K. E. Fields, General Manager
June 19, 1956
David F. Shaw, Assistant General Manager
for Manufacturing
G. F. Quinn, Acting Director
Division of Production
CONTAMINATION OF REDOX
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I was advised by HOO today of an incident in the Redox plant in which
plutonium-bearing solution leaked thru the bellows of a control valve.
"As a result of this leakage four men became contaminated with plutonium;
of these,three have been successfully cleaned up and released, while the
fourth remains in the hospital. Of the three men released after decontamination two may have inhaled some plutonium. With respect to the
fourth individual there is evidence that a considerable amount was
inhaled and although quantitative information on the degree of contamination will not be available for some time, preliminary estimates are that
the amount of material does not exceed the maximum permissible limit.
It is anticipated that he will be mleased from the hospital within a
day or two.
Complete details on the cause of the solution leakage are not now
available, but it is estimated that the plant will be down until the
first of July.
I will provide you with further information on this incident and on the
effect of the plant outage on plutonium deliveries as soon as possible.
-
ec: Dan Hayes, Division of O&P
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Copy to Dr. C. L. Dunham
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