General situation of radiation accidents in China

Information on radiation accidents in China compiled by the health authorities was collected. About 468 accidents were reported in 1988–2004. Detailed data from 1988 to 1998 were analysed. As to the 332 accidents reported in 1988–98, 77.7% of the cases are related to lost sources, 84.64% are liability accidents and five persons died owing to the cases occurring in the application of gamma irradiators. It is essential to improve the data bank to manage radiation sources, and to make sure that the relevant laws, together with professional theory and technical knowledge, are disseminated well and learned by professionals.