral constituents of a given soil. This work reported here aimed at gathering preliminary data and at pointing the relevance of the approach in studies of radionuclide sorption by soils. A sample of the Goiania soil was collected and analyzed by X Ray diffractometry. The thus identified mineral components were subsequently submitted to individual batch tests, using 137 Cs as tracer. The mineral species tested were: kaolinite, gibbsite, goethite, hematite, muscovite, quartz and zirconite. The values obtained for K d are presented and discussed. (author)

Spreading of 137 C in the Goiania urban area by resuspension and transport of surface soil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rio, Monica Pires do; Amaral, Eliana

2002-01-01

The resuspension of surface soil was considered the mechanism responsible by the spreading of 137 Cs after the Goiania accident, which affected an urban area of about 1 km 2 . Studies on the transport of 137 Cs associated to the surface soil were performed in a house located at 57 th Street, close to the main focus of contamination, from 05/89 to 07/00. Periodically, samples of surface soil and soil profile were collected at the house yards and street dust sampling at representative locations was performed in order to know the extension of the contamination in the city. The soil profile samples have shown the low mobility of 137 Cs in deep layers of the soil, although a slight long-term decrease of the 137 Cs activity concentration in the surface soil were observed. The 137 Cs activity concentration in the street dust samples also decrease with time, suggesting a natural dilution of the contamination in those samples; higher values were only found in few locations close to the foci of primary deposition and no additional spreading of the radionuclide is expected to occur from that area. Street dust sampling is a suitable method to assess the spreading of caesium in urban environment. (author)

Definição de níveis aceitáveis baseados no risco para hidrocarbonetos no Município de Porto Alegre segundo a metodologia RBCA Definition of risk-based screening levels to hydrocarbons in Porto Alegre municipality according to the RBCA methodology

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Eri Takeuchi

2009-12-01

Full Text Available O presente estudo definiu valores de NABR (Níveis Aceitáveis Baseados no Risco para hidrocarbonetos no Município de Porto Alegre, de acordo a metodologia RBCA, adotando-se dados hidrogeológicos dos compartimentos Embasamento Cristalino alterado e Depósitos Sedimentares Quaternários. Os parâmetros de exposição adequados à população do município, bem como dados de toxicidade dos compostos selecionados, foram definidos a partir de fontes bibliográficas e bancos toxicológicos disponíveis. As tabelas de referência geradas são, em geral, mais restritivas para o Embasamento Cristalino em relação aos Depósitos Sedimentares. Comparados às tabelas de referência da Cetesb, os valores correspondentes a Porto Alegre são inferiores, resultando na necessidade de investigações ambientais mais detalhadas em áreas impactadas por hidrocarbonetos.This study defined RBSL (Risk Based Screening Levels values to hydrocarbons in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. The values were obtained through the RBCA methodology, using hydrogeological data from the Crystalline Altered Basement and the Quaternary Sedimentary Deposits. The exposure parameters appropriate to the urban population, as well as toxicity data of selected compounds, were obtained from bibliographical sources and toxicological databases. The reference tables demonstrated that the Crystalline Altered Basement values, in general, are more restrictive than those from the Quaternary Sedimentary Deposits. In comparison to Cetesb's reference tables, the values in Porto Alegre are lower, resulting in the need of more detailed environmental investigations in hydrocarbons polluted areas.

Dermatological consequences of the Cs-137 radiological accident in Goiania, Goias State, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Castro, Lia Candida Miranda de

1996-01-01

The objective of the present study was to analyse the occurrence of dermatosis in individuals that had been exposed to cesium 137 during the radioactive accident in Goiania, in 1987 and detect pre-cancerous dermatosis or those predictive of low immunity. The groups were evaluated according to the intensity of radiation they had been exposed to and then compared to a control group of people not exposed to radiation. The population exposed to the cesium 137 was comprised of 109 people, who were divided into Groups I and II, according to the CNEN norms. In group I, 54 people with ≤ 20 rads exposure and/or radio lesion were included; in group II, 55 people with > 20 rads exposure were included, along with the children of group I individuals. This was a historic cohort study, that is, a retrospective study that lasted 9 years, extending from September of 1987 to August, 1996. The presence of the oncoprotein p-53 was studied in the radio lesions of 10 patients. There is no evidence of an increase in the incidence of dermatosis in the exposed groups, excepts for pyoderma in patients with radio lesions. The most frequent dermatosis were: pyoderma, pityriasis versicolor, scabies, dermatophytosis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. The results obtained were not statistically significant for the evaluation of dermatosis predictive of low immunity or precancerous lesions. The oncoprotein p-53 in individuals with radio lesion showed a 80% positivity rate and risk factor estimated in 8 times, for the test. It has proved to be useful because it represents one more option in terms of propaedeutic evaluation and suggests that one should pay close and continuous attention in order to better control the evolution of these individuals. (author)

