KOFU—Nearly 150 children were exposed to excessive levels of radiation during examinations at Kofu Municipal Hospital during the past 12 years because a radiologist administered higher doses of radioactive materials than the recommended level.

A total of 145 children aged 15 or younger were given technetium in doses higher than levels recommended by the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine, the Japan Association of Radiological Technologists and other expert organizations.

About 40 children received technetium treatment at levels more than 10 times the recommended amount. Some children received more than one examination.

The level of whole-body lifetime internal radiation the children were exposed to is estimated to be about 30 millisieverts on average. The highest level was estimated at more than 150 millisieverts.

A survey of residents near the quake-stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant indicated that the level of lifetime internal exposure for them is estimated at less than 1 millisievert, although simple comparisons are difficult.

The children received intravenous injections of medicines containing isotopic technetium, which is used as a medical tracer, mainly for kidney examinations.