PRESENTSCENARIO

PRESENT SCENARIOOF
OF
RADIOLOGICALTHREATS
RADIOLOGICAL THREATS

AMALKRISHNA
INTRODUCTION
In today’s world radiation is everywhere as common as air. Every
In today’s world radiation is everywhere as common as air. Every
part of the world always exposed to some kinds of radiation. In this
part of the world always exposed to some kinds of radiation. In this
advanced world radiation sources are increased tremendously from CFL
advanced world radiation sources are increased tremendously from CFL
to laptops and from mobile phone to nuclear bomb. Everywhere and
to laptops and from mobile phone to nuclear bomb. Everywhere and
every part of the time we are exposed to one or other kind of radiation.
every part of the time we are exposed to one or other kind of radiation.
Over exposure to radiation will cause many side effects. Now terrorists
Over exposure to radiation will cause many side effects. Now terrorists
also using radioactive substance as weapons due to its long lasting effects.
also using radioactive substance as weapons due to its long lasting effects.
So radiological threats are the burning issue of the 21 st century.
So radiological threats are the burning issue of the 21 century.
st
Our objective
 
To protect individuals, society and the
environment from harm by establishing and
maintaining effective defenses against
radiological hazards from sources.
Radiation

Radiation occurs naturally in our environment; a typical

person is, and always has been struck by 15,000 particles of

radiation every second from natural sources, and an average

medical X-ray involves being struck by 100 billion. While this

may seem to be very dangerous, it is not, because the probability

for a particle of radiation entering a human body to cause a cancer

or a genetic disease is only one chance when the person is being

stuck by 30 million billion particles of radiation.

Artificial Sources of Radiation
Only artificial sources pose a significant threat…

• Medical Equipment
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Industrial instruments
• Food irradiation facilities
• Nuclear research laboratories
• University research reactors
• Nuclear weapons
• Nuclear power plants etc.
Terrorist threat scenarios…
Radiological Terrorism ‘an invisible threat’’…

• Radiological terrorism involves the use, or threat of

the use, of radiological weapons in acts of terrorism

• When they directly strikes against installations where

radioactive materials are present it will make harmful
effect.

• The purpose of such acts is to expose and

contaminate (pollute).
• Victims are exposed to radiation,
and large areas may have to be evacuated and
decontaminated in the aftermath.

• This is similar to other forms of terrorism that use

weapons of mass destruction, whether chemical,
biological, or nuclear.

As with nuclear terrorism, radiological terrorism

involves an invisible threat, since humans cannot sense
radiation.
Probably the greatest challenges
to the radiology community will
arise if the terrorist act involves a radiological
or a nuclear explosive device. Understanding
terrorists' goals of creating pandemonium and
causing economic disruption is important. Radiology
professionals need to be prepared to restrict these
things by taking extra care and protection to avoid
radiological terrorism.
E-waste

Environment's next big threat…!

E-waste: Environment's next big threat…!

Ever wondered what happens after you replace

your old mobile phone for a fancy music phone
that’s just hit the market…?

Where does your old computer go once you decide

to buy that long awaited notebook…?

Where do you think your VCR is now, that you have

moved onto a DVD player….?
 In a country such as India, an average urban
household is likely to own a computer, a
refrigerator, a CD or a DVD player, mobile
phones, juicer, hair dryer, vacuum cleaner and
much more.

All these items and several more are the primary

products of what is known as the Electronic
Waste chain (more commonly e-waste).
Present Trend in INDIA…’’’

India dumping ground for 'e waste'?

India is becoming the developed nation’s
favourite dumping ground as they dump over
50,000 tones of e-waste, including old PC's,
mobiles and television sets. The desert state
too gets its share
• Those working in the field say
that India provides high economic
gains for such dismantlers as it costs US$ 20 to
recycle a PC in the US, while in India, it can be done
at a tenth of that price….!

• Also because the law enforcement in metros is strict,

dismantlers are shifting base to smaller cities and
making money. This explains the emergence of such
organizations in non IT states like Rajasthan.
E-Waste Environmental Hazards…
• The metallic parts of
computers are considered hazardous for the
environment, as they contain poisonous
chemicals.

• Old models of televisions and computer

monitors, which are very bulky, contain at least 5
pounds of a poisonous metal - lead.

• Dumping of consumer electronics contributes to

approximately 40 percent of the lead in landfills.
• Mercury, a hazardous metal used in the flat-panel display
screens, is found to be a neurotoxin.

• High levels of metallic mercury damages the nervous system

and the developing fetus.

