2 Samsung employees hospitalized for radiation exposure at chip factory

Samsung Electronics said that two workers' hands were exposed to X-rays at a chip factory in Giheung, Gyeonggi.

Samsung Electronics' production lines in Giheung, Gyeonggi [YONHAP]

Two Samsung Electronics workers were hospitalized due to exposure to ionizing radiation at the company’s chipmaking factory in Giheung, Gyeonggi.

The state-run Nuclear Safety and Security Commission said Wednesday that it is investigating the cause with inspectors dispatched on site.

As for the state of the two, they tested negative in blood tests.

Multiple local media outlets speculated that the hands of the exposed workers showed symptoms of edema and erythema after being exposed to an X-ray required to assess the quality of wafers.

The Suwon, Gyeonggi-based company vowed to prevent a recurrence in a statement released Wednesday.

“Two workers’ hands were exposed to X-rays at a production line at the Giheung Campus on May 27,” the company said.

“The hospital is tracking the conditions of the employees,” it said, adding that it will fully cooperate with all relevant authorities.

The affected are undergoing different tests at an emergency center run by the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]