The Citizen reports that the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) shut down a radio isotope cancer treatment production line at the Pelindaba nuclear plant 10 days ago because of safety concerns.
The entire facility was not shut down. Pharmaceutical firm NTP Radioisotopes, operated by the SA Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), is responsible for manufacturing radioisotopes used for cancer treatment and also exports products to other countries. The company has since suspended three senior executives. The regulator’s spokesperson Gino Moonsamy said: “We found that safety procedures were violated. We were lucky that there was no over exposure to workers. The site is continually inspected and monitored, and the company also has its own measures in place.” The production line has not yet re-opened. The regulator will meet with company representatives this week to monitor progress.
- Read this report by Eric Naki and Yadhana Jadoo in full at The Citizen
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