UN watchdog unveils new symbol for radiation risk

Vienna, Feb 15: The UN nuclear watchdog introduced today a new radiation warning symbol showing emanating waves, a skull and crossbones, and a running person.

It will supplement the existing three-cornered trefoil symbol which ''has no intuitive meaning and little recognition beyond those educated in its significance'', the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement.

The new symbol was designed after a five-year study involving 1,650 people of varying ages and backgrounds in 11 countries to ''ensure that its message of 'danger, stay away' was crystal clear and understood by all''.

The IAEA said the new symbol would help reduce deaths and injuries from accidental exposure to ionising radiation.

REUTERS

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