On September 13, 1987, the radiological accident in Goiânia began, known as the Cesium-137 accident, a serious episode of radioactivity contamination in Brazil. The accident started when scrap metal collectors discovered a radiotherapy device containing Cesium-137, which they mistakenly believed to be scrap.
They opened the capsule containing the radioactive material, disassembled the device, and distributed it to others, causing contamination that affected hundreds of people. Symptoms after exposure to cesium included nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. In total, 112,800 people were exposed to radiation, resulting in four deaths.
Many of the affected individuals continue to suffer the effects of radiation and require medical care to this day.
Matheus Araújo
Matheus Araújo is the founder and editor of Brazilian History. Born in Rio de Janeiro and holding a degree in Advertising and Marketing, his passion for history led him to enroll at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, where he is currently pursuing a degree in History Education.
