By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) - Indonesia has begun the decontamination process of radioactive materials at an industrial hub on the island of Java, the state-run Antara news agency reported on Monday.
The government has begun decontaminating radioactive Cesium-137 (Cs-137) at two sites in the Cikande Modern Industrial Estate, Serang, Banten, with decontamination efforts ongoing at several other locations.
Deputy for Pollution and Environmental Damage Control at the Ministry of Environment, Rasio Ridho Sani, said that 10 sites had been identified as contaminated by Cs-137.
As of Oct. 2, highly radioactive material was removed from the site by the teams using 20 drums, 17 jumbo bags, and three pallets.
Decontamination efforts are being carried out under the supervision of the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency to ensure worker safety.
"The government is committed to intensively implementing mitigation and contamination management efforts in Cikande," Sani said.
In August, Indonesia suspended operations at a seafood company after the US ordered an investigation and a recall of its shrimps due to radiation detected in the products.
An investigation was launched after a radionuclide (Cs-137) was discovered in a shipment of imported frozen shrimp from the company.
Cesium-137 contamination is a man-made radioisotope of cesium produced through nuclear fission, which is associated with nuclear accidents and weapons testing.
Cs-137 exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, low lymphocyte counts, and skin damage. In severe cases, bleeding, infections, organ failure, or death may occur.
Prolonged low-dose exposure to the radionuclide also increases cancer risk, weakens immunity, and can cause congenital defects in pregnant women.