Radiation exposure levels permitted for first responders are set in U.S. federal standards. The levels of permitted exposure rise according to the severity of the situation: from 5 rem for occupational exposure to unlimited exposure in the case of protection of large populations (as long as first responders are aware of the risk, see federal [...]
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Recently, with the development of wearable selective shielding technology by StemRad, there is, for the first time ever, the ability to protect first responders from the most penetrating type of radiation – gamma radiation. Yet is this solution “reasonably achievable” as set out in the federal ALARA standard? ALARA – “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” [...]
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From harrowing hurricane scenarios to a simple fire ignited by a single spark, the main concern at nuclear plants is to safeguard the cooling systems, which ensure that safe temperatures are maintained around the nuclear reactor core. Ultimately, any damage to the core raises the specter of a meltdown. To prevent radiological emergencies, the Nuclear [...]
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Terrorists have a two-fold interest in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapon facilities:1) To obtain radioactive material for the development of a nuclear weapon.2) To cause a core meltdown or set fire to spent fuel pools, thus releasing radiation that would cause numerous fatalities and widespread devastation.Terror organizations have considered external attacks on nuclear facilities, [...]
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