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Zölzer F, Schneider T, Ainsbury E, Goto A, Liutsko L, O'Reilly G, Lochard J. Ethical and societal aspects of radiological protection for offspring and next generations. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 100:1371-1381. [PMID: 37947483 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2281523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Over the last decade or so, ethical and societal aspects of radiological protection have received increasing attention. This is also reflected in the publications of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The current paper aims at identifying relevant ethical and societal topics which should receive attention in the context of radiological protection for offspring and next generations. MATERIALS AND METHODS We present a non-comprehensive review of the subject, based on presentation made at an ICRP workshop in Budapest in 2022. We first discuss the ethical values promoted by ICRP, and the application of these values in cases of (potential) pre-conceptual and prenatal radiation exposures. We then consider experience gained after the Fukushima accident indicating particular societal concerns about the health effects of such exposures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Beneficence/non-maleficence, prudence, justice and dignity, the "core values" of the system of radiological protection have special roles to play when heritable and/or in utero effects are to be considered. Prudence, in particular, must be taken account of in view of the fact that solid scientific data in humans are largely lacking in this area, and it is necessary to rely on insights from animal experiments as well as theoretical considerations. As regards societal considerations, the perception of risk among (potentially) affected populations needs to be taken seriously. Accountability, transparency, and inclusivity, the "procedural values" promoted by ICRP for the practical implementation of the system of radiological protection play a central role in overcoming skepticism and creating trust. Stakeholder involvement should emphasize cooperation and dialogue, which allows for the joint evaluation of an exposure situation by experts and affected people.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Zölzer
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - T Schneider
- Nuclear Protection Evaluation Centre (CEPN), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | | | - A Goto
- Center for Integrated Science and Humanities, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - L Liutsko
- Institute for Primary Health Care Research Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAP Jordi Gol) & ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - J Lochard
- Institute of Atomic Bomb Diseases, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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A digitalized framework for responding to radiological accidents in a public major event. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2023.100536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
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Toft DJ, Schneider AB. Protecting the Thyroid in Times of Conflict (Ukraine 2022). Thyroid 2022; 32:607-610. [PMID: 35469429 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Toft
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Arthur B Schneider
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Li C, Alves Dos Reis A, Ansari A, Bertelli L, Carr Z, Dainiak N, Degteva M, Efimov A, Kalinich J, Kryuchkov V, Kukhta B, Kurihara O, Antonia Lopez M, Port M, Riddell T, Rump A, Sun Q, Tuo F, Youngman M, Zhang J. Public health response and medical management of internal contamination in past radiological or nuclear incidents: A narrative review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 163:107222. [PMID: 35378442 PMCID: PMC9749825 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Following a radiological or nuclear emergency, workers, responders and the public may be internally contaminated with radionuclides. Screening, monitoring and assessing any internal contamination and providing necessary medical treatment, especially when a large number of individuals are involved, is challenging. Experience gained and lessons learned from the management of previous incidents would help to identify gaps in knowledge and capabilities on preparedness for and response to radiation emergencies. In this paper, eight large-scale and five workplace radiological and nuclear incidents are reviewed cross 14 technical areas, under the broader topics of emergency preparedness, emergency response and recovery processes. The review findings suggest that 1) new strategies, algorithms and technologies are explored for rapid screening of large populations; 2) exposure assessment and dose estimation in emergency response and dose reconstruction in recovery process are supported by complementary sources of information, including 'citizen science'; 3) surge capacity for monitoring and dose assessment is coordinated through national and international laboratory networks; 4) evidence-based guidelines for medical management and follow-up of internal contamination are urgently needed; 5) mechanisms for international and regional access to medical countermeasures are investigated and implemented; 6) long-term health and medical follow up programs are designed and justified; and 7) capabilities and capacity developed for emergency response are sustained through adequate resource allocation, routine non-emergency use of technical skills in regular exercises, training, and continuous improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Armin Ansari
