The Associated Press
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — About 40 workers were exposed to a small amount of radiation Monday when a container exploded, releasing krypton gas inside a defense contractor’s facility, company and fire officials said.
The exposure level was so low that most employees at Unison Industries did not need to be decontaminated, said Jacksonville Fire-Rescue spokesman Tom Francis said. About 30 firefighters and other rescue personnel were tested for exposure and came back clean, he said.
One person who suffered cuts in the explosion was taken to a hospital for treatment, and 15 others were taken to hospitals as a precaution after complaining of being lightheaded, nauseous, having high-blood pressure or other conditions.
Krypton gas is colorless and nontoxic. It can be made artificially radioactive for use in manufacturing.
Unison makes alternators for turbine engines and ignition generators for Tomahawk cruise missiles.