Radiation Incidents in Delhi: The Way Forward

Radiation Incidents in Delhi: The Way Forward May 2, 2010 - 00:51

By Dr K S Parthasarthy
The unfortunate radiation incident in which several persons got exposed to radiation in Delhi highlights the need to enforce strictly the multilayer radiation monitoring system recommended by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
This must be implemented at different stages of value addition of metal scrap.
In the Delhi incident, seven persons were admitted to hospitals for treatment. Scientists handling the emergency located and safely removed 11 radiation sources of various types. None of these are indigenously fabricated sources.
Over the past few years, AERB has been publicising measures to prevent such incidents. It arranged meetings, workshops and discussions in different regions in the country. As it happened in the USA, only those firms who faced adverse economic outcomes due to contaminated steel products cared to follow AERB’s suggestions. If everyone bought and used the relatively inexpensive radiation monitoring equipment, which AERB recommended, the incident would have been prevented.
AERB was concerned about the incidents in which steel got contaminated with Co-60. It took such events as wake up calls. The Board interacted with the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CII) and All India Induction Furnaces Association and licenses of industrial gamma radiography institutions and unfolded its plan of action.
The multilayer radiation check system recommended by AERB includes various elements introduction of procedure that every importer of metal scrap should obtain a certificate from the exporting country that the scrap is free from radioactivity; Inclusion of a clause in the purchase specification that the material shall be free from radioactivity; establishment of independent check/test system for radioactivity in the incoming and outgoing material, if any radioactivity detected, segregation of material at least 10 m away from the occupied areas and information to AERB immediately; selling /supplying the material with a self certificate that the material is free from radioactivity.
Other measures included radiation monitoring of the metal scrap after the import and prior to melting the scrap; radiation monitoring by steel mills prior to rolling of steel ingots into the desired shape; radiation monitoring by manufacturers and exporters of SS products prior to manufacture/export of products and inclusion of radioactive contamination check in the check list of QA program prior to export or supply of the material.
AERB wanted all concerned agencies in steel metal recycling industry such as metal scrap dealers, steel foundry owners, steel rolling mills and manufacturers of steel products, small or big to scan the metal for the presence of radioactivity with the help of radiation sensing devices prior to using the metal for value addition. If radiation is detected in any material, AERB shall be notified so that appropriate control can be instituted over the contaminated material.
AERB informed various stakeholders that radiation sensing devices, which can detect and measure just above the natural background radiation level (5-10 microR/h), can be procured indigenously imported.
The associations of scrap dealers must arrange radiation safety awareness programs related to the detection of radiation in the steel melting industry. AERB proposed that they may develop a facility with trained man power and equipment to provide service of radiation monitoring for the needed industry; and coordinate with AERB for disposal of the identified contaminated material and related matters. In spite of the vigorous measures, it is obvious that AERB’s suggestions have not percolated down to every stake holder in this lucrative business.
Scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre have developed inestimable expertise in tracing lost sources. They have been training various dedicated groups for several years in handling radiation emergencies. This priceless contribution became very useful in the hour of need. The Department of Atomic Energy is making available a few radiation monitors to the association of scrap dealers, so that they can monitor the presence, if any, of radiation sources in the scrap material they gather. If they find any, they can notify the concerned authorities for further follow up.
An important element in the defence in depth arrangement to prevent radiation incidents due to imported sources is the installation of portal monitors at ports and airports through which scrap material in bulk may enter the country. Scientists from BARC have surveyed various locations and identified places for installing them.
The unfortunate event at Delhi may accelerate the process. Admittedly, the project involves the coordination of various agencies. Installing the monitors with the assistance of specialists and making foolproof arrangements to maintain them 24X7, is a complex activity. It can be and has to be carried out with the support and coordination of every one.
Prompt medical assistance is an important element in handling patients exposed to radiation. The patient may approach general practitioners. They may think that the injury is due to reasons such as insect bite. Radiation injury has no special signs or symptoms (IAEA/WHO, 2000). Few physicians have adequate knowledge to identify them.
Recognising this fact, AERB published “A Handbook for the Medical Management of Persons Exposed in Radiation Accidents” in 1989 and a detailed guide in 1990. The guide received critical reviews from H Jammet, Jeane Claude Nenot and other internationally acclaimed specialists.
AERB published a poster highlighting the course to be followed while treating the patients. In 2000, WHO/IAEA realised that in most cases, physicians will not be able to identify the reasons for symptoms suffered by radiation exposed persons. They published a leaflet titled “How to recognise and initially respond to an accidental injury” at http://w.w.w.who.int/ionizing_radiation/a_c/IAEA WHO Leaflet-Eng%20blue.pdf.
The leaflet recommends the following books by IAEA/WHO for further reading: Diagnosis and Treatment of Radiation Injuries. Safety Report Series, No 2, IAEA, Vienna, 1998: Planning the Medical Response to Radiological Accidents. Safety Report Series, No 4, IAEA, Vienna, 1998; Health Surveillance of Persons Occupationally Exposed to Ionizing Radiation. Safety Report Series, No 5, IAEA, Vienna, 1998. These documents are available for free download.
The unfortunate incident at Delhi may act as the final wakeup call for establishing the way forward to handle such potential emergencies. (PTI Feature)