More isotopes in Auckland

Press, 29 April 1987, Page 2

More isotopes in Auckland

PA Auckland Radioactive isotopes similar to the one involved in a fire in Auckland on Monday evening are . scattered throughout the Auckland region, the “Auckland Star” newspaper said yesterday. Fire-fighters found the isotope in its undamaged steel-and-lead casing in an unlocked dangerous-goods store in the fire-damaged Onehunga factory. The store was cordoned while the fire-fighters were hosed down to remove possible radioactive contamination. The isotopes were used

for a wide variety of purposes, from measuring the density of tobacco in cigarettes to checking welding joints in pipes, the “Star” said. The National Radiation Laboratory is responsible for their administration and policing. In the North Island, more than 300 individuals and companies held N.R.L. licences to use radioactive isotopes, the “Star” said. Some secondary schools use radioactive perspex discs, which contain isotopes, for chemistry experiments.