A hospital in Gifu, Japan has reported the significant loss of 17g of radioactive material from its premises. Specific details on when and how the loss occurred are still unclear, and investigations are currently ongoing. The material in question is routinely used for scientific and medical purposes. The incident has raised questions about safety protocols and sparked concern among nearby residents.
In Japan, incidents involving radioactive materials usually surface intense public scrutiny, mainly due to high sensitivity towards nuclear-related issues following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The health and safety of the public are paramount, so such incidents are rigorously investigated, and misuse or mishandling of radioactive materials is heavily penalised.
In the US and EU, regulations surrounding the handling of radioactive substances are similarly stringent. Any breaches that put public health at risk are given the utmost importance and followed up by thorough inspections. In case of such an incident, FAQs, updates, and progress of investigations are generally reported to the public, often through the specific regulatory authority's website.