Radioactive pollution, often known as radiological pollution, is the unintended or undesirable presence of radioactive chemicals on surfaces or within solids, liquids, or gasses. The radioactive materials cause destruction by emitting dangerous ionizing radiation such as beta or alpha particles, gamma rays, or neurons into the environment. They have the ability to cause cell death, DNA damage, cancer, and even death in some cases. So it is important to control radioactive pollution both at the individual level and at the government level. Using radiation exposure protection, proper labels, and appropriate storage and disposal are a few among them. This article will explain to you the Measures to Control Radioactive Pollution which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

Radioactive Pollution - Concept

• The rise in natural radiation levels induced by human activity is referred to as radioactive pollution.
• The radioactive materials cause destruction by emitting hazardous ionizing radiation (radioactive decay) such as beta or alpha particles, gamma rays, or neurons into the environment where they exist.
• Human activities are considered to be responsible for around 20% of the radiation we are exposed to.
• Activities involving radioactive materials, such as mining, handling and processing radioactive materials, handling and storage of radioactive waste, and the use of radioactive reactions to generate energy (nuclear power plants), as well as the use of radiation in medicine (e.g. X-rays) and research, are all examples of human activities that can release radiation.

Effects of Radioactive Pollution

Genetic Mutations

• When it comes to genes and genetics, radiation has negative consequences.
• It causes DNA strand damage, which leads to genetic disintegration over time.
• The degree of genetic mutation leading to changes in DNA composition varies depending on the amount and type of radiation one has been exposed to.
• If a person or animal is exposed to too much radiation through the atmosphere, food, or even water, their bodies are likely to have already absorbed the radiation.
• Because energy cannot be eliminated, it remains active once within the body.
• As a result of the mutation, one is extremely vulnerable to cancer.
• Children born to pregnant women suffer birth abnormalities caused by genetic mutations, such as low weight during birth.
• Severely deformed births and impairments in children, such as blindness, have also been observed.
• Radiation-induced infertility has also been reported as a side effect.

Diseases

• Our health is severely harmed by radioactive pollution. Acute radiation syndrome is a rare condition that is one of the most deadly side effects of radioactive pollution.
• It is, however, a result of high-level radioactive radiation. Within a few hours, this condition causes nausea and vomiting.
• If the situation is extremely bad, the person may die in a matter of days or weeks.
• Radiation can also cause cancer, which is by far the most common side effect.
• However, while cancer is the most common side effect of radioactive pollution, it can also induce other disorders.
• Anemia, decreased life expectancy, leukemia, bleeding, accelerated aging, fatalities, cardiovascular issues, and so forth.

Soil Infertility

• Radiation is prevalent in soils due to its exposure to the atmosphere.
• Radioactive compounds in the soil react with various nutrients, causing the nutrients to be destroyed and the soil to become infertile and very poisonous.
• Such soil results in the harvest of crops that are contaminated with radiation and consequently unsafe for human and animal consumption.
• Plants that grow in this type of soil are genetically modified as well.
• Herbivores eat them and retain the radiation levels because they are at the bottom of the food chain.
• Carnivores such as lions and vultures consume them, boosting their radiation levels by the principle of Biomagnification.

Impact on Marine Life

• For decades, power plants have been releasing radioisotopes into the water as a source of nuclear energy and chemical processing.
• They include Cesium, Radon, Crypton, Ruthenium, Zinc, and Copper, to name a few.
• The fact that the waste is emitted at a "permissible" level does not imply that it is safe.
• These radionuclides can be found in the fishes' soft tissues as well as their bones.
• The radioisotope of ruthenium was believed to be present in the seaweed used in bread.
• The shells and tissues of all shelled fishes are polluted with radionuclides.

*To know more about the topic, click this link Effects of Radioactive Pollution

Measures to Control Radioactive Pollution

Proper Storage And Disposal of Radioactive Waste

• Radiation can still be found in radioactive waste. As a result, it cannot be disposed of in the same manner as for regular waste.
• Storage: It cannot be buried or incinerated. Since seepage is a possibility, this waste should be stored in large, thick concrete containers.
• Dilution: Since storage may not be practicable, another alternative is to dilute the radiation.
• Professional Assistance: Professional assistance should always be sought because there are no straightforward ways to dispose of radioactive waste.
• Low-level Waste: Low-level waste disposal is simple and may be done practically any place in a safe manner.
• Used Fuel: Used fuel is typically stored for at least five years underwater and subsequently in dry storage.
• Deep Geological Disposal: The greatest solution for the eventual disposal of the most radioactive waste produced is deep geological disposal, which is widely accepted.

