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Episode confirmed by CNEN involves traces of contamination in the main unit responsible for the production of radiopharmaceuticals used in Brazilian nuclear medicine
An occurrence recorded at the Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research (Ipen), located on the USP campus in São Paulo, brought to the forefront one of the most important materials of modern nuclear medicine.
The episode involved technetium-99m, a radiopharmaceutical used daily in hospitals and clinics across the country. The occurrence was confirmed by the National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) on June 11, 2026, following information gathered by G1 based on a complaint filed by the Union of Workers in the Federal Public Service (Sindsef-SP).
Data from CNEN itself shows that Ipen serves approximately 430 Brazilian clinics and hospitals, contributing to about 2 million medical procedures annually, especially in exams related to the diagnosis and monitoring of serious diseases, including different types of cancer.
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Internal investigation identified traces of contamination during the production of the material
Information released by G1 indicates that the occurrence was recorded on May 29, 2026, during activities carried out at the institute’s Radiopharmacy Center.
A technician involved in the production of Molybdenum-99/Technetium-99m generators had their clothing contaminated during the operational process.
Days later, on June 1, a second trace of contamination was found on the footwear of another operator working in the same area.
Whole body count exams were conducted on the two professionals to verify the possibility of internal contamination.
Results presented by CNEN indicated levels considered low, with no evidence of incorporation of the radioactive material by the workers.
An official report from the commission also stated that the material remained restricted to the controlled area of the facility, with no indication of spread to external environments.
Technetium-99m is considered a key component of world nuclear medicine
A large portion of nuclear medicine exams currently performed depends on the use of technetium-99m.
Data released by the BBC indicates that this is the most widely used radioactive isotope in the world for medical diagnostics.
Applications of the material allow for obtaining detailed images of organs and internal structures of the human body.
Scintigraphy exams use the radiopharmaceutical to assess functions of the heart, kidneys, lungs, and skeletal system, aiding doctors in identifying changes that often do not appear in conventional exams.
The clinical importance of technetium-99m is directly linked to its physical characteristics.
An explanation provided by chemistry professor Rodrigo Machado to G1 highlights that the material emits radiation because its nucleus is unstable.
The reduced half-life, estimated at approximately six hours, causes the radioactivity to decrease rapidly after the exams are conducted.
Production depends on the transformation of Molybdenum-99
The process used by Ipen begins with the production of Molybdenum-99, a substance that functions as a radioactive generator.
The natural transformation of this element produces Technetium-99m, the material effectively used in medical procedures performed in hospitals and clinics.
The institute’s production capacity makes the unit one of the most strategic structures for the functioning of Brazilian nuclear medicine.
Interruptions or operational problems in this system can directly impact the supply of radiopharmaceuticals used in various regions of the country.
Nuclear authority requested clarifications from the institute
The National Nuclear Safety Authority (ANSN) confirmed that Ipen’s Radiopharmacy has a valid operating authorization.
A technical notification sent to the institute set a deadline until June 18, 2026 for the presentation of additional information.
The request includes two distinct sets of requirements.
The first group addresses aspects related to maintaining licensing conditions, including radiological protection, radioactive waste management, operational procedures, and safety culture.
The second group focuses specifically on clarifications regarding the occurrence reported to regulatory authorities.
The official position of ANSN emphasizes that notifications of this type are part of the routine regulatory supervision activities conducted by the agency.
The definition of any additional measures will depend on the technical analysis of the documentation presented by the institute.
Case reinforces the importance of safety protocols in the production of radiopharmaceuticals
The occurrence recorded at Ipen drew attention to an essential activity of Brazilian public health and to the protocols adopted in the production of materials used daily in nuclear medicine.
Confirmation from CNEN that there was no evidence of internal contamination among the workers involved keeps the investigation focused on operational procedures and the information requested by regulatory bodies.
The follow-up conducted by ANSN should clarify the details of the episode and assess whether new measures will be necessary to ensure the continuity of operations within the required radiological safety standards.
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