Duke of hazard? University could face penalties after uranium leak

DURHAM, North Carolina (WTVD) -- The breach happened February 11. It wasn't reported until February 15. State investigators say, in all likelihood, they would have caught it had researchers followed protocol and reported the mistake right away.

Instead, state inspectors say the researcher who worked most closely with the sample of Uranium-235 mishandled it, perhaps without using the proper gloves, and wound up getting trace amounts on both his keyboard at work and his toilet at home.

Four other researchers had their homes, cars, and other "high traffic areas" tested after subsequent interviews but no further breaches were detected.

Inspectors with the NC Radiation Protection Section of the Department of Health and Human Services say Duke University could face penalties for breaking protocol. No one from the school would answer questions about the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.

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http://abc11.com/news/duke-could-face-penalties-after-uranium-breach/1778032/