Cesium 137 spill at TU Campus

The University of Tulsa was recently informed of a radioactive chemical spill at the college’s north Research Campus. According to the Associated Press, a British chemical company who were involved in a project with the University, Tracerco spilled cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, last fall, but school officials said that Tracerco didn’t notify the university  until August 25th, 2015.

“We immediately restricted access to the building and contacted the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality who has since inspected the site and the surrounding areas,” said a statement to students and staff from university president Steadman Upham. “We are working with Tracerco as well as authorities to ensure cleanup efforts are thorough and complete.”

Upham said the cleanup efforts are underway and that 21 people are being evaluated for potential exposure to the chemical, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says can result in increased risk of cancer. The EPA says very high exposures can result in death.

According to EPA, everyone is exposed to small amounts of cesium-137 in soil and water; however: “Exposure to radiation from cesium-137 results in increased risk of cancer. Exposure to waste materials, from contaminated sites, or from nuclear accidents can result in cancer risks much higher than typical environmental exposures. If exposures are very high, serious burns, and even death, can result.”

Wandres Law is currently evaluating claims of those who were exposed to the Cesium 137 spill. If you or someone you know has been exposed to or injured by this radioactive toxic spill, contact us immediately for assistance with protecting your rights and your health.