Report of the radiological protection procedures adapted in the Goiania General Hospital for assistance to the victims of the radiological accident with Cesium 137

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1989-08-01

A caesium-137 capsule, illegal removed from a desactivated health center of the Instituto Goiano de Radioterapia, was disrupted causing a serious radiological accident. The dimensions of the accident were worsened due to some facts such as: the caesium-137 was in the chloride from, which is a very soluble compound the accident was notify to the competent authorities only several days after the capsule was removal and during this period of time some people handled the souce directly, without knowing its potential danger. This paper descibes the measures adopted in the Goiania General Hospital to restrict the exposure of workers and members of the public and to minimize the consequences of unavoidable exposures in such a way to assure that the annual dose limits were not exceeded. An efficiency evaluation of the methods adopted for the decontamination of the victims was made and its described in the report. (author) [pt

Medical follow-up of the radiation accident with 137Cs in Goiania - an update (1990-1994)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brandao-Mello, C.E.; Farina, R.; Rodrigues de Oliveira, A.; Curado, M.P.; Filho, J.F.; Santos, Q.C.B.

2000-01-01

On September 13, 1987 a shielded 137 Cs source was removed by two scavengers from a teletherapy unit in abandoned clinic in Goiania, Brazil, and was later broken open. The source was handled by many people from the time it was removed (Sept 13) until it was taken to the sanitary surveillance division (Sept 28). Many of these people (approximately 250) were exposed to large external and internal doses of radiation from the radioactive source; of these, 50 showed signal and symptoms of whole-body irradiation and local acute irradiation and also showed signs of external or internal contamination from ingested or absorbed 137 Cs. Fourteen of those 50 developed moderate to severe bone marrow (BM) injury and required intensive medical care at a specialised unit in Rio de Janeiro. None were subjected to BM transplants. Ultimately, 4 of these casualties died of bleeding and sepsis despite the administration of GM-CSF (Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor). Internal contamination due to ingestion or absorption of 137 Cs was successfully removed by means of administration of Prussian Blue at doses ranging from 1.5-10.0 gm/day. Radiation induced skin injuries were observed in 28 patients requiring surgical and post-operative procedures. Since March 1988 a medical follow up protocol was established by NNEC and the Leide Das Neves Ferreira Foundation of the state of Goias, in order to prospectively follow more than 150 victims. The aim of this paper is to describe the main after-effects of the 137 Cs accident in the last 4 years, giving emphasis on clinical, haematological, radiological and psychological aspects. (author)

Evaluation of <em>HER2em> Gene Amplification in Breast Cancer Using Nuclei Microarray <em>in em>S>itu em>Hybridization

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Xuefeng Zhang

2012-05-01

Full Text Available Fluorescence<em> em>>in situ em>hybridization (FISH assay is considered the “gold standard” in evaluating <em>HER2/neu (HER2em> gene status. However, FISH detection is costly and time consuming. Thus, we established nuclei microarray with extracted intact nuclei from paraffin embedded breast cancer tissues for FISH detection. The nuclei microarray FISH (NMFISH technology serves as a useful platform for analyzing <em>HER2em> gene/chromosome 17 centromere ratio. We examined <em>HER2em> gene status in 152 cases of invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast that were resected surgically with FISH and NMFISH. <em>HER2em> gene amplification status was classified according to the guidelines of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP. Comparison of the cut-off values for <em>HER2em>/chromosome 17 centromere copy number ratio obtained by NMFISH and FISH showed that there was almost perfect agreement between the two methods (κ coefficient 0.920. The results of the two methods were almost consistent for the evaluation of <em>HER2em> gene counts. The present study proved that NMFISH is comparable with FISH for evaluating <em>HER2em> gene status. The use of nuclei microarray technology is highly efficient, time and reagent conserving and inexpensive.

Neonatal Phosphate Nutrition Alters <em>in em>Vivo> and <em>in em>Vitro> Satellite Cell Activity in Pigs