• Circuit boards and batteries contain cadmium, which is known

to be a carcinogen - directly involved in the promotion of
various types of cancer.

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a synthetic polymer used for the

insulation of wires and cables of electronic equipments, gives
rise to the emission of chlorinated dioxins and furans, when it
is disposed.
• Researchers have found that improper
disposal of e-waste will affect the
Quality of ground water in the next 10-20
years.

• Rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries, found

in laptop computers, are one of the major
contributors of electronic waste.

• Cadmium is hazardous for the environment

due to its chronic toxic property.
 Do this…
Much of this e waste can
be recycled and reused. By reducing,
reusing and recycling these hazardous
material-containing products, every consumer
can help contribute to the reduction of the
increasingly widespread problem of
environmental toxins arising from discarded
e waste.
 According to the Environmental Protection Agency,
recycling one million cell phones reduces greenhouse
gas emissions equal to removing 33 cars from the
road for a year. As of April 2009, the EPA reports that
only 10 percent of cell phones are recycled each year.
Nuclear Power…

Another source of
radiation
 Nuclear power is the fourth-largest source
of electricity in India after thermal, hydro and
renewable sources of electricity. As of 2010,
India has 19 nuclear power plants in operation
generating 4,560 MW while 4 other are under
construction and are expected to generate an
additional 2,720 MW.
 The Indian nuclear power industry is expected to undergo a

significant expansion in the coming years thanks in part to the

passing of The Indo-US nuclear deal. This agreement will allow

India to carry out trade of nuclear fuel and technologies with other

countries and significantly enhance its power generation capacity.

when the agreement goes through, India is expected to generate an

additional 25,000 MW of nuclear power by 2020, bringing total

estimated nuclear power generation to 45,000 MW.

• Even though nuclear power plants are pollution
free when compared with other sources , it will
cause many radiation effects that not only affect
present generation but also affect future
generation.

India like densely populated country should

give attention towards the establishment of
nuclear power plant.
 Incase of indo-us civil nuclear agreement
India have to accept nuclear liability bill for
the smooth passage of the civil nuclear
agreement. Nuclear liability bill valued the
Indian lives as cheaper
Nuclear Plant Vulnerability

• Operating nuclear reactors

contain large amounts of
radioactive fission products
which, if dispersed, could
cause a direct radiation hazard, contaminate soil and
vegetation, and be ingested by humans and animals.

• The physical security of nuclear power plants and

their vulnerability to deliberate acts of terrorism
FACTS OF RADIOLOGICAL
THREATS
Indications of a Radiological Event
• Explosive release of fine powder
or solid material
• Skin reddening
• Headaches
• Nausea & vomiting
• Hair loss
• Weakened immune system
Radiation Detection

• Can not be seen

• Can not be smelled

• Can not be tasted

• Can not be felt

Can be rapidly detected by

instruments!
Protection from Radiation
Three rules for protection from radiation
1.Minimize Time

2.Maximize Distance

3.Maximize Shielding
Response to a Radiological Event
• Identify presence of radiation
beyond normal background
• Isolate and contain affected area -- mitigate
spread of contamination
• Shelter-in-place or evacuate depending on dose
rates
• Provide needed immediate medical
treatment
CONCLUSION
Many international treaties like NPT(nuclear non
proliferation treaties), CTBT(comprehensive test-
ban treaties) are there to control nuclear weapon. In
case of e waste, recycling is the best option. But
developed countries are not ready to reduces the
usage of radioactive material. Actually they should
shows the way to overcome this menace. India also
have to do there own part by reducing usage and
recycling the waste by the producer company it self.
References
1 .VULNERABILITY OF RESEARCH REACTORS TO ATTACK, MOHAMMAD
SALEEM ZAFAR 2008, The Henry L. Stimson Center.
2.Science Reporter,vol.47,No.6 June 2010,ISSN 0036-8512.National Institute
of Science Communication And Information Resources (NISCIR),page
no:23-30.
3.Roy.P.K,Disaster Preparedness against accident or Terrorist attack
(chemical , biological or radiological) , New age International Pvt
limitted,2006.
4. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/crs/rs21131.pdf
5. Nuclear Power Plants: Vulnerability to Terrorist Attack, Carl Behrens and
Mark Holt, Specialists in Energy Policy Resources, Science, and Industry
Division.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/crs/rs21131.pdf
 6. http://theviewspaper.net/e-waste-environment%E2%80%99s-next-big-
threat/
7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_safety#Safety_culture_and_human_errors
 If this nuclear competition continues like
this nobody will left to enjoy the supremacy in
the world…

Thank you…