Investigation in Paris on the Potential Risks of Radioactive Surge Protectors

Former Orange Employees Accuse Prolonged Exposure to Radioactive Surge Protectors. A Judicial Investigation Has Been Launched to Determine the Company's Responsibilities.

Share:

Radioactive surge protectors, devices designed to protect against electrical surges, are at the center of a judicial investigation in Paris. Associations and former Orange employees accuse the company of exposing its workers to radioactive substances over several years.

Since mid-2019, an initial complaint in Clermont-Ferrand has led to an investigation conducted by OCLAESP (Observatory for the Fight Against Workplace and Environmental Accidents in Seine-et-Marne). This procedure was transferred to Paris, where an investigating judge is examining allegations of long-term exposure to radioactive elements.

Progress of the Investigation

According to a judicial source, a note from the labor inspectorate dated October 2019 outlined the initial concerns regarding the surge protectors. In 2020, the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) stated that workers’ exposure to ionizing radiation was “very low.” However, ASN also indicated that it was impossible to guarantee the complete absence of health effects from low-dose radiation exposure.

In October 2023, the plaintiffs renewed their request for the appointment of an investigating judge, leading to the official opening of a judicial inquiry on March 26. This procedure aims to assess the working conditions and risk management related to radioactive surge protectors at Orange.

Orange’s Reactions

Orange responded by asserting that comprehensive studies have demonstrated that exposure levels were well below regulatory limits. The group also claims to have implemented a secure removal plan for the surge protectors, in collaboration with the National Agency for Radioactive Waste (ANDRA) and under the supervision of ASN.

Despite these assurances, the plaintiffs remain skeptical. Me François Lafforgue, lawyer for the concerned associations, hopes that the investigation will shed light on responsibilities and ensure better protection for employees.

History of Surge Protectors at Orange

Surge protectors were widely used across the French network from the 1940s until their ban in 1978. These devices contained radioactive elements such as radium-226, tritium, and thorium-232. Their removal began in the early 2000s, but according to the complaint, this process was not carried out adequately.

In 2008, the CGT (General Confederation of Labor) highlighted the absence of a plan for the recovery and proper disposal of radioactive elements. Additionally, in 2009, the CHSCT (Committee for Hygiene, Safety, and Working Conditions) of a France Télécom unit based in Riom-ès-Montagnes observed an increase in cancer cases among employees handling these surge protectors without adequate protection.

Consequences and Follow-up of the Investigation

The current investigation aims to determine whether Orange failed in its safety and prevention obligations. If any shortcomings are proven, the company could face legal and financial sanctions. The plaintiffs also hope that this case will further raise awareness among companies about the risks associated with old electrical equipment.

Iberdrola strengthens its financial position with a new five-year credit facility, signed with 32 banks, to support investments in power grids and renewable energy, particularly in the United States.
Kinder Morgan, Inc. reports strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with net profit up 24% and a project backlog boosted by major new investments in natural gas transportation.
CenterPoint Energy remains vigilant as Invest 93L approaches, deploying emergency plans and pursuing upgrades to its electrical infrastructure across the Greater Houston area.
The Georgia Public Service Commission approves the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, which includes major investments in generation, storage and the grid to address the strong rise in electricity demand.
Norwegian industrial group Aker ASA achieved a strong surge in its share price in the first half, expanded its diversification into real estate, and executed major transactions despite global energy market volatility.
ADNOC announces the transfer of 24.9% of its shares in OMV to its subsidiary XRG, continuing the streamlining of its international assets and preparing the creation of Borouge Group International.
The SMI China Forum brings together international and Chinese leaders for dialogue on supply chains, investment and energy innovation, marking a major step in public-private sector cooperation.
Mining group BHP sees low-emission iron production in Australia as unprofitable, just as Canberra and Beijing announce closer cooperation to decarbonise the global steel industry.
Aker Carbon Capture distributed $162mn in dividends to its shareholders, a direct consequence of significant asset disposals and a substantial restructuring of its balance sheet in the second quarter of 2025.
Equinor ASA acquired 2.1 mn of its own shares on the Oslo Stock Exchange for a total of $201 mn between July 7 and 11, continuing the second phase of its 2025 buyback programme.
Norwegian group Aker Horizons transfers all its activities to a subsidiary of Aker ASA, sells major assets and prepares its new strategy after a half-year net loss of $220mn.
South Texas Electric Cooperative is seeking proposals for the acquisition or purchase of energy for 500 MW of dispatchable capacity, aiming to strengthen long-term supply security in the ERCOT region.
A federal funding package of $16mn aims to accelerate grid modernisation, renewable energy development and carbon capture in Canada’s Maritime provinces.
RTE and Nexans announce the creation of a recycling chain dedicated to aluminium from electrical cables, targeting 600 tonnes annually and covering the entire industrial cycle from collection to production.
Three scientists from China, the United States and Russia are laureates of the 2025 Global Energy Prize, honoured for their work on high-voltage power lines, fuel-cell catalysts and pulsed energy technologies.
Rio Tinto’s new CEO inherits a significant stock market discount and will need to overcome major regulatory, operational, and financial hurdles to swiftly restore the company's appeal to international investors, according to a Wood Mackenzie analysis.
Westbridge Renewable Energy enters digital infrastructure market with Fontus, a 380 MW data centre campus in Colorado, positioned to meet strong growth in US cloud and artificial intelligence services.
Offshore drilling company Borr Drilling Limited announced the completion of an initial tranche issuance of 30 million ordinary shares out of the planned 50 million, raising $61.5mn towards the total goal of $102.5mn.
EDF announces a new internal organization with key executive appointments to enhance decision-making efficiency and expedite the revival of nuclear and hydroelectric projects central to its industrial strategy.
Rubis announces half-year results of its liquidity agreement managed by Exane BNP Paribas, totalling 241,328 shares exchanged for an aggregate amount of €6.5mn in the first half of 2025.