Nuclear Accident Victim Very Ill
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TOKYO — One of three workers exposed to heavy doses of radiation in Japan’s worst nuclear accident lapsed into critical condition, while another left a hospital today.
Tokyo University Hospital said in a statement late Sunday that Hisashi Ouchi, 35, was in a “more severe condition which requires the utmost attention.”
Ouchi and two colleagues were exposed to high levels of radiation from the accident at a uranium processing plant in Tokaimura on Sept. 30.
Ouchi’s blood pressure has become volatile, and doctors are “barely” managing to keep it and other vital signs under control with the use of drugs, the hospital said.
His condition has worsened since his heart temporarily failed in late November.
Ouchi received about 17 sieverts of radiation in the accident. Experts have said seven sieverts is considered a lethal dose.
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