Many radioactive materials are also used in laboratories for experimental works. The methods of disposal of these residual radioactive materials are always a concern, as it can adversely affect the environment as well as the health of the exposed persons. Eight persons including a scrap dealer were accidentally exposed to radiation by a Cobalt-60 irradiator in a scrap shop at Mayapuri, New Delhi, India. The source of irradiator was traced back to Chemistry department laboratory of Delhi University, where it was used for experimental analysis of effect of gamma rays on chemicals. It was sold to the scrap dealer without following proper guidelines. All persons suffered acute radiation syndrome, but the laborer who had dismantled the irradiator and touched the pencils suffered the maximum exposure. He later died during treatment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Hospital, New Delhi. The clinical course, autopsy findings of the deceased and legal aspects of this incident are discussed in this paper.
Cobalt-60, Radiation, Death, Autopsy, Legal
