Vienna – An IAEA staff member was contaminated by a small amount of radioactive liquid at the IAEA’s Seibersdorf laboratories in eastern Austria on Thursday.

There was no release of radioactivity to the outside environment, and there is no danger to the public. The Austrian authorities have been informed.

The incident happened while the IAEA staff member was examining small amounts of radioactive waste as part of the Agency’s nuclear verification programme.

He immediately underwent decontamination procedures and received medical treatment. Five other people who may have been at risk of cross-contamination also underwent decontamination and monitoring procedures as a precaution, but their measurements remained below detection limits and they did not require medical treatment.

The affected area of the laboratories has been sealed off and is being decontaminated.

The IAEA is investigating the cause of the incident.

Press Contact
IAEA Division of Public Information
43-1-2600-21273
press@iaea.org