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US Rejects Indonesian Shoes Due to Radiation
21 Dec
Summary
- US authorities found Cesium-137 in Indonesian shoes.
- Contamination originated from a local steel production furnace.
- Previous Indonesian exports like shrimp also faced blockage.
United States authorities recently rejected shipments of Indonesian-made shoes after detecting dangerous levels of Cesium-137. The contaminated footwear originated from a factory in Banten, Indonesia, with the radioactive source identified as waste from a nearby steel production operation at PT Peter Metal Technology.
This incident follows earlier export troubles for Indonesia, as U.S. officials had previously blocked shipments of shrimp and cloves due to similar radioactive contamination. The issue began when radioactive scrap metal entered the industrial supply chain, releasing particles that affected nearby factories, including the shoe manufacturer.
Indonesian health agencies screened 1,561 individuals for exposure, with nine testing positive and receiving medical care. While the affected shoe facility has reportedly been cleared, the event highlights the critical need for stringent oversight of radioactive materials in industrial processes to prevent health risks and protect communities.
