Spend national resources in proportionate to the risks. Say no for over-protection.

WHO report is sighted in Indian News Papers show that out of 57 million global deaths in 2008, 36 million deaths are due to non communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, stroke, diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases, and it is increasing! Assumed to be old-age diseases, the NCDs are now taking toll at younger ages (below 60 y) also. Cancer kills 7.6 million people a year; tobacco use kills about 6 million and alcohol 2.5 million a year.

Bhopal gas-leak tragedy, in the year 1984, killed over 3000 people, within days. In Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident, only 47 people died of acute radiation dose and fire burns. Some more may die of cancer over the years. Similarly, over 9000 people died of Tsunami in Japan and the on-going nuclear situation in Fukushima may also cause some fatalities over the years. These deaths are not due to acute radiation doses.

Over 1.5 lakh deaths a year are reported due to accidents on Indian roads. Today, while driving from Belapur, Navi Mumbai to Chembur (18 km), I met near-death situation on the road at least 5 times. This is not due to my fault but due to other’s faults such as: cutting lanes, drunken driving and three wheeler nuisance. Road discipline simply does not exist in Mumbai roads.

Under such scenarios, some vested interests and politicians are creating nuisance everywhere criticizing against developmental projects, particularly nuclear power plants at Jaitapur. Reason is safety! If they are so much concerned about safety, what they are doing about safety on the roads, high pollution levels, floods, crime, etc?

If one sees the risks in proper perspective, it is unimaginable to understand why the designers are spending so much money on safety in nuclear power plants? How many thousands are spend to save ONE life in nuclear power sector?

Let us spend our resources in proportionate to the risks. Say no for over-protection.

ICRP New publication - ICRP-113, 2009, Education and Training in Radiological Protection

Title: Education and Training in Radiological Protection for Diagnostic and Interventional Procedures, ICRP Publication 113, ICRP, Ann. ICRP 39 (5), 2009 - New Publication from ICRP

Abstract: In view of the increase in the number of diagnostic and interventional medical procedures using ionizing radiations, there is compelling need for education and training of medical staff (including medical students) and other healthcare professionals in the principles of radiation protection.

Based on the current ICRP basic recommendations (2007) for such education and training of these individuals, the ICRP is providing guidance through ICRP-113 regarding the necessary radiological protection education and training for use by various categories of medical practitioners and other healthcare professionals who perform or provide support for diagnostic and interventional procedures utilizing ionizing radiation and nuclear medicine therapy.

The publication is useful for regulators, health authorities, medical institutions, and professional bodies with responsibility for radiological protection in medicine; an the industry that produces and markets the equipment used in these procedures and universities and other academic institutions responsible for the education of professionals involved in the use of ionizing radiation in health care.

Advice is also provided on the accreditation and certification of the recommended education and training. The accredited organization is required to meet standards that have been set by the authorized body (based on ICRP News).

Important of Exclusion Zone in safety of public

Exclusion Zone is one of the five and the last barriers before radioactive releases from nuclear power plants reach the public domain. This is not a physical barrier. However, no permanent residence is allowed within the 1.6 km radius from nuclear reactor. This ensures significant dilution of an airborne radioactive release before it reaches any public habitation, thus reducing the resulting public dose. Radiation dose to the public at the distance of 1.6km is calculated for the releases during normal/abnormal working of the nuclear reactors, to check compliance with the regulatory limits for releases to the public domain.

Thus Exclusion Zone is an important barrier which has prevented large public doses during the on-going nuclear emergency situation at Fukushima nuclear power reactor in Japan.

In spite of the best possible design and safety records, accidents can still occur and hence the concept of defense-in-depth should never be compromised.