BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhuanet) -- An atomic research lab in northern Japan has reported a radiation leak that may have affected about 55 people, though none have been hospitalized and no impact is expected outside the facility.

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency says the accident occurred Thursday at its Hadron Experimental Facility at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex in Tokaimura, where at least two previous radiation accidents have occurred.

Researchers were trying to generate particles by directing a proton beam at some gold when equipment overheated, causing the evaporation and release of radioactive gold. The leak originally was thought to have been contained inside the lab. But when a ventilation fan was switched on, the radiation spread.

The JAEA says it’s studying the potential environmental impact from the leak, but does not expect any effect on surrounding areas. On Saturday, officials from the JAEA and the research complex apologized for the accident.

Work has been suspended at the facility. But the delay in reporting the accident, a day and a half, has angered residents.

Local resident said, "I feel so scared living here. The radiation is invisible, that’s more horrible."

Another resident said, "How can we put up with the radiation leak being reported such a long time after it happened?"

(Source: CNTV.cn)