1984 Moroccan radiation accident

1984 Moroccan radiation accident was a significant event in the history of nuclear safety and radiation protection. It occurred in Morocco in 1984 and resulted in severe radiation exposure and subsequent health effects for several individuals.

Background

The accident took place in a scrap metal facility in Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. The facility was involved in the processing of various types of scrap metal, including discarded radioactive materials.

The Accident

The accident occurred when a sealed radioactive source, which had been improperly disposed of, was inadvertently mixed with scrap metal. This source was then melted down along with the scrap metal, resulting in the contamination of a large batch of metal. The contaminated metal was subsequently used in the production of a variety of consumer goods, including table legs and building materials, which were then distributed throughout Morocco and exported to other countries.

Aftermath

The accident resulted in significant radiation exposure for several individuals, both workers at the scrap metal facility and members of the public who came into contact with the contaminated goods. Many of these individuals suffered severe health effects as a result, including radiation sickness and an increased risk of cancer.

The accident also had significant implications for nuclear safety and radiation protection policies and practices in Morocco and internationally. It highlighted the dangers of improper disposal of radioactive materials and the need for stringent safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

See also

• List of civilian radiation accidents
• Nuclear and radiation accidents and incidents
• Radiation poisoning