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | | | - Zhanat Carr
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Marina Degteva
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Alexander Efimov
- State Unitary Enterprise Southern Urals Biophysics Institute of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Ozyorsk, Russia
| | - John Kalinich
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, USA
| | - Victor Kryuchkov
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris Kukhta
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Osamu Kurihara
- National Institutes of Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Maria Antonia Lopez
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnolόgicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthias Port
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Alexis Rump
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Quanfu Sun
- National Institute for Radiological Protection, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Tuo
- National Institute for Radiological Protection, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jianfeng Zhang
- National Institute for Radiological Protection, Beijing, China
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Ludovici GM, Chierici A, de Souza SO, d’Errico F, Iannotti A, Malizia A. Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Flora Ten Years after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Disaster. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:222. [PMID: 35050110 PMCID: PMC8781571 DOI: 10.3390/plants11020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to analyze the effects of ionizing radiation and radionuclides (like 137Cs) in several higher plants located around the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP), evaluating both their adaptive processes and evolution. After the FNPP accident in March 2011 much attention was focused to the biological consequences of ionizing radiation and radionuclides released in the area surrounding the nuclear plant. This unexpected mishap led to the emission of radionuclides in aerosol and gaseous forms from the power plant, which contaminated a large area, including wild forest, cities, farmlands, mountains, and the sea, causing serious problems. Large quantities of 131I, 137Cs, and 134Cs were detected in the fallout. People were evacuated but the flora continued to be affected by the radiation exposure and by the radioactive dusts' fallout. The response of biota to FNPP irradiation was a complex interaction among radiation dose, dose rate, temporal and spatial variation, varying radiation sensitivities of the different plants' species, and indirect effects from other events. The repeated ionizing radiations, acute or chronic, guarantee an adaptation of the plant species, demonstrating a radio-resistance. Consequently, ionizing radiation affects the genetic structure, especially during chronic irradiation, reducing genetic variability. This reduction is associated with the different susceptibility of plant species to chronic stress. This would confirm the adaptive theory associated with this phenomenon. The effects that ionizing radiation has on different life forms are examined in this review using the FNPP disaster as a case study focusing the attention ten years after the accident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Marco Ludovici
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.L.); (A.I.)
| | - Andrea Chierici
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (F.d.)
| | - Susana Oliveira de Souza
- Physics Department, Federal University of Sergipe, UFS, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n Jardim Rosa Elze, São Cristóvão SE 49100-000, Brazil;
| | - Francesco d’Errico
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (F.d.)
| | - Alba Iannotti
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.L.); (A.I.)
| | - Andrea Malizia
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via di Motpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Estimation of radiation-induced health hazards from a "dirty bomb" attack with radiocesium under different assault and rescue conditions. Mil Med Res 2021; 8:65. [PMID: 34879871 PMCID: PMC8656004 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-021-00349-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In the case of a terrorist attack by a "dirty bomb", blast injuries, external irradiation and the incorporation of radioactivity are to be expected. Departing from information about the radiological attack scenario with cesium-137 in the U.S. National Scenario Planning Guide, we estimated the radiological doses absorbed. Similar calculations were performed for a smaller plume size and a detonation in a subway. For conditions as described in the U.S. scenario, the committed effective dose amounted to a maximum of 848 mSv, even for very unfavorable conditions. Red bone marrow equivalent doses are insufficient to induce acute radiation sickness (ARS). In the case of a smaller plume size, the ARS threshold may be exceeded in some cases. In a subway bombing, doses are much higher and the occurrence of ARS should be expected. The health hazards from a dirty bomb attack will depend on the location and the explosive device. The derived Haddon matrix indicates that preparing for such an event includes education of all the medical staff about radiation effects, the time lines of radiation damages and the treatment priorities. Further determinants of the outcome include rapid evacuation even from difficult locations, the availability of a specific triage tool to rapidly identify victims at risk for ARS, the availability of an antidote stockpile and dedicated hospital beds to treat seriously irradiated victims.
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