2009-11-29 16:34:22
WAM New Delhi, Nov 29 (WAM)--A hydrogen-3 leak in one of Indian nuclear power plants contaminated a drinking water cooler affecting 45 workers last week but has been contained.

Authorities at the Kaiga Atomic Power plant in the southern Indian state of Karnataka said today that the leak was discovered after the daily routine checks of workers on November 25 and that as soon as the radiation level was discovered to be more than normal in 55 workers, the cooler was isolated. Appropriate treatment was being given to those affected. Those affected tested positive when their daily urine test was conducted.

An official of the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) said that one of the three units at the complex had been closed for routine maintenance and the other two were still operating normally. An investigation was on to determine as to how the hydrogen-3 got leaked into the water cooler.

India has an excellent safety record in nuclear power generation. A fourth unit is also being added at Kaiga.

Hydrogen-3, also known as tritium, is produced in nuclear fission and needs to be captured securely. It is dangerous if inhaled or ingested.

Hydrogen-3 is very rare. Scientists however believe that moon may have it in abundance, and if confirmed, it could solve the energy requirements for the mankind once for all.

WAM G WAM/MN