Non-Cancer effects of radiation exposure

 

International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) revised its 1990 Recommendations (1991) in the form of “2007 Recommendations of the ICRP” (2007).

 

The fundamental principles of radiological protection in the revised System of Radiological Protection are: Justification, optimization and application of dose limits are apply to all exposures to ionizing radiation from any source. The total harm to health experienced by the exposed group of persons and its descendants as a result of the doses received is termed as detriment. The detriment takes into account the stochastic quantities.

 

However, the research over the years also indicates stroke and heart disease may well be caused by chronic or acute radiation exposure at doses of the order of 0.5 Gy or less.

 

Now the acceptance of this non-cancer detriment in the risk assessment by the ICRP may change the protection strategies in the future?  

Nuclear desalination of sea water

India, particularly during summer months always face acute water shortage. Now with large scale usage of water for the management of Corona Virus, it is likely that the shortage can be more acute, and we may not get enough water for the cleaning. Most parts of India depend entirely on the rains for the supply of water for all purposes. Let us hope that the rains come early this time and save the situation. Let us wish Corona goes away before the rainy season starts.

We, in India, have over 7500 km of coastline and hence plenty of seawater. Desalination is the answer to deal with this situation. Technology is available for the desalination of seawater. Nuclear desalination can be the answer to augment freshwater supply. We must work out the costs.