Radioactive Sources: Risks Vs. Benefits

A total of 157 attendees from different schools and universities from Olongapo and Zambales benefited from the “Nuclear Safety and Security Awareness Seminar held last August 27, 2009 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC) thru the efforts of Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) as part of its countywide Nuclear Caravan program in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office.

Lynette B. Cayabo, Science Research Specialist II of the Nuclear Regulations, Licensing and Safeguards Division (NRLSD) of PNRI, discussed the fundamentals of radiation that provided a backgrounder and brief explanation about radiation, its natural and artificial sources, and its effect on the human body depending on the variables of exposure. Cayabo also stressed 3 ways to control the exposure to radioactive sources namely:
a. To minimize time of exposure;
b. To maximize distance from radioactive sources; and ,
c. To provide shielding from radioactive materials
(lead).

On the other hand, Euliania M. Valdezco chief of NRLSD tackled the safety and security of radioactive sources in the Philippines. Valdezco discussed the benefits of radiation to:
a. Medical applications like Cobalt 60 to treat cancer,
blood/tissue irradiation, medical diagnoses,
radiotherapy and others;
b. Electric and nuclear power generation; and,
c. To food technology specifically the use of food
irradiators to create “mutants” such as “seedless”
pineapples and the likes.

Likewise, Valdezco also emphasized the harm and danger that radioactive sources may cause through the misuse of these highly dangerous radioactive sources.

“We are not saying that radioactive sources are not harmful, they are harmful, but they can also be beneficial depending on how we use it,” said Valdezco. The foreseen danger of misuse of radioactive elements is the basis for the resolve for radiation protection on the supposition that the smaller doses of radiation one receive, the smaller are the risks. Thus, the creation of PNRI that oversees to the proper licensing of companies and industries that use radioactive sources.

To summarize, the seminar pointed out the following key messages:

a. Radiation can be beneficial or harmful
b. Safety and security of radioactive sources are equally
important issues
c. Security measures depend on the risks associated
(ex. low or highly active form of radioactive sources)
d. Effective risk management (training, research and
studies).

Also present at the said event were NRLSD’s Teresita G. de Jesus, Science and Research Specialist II for Inspection and Enforcement, Alfonso Singayan, Science and Research Specialist I for Standards and Development and Science Research Analyst, Johnylen Melendez.

“Thru appropriate training and by the consent of PNRI, Olongapo and Zambales may consider to utilize food irradiation technology to produce globally-marketable “seedless mangoes” and other mango by-products in the future,” said Mayor James “Gordon” Jr. as guest speaker at the said event.