UPSC PERSPECTIVE PRELIMS 1996
Which of the following professionals are more likely to run the risk of a permanent change in their cell’s DNA?
1. Researchers using carbon-14 isotopes
2. X-ray technician
3. Coal miner
4. Dyer and painter
Select the correct answer by using the codes given below:
A. 2 alone
B. 1,2 and 3
C. 1, 2 and
D. 1, 3 and 4
ANSWER-2. X-ray technician
RADIATION EFFECT ON HUMANS
- The losing of hair quickly and in clumps occurs with radiation exposure at 200 rems or higher.
- The thyroid gland is susceptible to radioactive iodine. Insufficient amounts, radioactive iodine can destroy all or part of the thyroid.
- Intense exposure to radioactive material at 1,000 to 5,000 rems would do immediate damage to small blood vessels and probably cause heart failure and death directly.
Many other harmful effects.
CHERNOBYL DISASTER
26 April 1986
On April 26, 1986, the world’s worst nuclear accident happened at the Chernobyl plant near Pripyat, Ukraine, in the Soviet Union.
The number of deaths directly caused by the Chernobyl disaster is usually estimated to be between 31 and 56, but the long-term effects of the disaster have impacted a much larger number of people.
India is surrounded by two countries China and Pakistan WHICH HAVE nuclear weapon.
NOTES
Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Science (INMAS) develops India’s first indigenous anti-nuclear medical kit (Location: New Delhi)
INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE & ALLIED SCIENCES (INMAS)
-
- INMAS is the laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- It was established in 1961 and is located in New Delhi.
- It is involved in nuclear medicine research and responding to nuclear accidents and explosions.
- Since 1968, Department of Nuclear Medicine in INMAS is offering two-year diploma in radiation medicine.
- It is the first formal training program in nuclear medicine in the world.
NOTE:
India’s first indigenous medical kit for protection against nuclear warfare or radioactive leakage.
ANTI-NUCLEAR MEDICAL KIT
- The kit has been developed after 20 years of work by INMAS scientists.
- It has 25 items which include radioactive protectors which can absorb 80-90% of radiation, nerve gas agents, bandages that absorb radiation as well as tablets and ointments.
- The kit is seen as a potent alternative to similar imported kits that were till now procured from US and Russia at much higher prices.
- It has been developed for armed, paramilitary and police forces only as they are first ones likely to get exposed to radiation during nuclear, chemical and biomedical (NCB) warfare or rescue operation after a nuclear accident.
FEW IMPORTANT ITEMS OF KIT
- Prussian blue tablet: Reduces radiation
- Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) injection
- Ca-EDTA Respiratory Fluid: helps in breathing
- Radioactive Blood Mopping Dressing
- Radioactive urine/biofluid collector
- Anti-gamma ray skin ointment
- Amifostine injection
- Indranil 150 mg tablet
USEFULNESS
“Such medicines will help everyone and not just soldiers.
This will also help the victims affected in terrorist attacks, Rajesh Malhotra, head of Trauma Centre at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, said, adding that the kits will benefit civilians in case of a nuclear accident.
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