Incidents Caused by Irradiation

Abstract

Nuclear energy incidents with acute irradiation injuries, caused by ionizing radiation or such heavy environmental contamination by radioactive material that a need for protective measurements for the population arises, have so far been relatively rare. Since the beginning of the development of nuclear technology for military and civil use in the 1940s and until February 2011, a little more than 3,000 radiation accidents have been reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In 428 of these incidents, the irradiation dose was significant, and 180 of them were severe, leading to death or chronic disease. Apart from the acute illnesses caused by such incidents, there are also illnesses that develop over time, such as radiation-induced malignancies. There are also significant psychological effects that should not be neglected, both acute and chronic effects on the individual level and the population level, where many thousands of people might be involved.

Currently, nuclear plants are needed to supply enough energy to permit our present standard of living. Even if the safety protocols are rigorous and the technology advanced, they are operated by human beings, and human beings can make mistakes. They also may be potential targets for terrorism, and they are vulnerable to natural disasters that cannot be controlled. An example of this is the earthquake that occurred in Japan on March 11, 2011, the consequences of which at the present moment are difficult to foresee but may lead to a global reconsideration of our present attitude toward nuclear energy.

In this chapter, different types of incidents caused by irradiation and their impact on the community and individuals are presented. Basic radiation physics are described in context with the biological effects of the radiation, with special focus on the medical effects. The medical response to nuclear and radiation incidents is illustrated.