Health: Cleaning Up after a Nuclear Disaster - Research Paper Example

Task: Health Cleaning up after a nuclear disaster Nuclear rays result from the nucleus of an atom because of a radioactive decay. Radioactive emissions occur because of nuclear fusions, implying decay when two nuclei combine or when a large nucleus breaks. This essay is based on the unparalleled account of the nuclear crisis that was experienced in Fukushima Daiichi, Japan. It focuses on the due process of the cleanup with safety measure that should be applied during the cleanup. It will look at the protective measures to be put in place, how to deal with the contaminated materials and further prevention of the hazardous reactions, the general cost of the damage and its consequent clean-up and how best to keep radioactive materials without posing a risk to residents. How expensive is the disaster, and what is the consequent cost of the cleanup? Nuclear disaster often poses serious health risk and similar economic damages to both the population and economy alike, which trickles down to their forthcoming generations. This, in itself, is an indicator of the extent to which the well-being of a nation is put at risk by such an occurrence. Besides this, the occurrence is usually accompanied by some other disasters such as earthquakes and the tsunami that could prove more costly than even the crisis itself. In Japan, the two disasters had the potential cost to the economy of around two hundred billion dollars. Roughly, the cost of controlling and eradicating the radioactive traces would be approximately ten billion dollars. What are the effective steps to be employed in nuclear cleanup? Nuclear rays are hazardous in all spheres, and hence the need for maximum caution while carrying out the cleaning process. The exercise is supposed to be carried out fast enough so as not to affect those carrying it out and the public at large, using modern technological equipment such as robots and establishing completed areas, while restricting those incomplete to prevent the public from settling in. Nuclear radiation intensity usually decreases as the distance increases. This is due to the dilution by air leading to a decrease in their penetrating power. When carrying out the cleanup, the site of activity, as required, should be secluded. There should be a specific distance, as dictated by the potency of the rays, at which no person without protective gear should approach. Assessment of the potency and extent of the radiation is usually done by the international Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES) which mandate is communication to the public on the nuclear occurrences. The radiation dose should at first be determined. For example, in Fukushima Daiichi, the exclusion zone is 20km. Another instance is the one that was created in Chernobyl in 1986 of around 20 miles all round the plant. Various factors are considered in designing a protective barrier. Radiation is classified into three classes depending on its origin. These comprise the alpha, beta and gamma rays. Their penetrating ability increases in the same order. Since these rays penetrate different materials ranging from light paper to thick walls, specific material, which cannot be penetrated, should be used in designing the walls. In deciding on the materials to be used, there is the need to verify the type of rays emitted and their intensity. Gamma rays are more penetrative to matter in comparison to the other two. Materials such as water and concrete can be used for protection against the neutron rays. For gamma shielding, elements such as lead and iron are preferred. What are some of the protective measures to be taken? Due to the nature of nuclear radiations, proper care should be taken during their handling. One of the safety measures is the eradication of a possibility of generation of the radiation. All possible sources of the radiations should be unveiled and carefully monitored for any possibilities of emission. For example, impurities in active chemical compounds that might lead to interactions causing radiations should be eliminated. In ensuring stability of the nuclear reactors, the nuclear fuel should be kept cool in the reactors. Secondly, radioactive materials should be kept inside containers to prevent dispersions. In deciding on the containers to be used, factors discussed above should act as guidelines. Another strategy is dilution of the radiation rays through air cleaning. This helps in minimizing the intensity of the rays. Water is also a very effective tool in controlling the rays. In Fukushima Daiichi, water to the tune of half a million liters is used daily. What sources need to be cleaned up? Radioactive particles are normally sticky more specifically to the charged surfaces that stand in their way. Therefore, to eliminate the chances of retaining them on the surrounding vegetation and soil, there is a need to eradicate them in the clean-up process. This helps in reducing radioactive decay of the isotopes. This strategy has been applied in Fukushima Daiichi. The process was carried out as though it was a general clearance for farming but using masks. This is because dust particles, due to interaction with air particles, attain electrostatic charges that are easily attracted to the radioactive particles. The soil on the surface of the earth should be overturned to bury the particles that have possibilities of carrying the particles. Similarly, any material such as trees and grass with the potential of attracting the particles ought to be cleaned from the surrounding area. What should be done in the event of nuclear exposure? Due to the rising concerns over the increasing nuclear crisis in Japan, questions are being raised over what is to be done under such occurrences. Here is a guideline on the safety measures. Primarily, radioactive elements can penetrate the body through a variety of ways ranging from whatever we ingest through the mouth to diffusion through the skin pores. Remedies taken should hence be based on a variety of factors such as the amount of particles, the chemical reactivity, the particle size and the half-life of the element. Generally, however, in the event of exposure to the particles, it is required that one take alginates and pectin, which are both scientifically and clinically tested and certified to remove the particles from the body. These two minerals have been used in treatment of Chernobyl victims. They work by chelating heavy metals and other radioactive elements from the body. In line with these, other nutrients such as milk thistle and dandelions, too, help the body in detoxification of radioactive elements. Since these radiations interfere with the DNA of the cell and cause mutation, there is the need to protect the cell. This is best done using powerful antioxidants, which include vitamins A, C, E, glutathione, etc. Some radiations lead to deprivation of oxygen (anoxia). Medicinal mushrooms to which Cordyceps belong can treat these. These mushrooms have a clinical value of protection of tissues from radiation therapy. These are natural mechanisms for treatment. Large amounts of potassium iodide doses do not protect one from thyroid cancer. A majority of people, however, are carrying out self-prescription in which they end up taking too much potassium iodine salts as a mechanism of preventing thyroid cancer. Iodine salts are only sustainable in the body for a day. Therefore, prevention from uptake of radioactive iodine by the body should only be carried out within 24 hours before exposure. This saturates specifically the thyroid glands preventing absorption of more iodine salts. Therefore, any iodine taken before the specified period is excess and a waste. How best to store radioactive elements? Hazardous radioactive materials as a requirement are supposed to be stored as per the principles of passive safety. These principles specify storage under a variety of physical barriers, which can prevent dispersal. It should be ensured that the waste is both physically and chemically nondegradable to avoid instances of disintegration paving the way to permeability. Radioactive materials that are in raw form may require conditioning to be converted into a passive form, to prevent them from mobility. This category comprises gases, liquids, semi-solids and slurries. Liquids and solids are usually immobilized by encapsulation in cement or by vitrification. Some more reactive radiochemical materials, however, do require some pre-treatment aimed at neutralization before storage. Monitoring systems ought to be put in place to detect any traces of the materials accumulating in the environment. Radioactive rays emanating from radioactive emissions are hazardous and so should be handled with utmost care. Proper mechanisms should be employed to protect the population. Educational forums should be held to enlighten people on what needs to be done as a control as well as treatment of those affected. Those countries generating nuclear energy ought to put in stringent measures to prevent leakage of the rays. Works Cited Gretchen, Gavett. How Do You Clean Up After a Nuclear Disaster? February 28, 2012. Web. May 14, 2012. Read More