Outokumpu receives a shipment of radioactive scrap metal from the Netherlands and the Baltic States

The Outokumpu Torino steel mill in Finland has confirmed the presence of radioactive elements for the fourth time since July this year. According to a report from the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority STUK, radioactive material was found in a batch of scrap metal at the plant and the same was removed before melting.

A shipment of scrap metal containing radioactive americium was sent from Holland and the Baltic states. By the way, all three previous radiation incidents also involved americium. Monitoring and safety mechanisms at the facility detected the radioactive material and prevented it from spreading outside the plant. STUK said workers were forced to wear oxygen masks and were not exposed to radiation.

This case was reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In addition, STUK stated that evidence of reappearance of radiation sources within a short period of time is sufficient for the same object.

Meanwhile, Outokumpu said the issue has already been addressed with suppliers. It also clarifies that the products were not exposed and the products were not contaminated. The company has taken this issue as seriously as possible to prevent the leakage of radioactive materials into production lines. In accordance with contracts with suppliers, such materials are strictly prohibited from acceptance in factories, it says. The presence of radioactivity could be accidental, he added.

The Torino Steel Works is one of the largest steel works in Europe.