Proper Labeling

• Any material containing radioactive material must be labeled, with the required precautions stated on the label's content.
• As waste is added, information such as permit number, date, isotope, and radioactivity must be written legibly and precisely on the accompanying tag.
• The presence of organic or aqueous solvents, complexing or chelating chemicals (e.g., EDTA) in the liquid waste supplied to the container must be stated on the waste tag.
• The reason for this is that even light contact with radioactive material can allow radiation to enter the body.
• Containers containing such materials should be encouraged for the use of protective equipment when handling them.

Radiation Exposure Protection

• Distance, time to exposure, and shielding are the three concepts of radiation protection.
• The exposure diminishes as the distance from the source increases squared.
• To complete a certain activity, the exposure duration should be kept as short as possible.
• The total exposure should be kept below the limit dose in the case of occupational needs. Shielding is the placement of a dense attenuating material between a source of radiation and its surroundings in order to effectively reduce or stop radiation transport.
• A simple hydrogenous substance, such as paraffin, is employed for neutrons.

Measures During Medical Examination

During medical examinations, the following procedures must be followed:

• X-ray slide prescriptions should be based on clinical evaluation and should be used to collect diagnostic information.
• In routine physical examinations, avoiding routine X-rays such as chest and lower back X-rays is recommended.
• High-quality X-ray equipment must be operated and are advised to be maintained by qualified and trained technicians.

Radiation Contamination Protection

• Inhaling radioactive particles is especially dangerous.
• They continue to irradiate the body until they are expelled.
• Using laboratory hoods, air filters, and exhaust systems, eliminating dry sweeping, wearing protective clothing and radiation indicators (to see the total amount of radiation to which one has been exposed), wearing respirators when indicated, and prohibiting smoking and eating where radioactive material is used can all help to reduce this risk.

Banning of Nuclear Tests

• It has already been established that nuclear power possesses a great deal of latent destructive force.
• Nuclear explosions, nuclear reactors, nuclear fuel processing, accidental releases, and natural sources can all cause radioactive contamination of the air.
• Nonetheless, the tests conducted to perfect the energy play a significant role in the overall presence of radioactive materials.
• Furthermore, although being conducted in the deserts, these tests wind up leaking into other ecosystems, impacting the livelihoods of many people.
• The maximum allowed level is 100-150 mR/year. Atomic explosions and the employment of nuclear weapons should be completely prohibited.
• Leakage of radioactive materials from nuclear reactors and plants must be monitored on a regular basis.

Individual Prevention Measures

There are steps that should be taken in an individual level to prevent and/or mitigate radiation pollution:

• Simple Testing Kits: To begin, an individual should test the house for radon using simple testing kits or by hiring a skilled consulting firm.
• Active Soil Depressurization System (ASD): If radiation appears to be a concern (a radon level in the residence that is higher than the background level), a radon reduction option that is favoured is the installation of an active soil depressurization system (ASD).
• Inline Centrifugal Fan: A vent pipe with an inline centrifugal fan functions continuously to evacuate radon and other invading gasses from beneath the home with this arrangement.
• As a result, the system may be effective in preventing not only radon from entering dwellings, but also other harmful substances (non-radioactive) from entering indoor breathing air.
• Choosing Appropriate Location: Also, choosing an appropriate location for your home away from the main sources of radiation pollution is an excellent strategy to avoid radiation exposure.

Alternative Energy Sources

• Initially, the development and usage of nuclear power was not a dreadful thing.
• However, given the harm and threats it poses to the environment, it is past time for its use to be phased out in favor of alternative and ecologically friendly energy sources, such as renewable energy sources such as solar, hydroelectric, and wind power.
• When radioactivity is used to generate energy in nuclear power plants, for example, the waste emitted from the various processes and combustion results in more radiation being discharged into the atmosphere.

Conclusion

Nowadays, even for a safe water supply, proper analysis and monitoring of radioactive pollutants are essential. The anthropogenic sources of radioactive contamination in water resources can be checked through prevention and precautionary measures. For treating radioactively polluted water, several treatment procedures such as aeration, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and granule carbon adsorption are effective remedial strategies.