South Korea's nuclear safety authorities have launched an urgent investigation following cases of radiation exposure at a Samsung Electronics chip plant.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, May 27, at the Giheung facility south of Seoul, resulted in two workers being exposed to X-rays.
2 Samsung Workers Exposed to Radiation
Reuters reports that the workers' hands were directly exposed to the radiation, leading to abnormal symptoms on their fingers, although subsequent blood tests showed no abnormalities.
The incident has raised significant safety concerns, prompting the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) to step in immediately.
In a statement, the NSSC announced plans to evaluate the patients' precise radiation exposure and to carry out further investigations into the plant. The commission highlighted that administrative actions would be taken if any safety regulation violations were found.
The workers affected are currently undergoing follow-up medical tests. Samsung Electronics has confirmed its full support for their treatment and recovery, stating that the company is fully committed to aiding their recovery process.
In response to the incident, the NSSC has suspended operations of the equipment involved in the radiation leak. Officials from the commission have been dispatched to the site to determine the cause of the leak and to ensure that all necessary safety measures are implemented to prevent a recurrence.
Samsung Electronics, the world's largest chipmaker, operates several semiconductor facilities in South Korea, including Giheung, Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek, Onyang, and Cheonan.
Additionally, the company has manufacturing sites in the United States and China and is currently constructing a $40 billion plant in Taylor, Texas.
A Samsung flag (R) flutters outside the company's Seocho building in Seoul on April 30, 2024. Samsung Electronics said on April 30 that its first-quarter operating profits had risen nearly tenfold year-on-year -- a 931.8 percent increase -- amid recovering chip prices and growing demand.JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images
Samsung Exposed for Dangerous Working Conditions
In recent years, the company has faced multiple allegations of workplace safety violations. A 2023 report by Rest of World detailed several concerning practices at Samsung's Bac Ninh factory in Vietnam.
These included inadequate air filtration, lack of wastewater treatment, and the use of acutely toxic chemicals. Workers at the Bac Ninh plant reported various health issues, including frequent fainting, eyesight damage, nosebleeds, and miscarriages, which were allegedly linked to workplace conditions.
Furthermore, Samsung's history of safety issues is not confined to its overseas operations. In June of the previous year, a state probe in Austin, Texas, found that an equipment failure at Samsung's semiconductor plant led to the dumping of approximately 763,000 gallons of sulfuric acid waste into local waterways.
In South Korea, reports have emerged of numerous Samsung workers suffering from blood-related illnesses, prompting the company to compensate affected families in 2014.
As the investigation at the Giheung plant continues, the NSSC is focused on identifying the exact cause of the radiation exposure and evaluating the extent of the workers' exposure.
Samsung has pledged full cooperation with the authorities and emphasized its commitment to preventing such incidents in the future. The company stated it will "fully cooperate with all relevant authorities and ensure prevention of any reoccurrences."
