In 1999, Japanese nuclear scientists Hisashi Oguchi, Masato Shinohara, and Yutaka Yokogawa were conducting routine work on a batch of fuel for a fast breeder reactor, a type of nuclear reactor used in research. Due to miscalculations, a catastrophic nuclear reaction occurred when too much uranium was poured into a tank, creating a fully working nuclear reactor instantly. This resulted in a blinding flash of radiation, with Oguchi receiving an astonishing 17 sieverts, Shinohara receiving 10 sieverts, and Yokogawa a lower dose.
Oguchi's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he ultimately became the first person in history to live with no DNA due to radiation damage. Despite desperate medical efforts, he suffered organ failure and passed away. Shinohara also succumbed to multiple organ failure. Yokogawa survived and was later charged with criminal negligence. The incident led to reforms at the facility, but it was too late for Oguchi and Shinohara.
Here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. In 1999, Japanese nuclear scientists Hisashi OG, Masato Shinohara, and Yutaka Yokogawa were conducting routine work.
2. They were working on mixing a batch of fuel for a fast breeder reactor, a special type of nuclear reactor.
3. Due to a miscalculation, Hisashi OG received an incredible 17 sieverts of radiation, while Masato received ten sieverts.
4. Yutaka Yokogawa, who was four meters away, received a three sievert dose, below the lethal limit.
5. Hisashi OG's radiation exposure destroyed all of his chromosomes, leaving him with no DNA in his body.
6. His skin suffered third-degree burns, even on the side facing away from the tank.
7. Hisashi OG was put into a medical coma and received numerous blood transfusions and treatments.
8. Despite his critical condition, doctors attempted to restore his white blood cells with a transplant from his sister.
9. His condition continued to deteriorate, and his body disintegrated from the inside out.
10. His heart stopped but was resuscitated three times, resulting in severe brain damage.
11. Hisashi OG eventually died of organ failure on December 21, 1999.
12. Masato Shinohara initially showed signs of recovery but later suffered multiple organ failure and died on April 27.
13. Yutaka Yokogawa made a recovery and was released, but a year later, he and five others were charged with criminal negligence in the incident.
14. The incident led to major reforms at the facility, which had routinely cut corners and ignored safety rules.
These facts provide a concise overview of the tragic incident involving these nuclear scientists.