VIENNA, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- A new radiation warning symbol -- with radiating waves, a skull and crossbones and a running person -- has been unveiled by the United Nations.
The new symbol, meant to reduce deaths and injuries from accidental exposure to radioactive sources, was launched Thursday by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the International Organization for Standardization. It will be placed on sources of radiation like food irradiators and cancer treatment machines.
The symbol has a bright red background and will only be seen if someone attempts to disassemble a device that is a source of dangerous radiation. It will not be located on building access doors, transportation packages or containers, said the IAEA announcement.
The IAEA said it is changing the warning symbol from the old three cornered trefoil because the old symbol was not well recognized. The new symbol was tested with different population groups to ensure it will be universally understood, the IAEA said.
