RADIOBIOLOGY DISCUSSION 2

Nuclear power, weapons, and medicine all have particular connotations when they are
discussed by the general public. Very few individuals are indifferent when it relates to
these topics and a great number of people have strong beliefs and opinions either for or
against these practices. One undeniable fact about any field relating to radiation and
radioactive materials is that, if management protocols are not followed properly, they
can be extremely dangerous and these risks should not be minimized. On the other
hand, accidents involving radioactive materials are extremely rare and there are many
governing bodies that manage the possession, use, storage, and disposal of radioactive
materials.1 The risks involved with radioactive materials are inarguable, but should be
explained and placed into the proper context when seeking to educate health care
professionals, lawmakers, as well as the general public.

It is very important that lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and members of the public
be aware of the risks associated with radioactive materials. Since 1951, 667 nuclear
reactors have been constructed throughout the world.2 There are still 440 reactors
active today. During this time, of nearly 75 years, only two of these reactors have had
catastrophic failures that led to the deaths of members of the public (Chernobyl and
Fukushima) . Combined, these accidents have directly claimed the lives of 32 people.2
While each of these deaths is a tragedy, we must all consider the benefits of nuclear
energy. The nuclear energy sector produces over 10 percent of the world's energy,
alone. Nuclear energy is also the most efficient and least polluting energy source. It is
important to consider that other forms of energy like coal, oil, and natural gas have
some serious impacts on the environment and have led to more than 100,000 deaths
across the planet due to accidents and pollution.2 While the risks of nuclear accidents
are intimidating, they are incredibly rare, and the benefit far outweighs this possibility.

It is also important to address the risk associated with nuclear weapons. Since the
United States dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there has not
been another recorded use of nuclear weapons in war. There are currently tens of
thousands of weapons across the globe, assuring mutually assured destruction. At this
point, the use of nuclear weapons is considered very unlikely, but serves as an
insurance policy against countries’ foreign adversaries. Since the early 1980s, The
United Nations and the World Health Organization have formed committees with the
primary goal of reducing nuclear armament across the globe.3 This is just another step
of protection to reduce the likelihood of a nuclear weapon being used.

Educating people about these risks is just the beginning. We must also provide some
reassurances about how we can further decrease the risk, as well as prepare for the
instance where an accident does occur. As this article mentions, there are a number of
treatments for radioactive injuries. Some of these include iodine, Prussian Blue, and
bone marrow transplants.1 Most hospitals in the United States have protocols for what
to do if a major influx of irradiated people need to be treated. One example is that they
typically have multiple Gieger-Muller (GM) counters to detect radiation.4 It is also
common to have a plan of who will respond, where they will go, and what they will do.
This process involves detection, decontamination, and treatment. All of the affected
individuals will be separated by their degree of exposure and given the necessary care.4
I have personally seen a test of my clinical site’s emergency plan. We are located near
a nuclear power plant so they must be ready in case of an accident. These are just a
couple examples of how hospitals are prepared for nuclear accidents.

When addressing the lawmakers of the United States, in regards to this matter, I would
primarily argue that the field of radioactive materials is not one in which to become
complacent. They must monitor our own nuclear weapons and power plants to keep the
public safe. To the general public, I would use all of the aforementioned statistics to
ease their worry about the likelihood of a nuclear accident. I would also hope this
reassures them of the rules and regulations that keep them safe, and the preparations
of the hospitals in the rare occurrence of an accident. As for healthcare workers, all of
us included, we should stay educated and have the ability to help if the need arises.

I believe the regulation of the use and ownership of radioactive materials is largely to
thank for the safe track record in the medical and energy fields. The rarity of any
accident should allow everyone to relax and appreciate the care that goes into keeping
us safe. At the same time, we should not allow ourselves to become unprepared.

References:
1. Tsujiguchi, Takakiyo & Yamamura, Hitoshi & Kashiwakura, Ikuo. (2017). The
Medical Treatment of Radiation Exposure and Contamination in Radiation
Accidents. Radiation Environment and Medicine. 6. 94-103.
2. What’s the death toll of nuclear vs other energy sources? Engineering.com.
February 25, 2021. Accessed August 8, 2023.
https://www.engineering.com/story/
whats-the-death-toll-of-nuclear-vs-other-energy-sources.

3. Ruff TA. Ending nuclear weapons before they end us: current challenges and
paths to avoiding a public health catastrophe. J Public Health Policy.
2022;43(1):5-17. doi:10.1057/s41271-021-00331-9

4. Hospital activities during Radiation emergencies. Hospital Activities During

Radiation Emergencies - Radiation Emergency Medical Management. January
19, 2023. Accessed August 8, 2023. https://remm.hhs.gov/hospitalprep.htm.