A vessel loaded with containers of zinc dust—allegedly contaminated with the radioactive element cesium-137—finds itself in a complicated situation near the Philippines as local authorities debate who should take control of the cargo, as reported recently.
Why This Incident is Significant
Zinc dust is primarily utilized for protective coatings on steel structures, in battery manufacturing, and in various industrial chemical processes. The current controversy follows several other serious incidents regarding industrial waste, including a previous event in which Indonesian inspectors uncovered cesium-137 in frozen shrimp, tracing its origins back to airborne particles from a steel manufacturer nearby.
Newsweek has reached out via email to both SteelAsia and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) for their perspectives on the situation.
Essential Details
Reportedly, 23 containers of zinc dust shipped from Chinese firm Zannwann International Trading Company were turned away by Indonesia after cesium-137 was detected during inspections, according to Carlo Arcilla, the PNRI Director.
This batch was originally dispatched from the Philippines, only to find itself returned to SteelAsia Manufacturing—the largest steel production company in the Philippines, located in Batangas Province on Luzon Island. Arcilla noted that low radiation levels were found within SteelAsia’s facility.
SteelAsia then issued a statement claiming that the PNRI identified Zannwann as not being responsible for the contamination, leading to assumptions of liability on the Philippine firm.
Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope and often arises as a byproduct of nuclear fission, which occurs in both reactors and during weapons tests. Although it has applications in specific medical and industrial devices, it is significantly toxic; long-term exposure can raise cancer risks, as outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The company rejects the PNRI report, calling the findings “baseless” and asserting that they have no ties to the contaminated shipment, emphasizing that this zinc dust was merely a byproduct of their steel operations and they lack the capacity to manage radioactive materials.
Moreover, SteelAsia disclosed that the PNRI had compelled them to take charge of the containers and secure them at their Batangas site. If any radioactive waste truly exists, handling it gears up a significant health risk for the surrounding community, stated the company.
In an act of caution, SteelAsia has opted to pause its operations and fully cooperate with regulatory bodies. The contentious cargo remains anchored offshore until a qualified governmental entity takes over management, according to Bloomberg’s reports.
Public Reactions
According to Carlo Arcilla, PNRI Director, statements made to Bloomberg cast some light on the situation: “These containers don’t pose any serious threat to the public, given the very low radiation levels detected outside.”
SteelAsia added their viewpoint, saying: “Based on insights from PNRI itself, Zannwann also procured zinc dust from other steel manufacturers, including Cathay Pacific Steel and Real Steel, yet only SteelAsia is being unfairly targeted by PNRI despite the lack of any solid scientific or factual backing.”
What’s Next?
The timetable for how long the container ship remains stuck off the coastline is uncertain.
SteelAsia is initiating legal measures “to protect its interests” while looking into all legal solutions available.
The company also hinted at the possibility of consulting foreign experts—including professionals from Japan and Western nations—highlighting their broader experiences with radioactive event management in context of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
