Irradiation proponents often claim that decades of research demonstrate the safety of food irradiation, but the studies they use to prove it are questionable. Some of this discredited work is still used as part of the scientific basis for assurances of the safety of food irradiation. Accidents happen Workers in irradiation plants risk exposure to large doses of radiation due to equipment failure, leaks, and the production, transportation, storage, installation, and replacement of radiation sources. But this number is probably low since the NRC has no information about irradiation facilities in approximately 30 agreement states which have the authority to monitor facilities on their own. New Jersey is home to the highest concentration of irradiation facilities, and virtually every New Jersey plant has a record of environmental contamination, worker overexposure, or regulatory failures.
Accidents can be nearly fatal to workers and extremely dangerous to the surrounding communities.
The victim developed sores and blisters on his feet, face, and scalp, and lost fingers on both hands. Workers then carried the radioactivity into their homes and cars. As a result of this negligence, one worker received a near lethal dose of radiation. In 1982, an accident at International Nutronics in Dover, NJ, contaminated the plant and forced its closure. Radiation baths were used to purify gems, chemicals, food and medical supplies.