Public Announcement

Within the framework of our Authority’s public announcement dated September 5, 2024, concerning a zinc oxide production facility located in the Province of Karabük, the measurements have been performed to determine the origin of the radioisotope that led to radiation dose rates above background levels. In these investigations at a smelting facility in Marmaraereğlisi, Tekirdağ, radiation dose rates exceeding background levels were measured in certain areas of the facility’s ground surface, in the slags generated by the facility, and in area of the stack filters.

It has been determined that the origin of the radioactive contamination at the zinc oxide production facility in Karabük is the aforementioned facility located in Marmaraereğlisi/Tekirdağ.

The necessary samples were collected from both facilities where radiation dose rates had been measured and from their final products. Analyses of the final products from each facility confirmed the absence of any detectable radioactivity.

All measurements and findings have been shared with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, the relevant Governorships, and the Turkish Energy, Nuclear, and Mining Research Agency. In coordination with these authorities, the facilities have initiated the necessary measurement, analysis, and radioactive decontamination activities.

It has been ascertained that the radiation dose rates above background are confined to limited areas within the facilities, and no radiological impact extends outside the facilities. Furthermore, no deviations have been observed in the data from the Radiation Warning and Monitoring System Network (RADİSA), which continuously measures radiation dose rates throughout Türkiye, including stations located in Provinces of Karabük and Tekirdağ, and the surrounding provinces.

Consequently, there is no radiation hazard to our citizens living in these regions.