Environmental probe begins into firefighter cancer cluster Apr 19, 2008
He says the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency will take samples from around the station and results should be known next month. "They'll be doing a number of tests over the next couple of days," he said. (ABC Online)
Home owners plan to sue after tests find radiation hot spots Apr 19, 2008
In a letter in March, NSW Health told the family of areas on their land that exceeded Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency guidelines, although it maintained there was no health risk. The tests were "not designed to be a comprehensive radiological risk assessment, but rather a screening survey", the family was told. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Tests at 'cancer cluster' fire station Apr 17, 2008
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts told state parliament today the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency had sent a team to Atherton to test specifically for any forms of ionising radiation. "Ionising radiation and family history are two of the key known causes of brain cancer," Mr Roberts said. (Melbourne Herald Sun)
Nuclear dump: family seeks answers on deaths Apr 12, 2008
Exposure levels fall within ARPANSA [Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency] recommendations for general public exposure. " No more tests would be undertaken, he said. The State Government plans to dig out the radioactive waste - thousands of tonnes of processed uranium tailings, thorium and radium - and sell the site for housing. At least three others fell victim to cancer, according to correspondence between NSW Health Department officials, dated from the 1960s - when some... (Sydney Morning Herald)
Fair skinned people to be banned in Aus Apr 5, 2008
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency said that people with skin type one are at the greatest risk of developing some form of skin cancer. Other stories in this section. (India Times)
Women Veterinarians Face Higher Miscarriage Risk Apr 5, 2008
"Properly ventilating the workplace (using scavenging systems), minimizing the amount of exposure through radiation protection devices such as masks, shoes, lead aprons, thyroid protectors, lead gloves, lead screens or film holders, is of vital importance," Shirangi said. In addition, she said, "All anesthesia machines and their scavenging systems should be checked with each use and maintained regularly by trained technicians. Each institution should provide a system whereby an employee can... (MEDLINEplus)
Should India have measurable mobile radiation norms? Apr 2, 2008
The guidelines assume importance in view of recent developments in Europe, where many governments are considering adopting new, stringent norms than those specified by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), an independent international scientific organisation that provides guidance and advice on health hazards of non-ionising radiation exposure. ICNIRPs guidelines are endorsed by the World Health Organisation and have been adopted by most international... (India Times)
Cosmic rays keeping us from Mars Apr 2, 2008
"It is tough on them when they don't have any new money coming in. They are using old data," he added including research done on survivors of the nuclear bombings of Japan during WWII. "Given today's knowledge and today's understanding of radiation protection, to put someone out in that type of environment would violate the current requirements that Nasa has.". The committee of experts agreed that Nasa's existing radiation safety standards can protect astronauts and they urged the US space... (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
What's keeping us from Mars? Space rays, say experts Apr 1, 2008
"Given today's knowledge and today's understanding of radiation protection, to put someone out in that type of environment would violate the current requirements that NASA has.". The committee of experts agreed that NASA'S existing radiation safety standards can protect astronauts and they urged the U.S. space agency to keep them in place. (Scientific American)
Anyone can be president -- except Ralph Nader Feb 28, 2008
Through his various groups, now operating under the Public Citizen umbrella, Nader instigated trail-blazing legislation ranging from seat belts and air bags, to food labels, radiation protection and the federal Freedom of Information Act. Compare that record with the combined accomplishments of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
MOU to combat nuclear threats signed Feb 27, 2008
The MOU, among other things, states the roles and responsibilities of the Radiation Protection Board of the GAEC and CEPS in relation to the import and export of radiation sources and to establish clear working guidelines on the actions to be taken by the respective parties to ensure protection against radiation and safety and security of radiation sources ... Edward Akaho at the CEPS headquarters in Accra, the MOU mandates CEPS not to permit the importation and exportation of any radiation... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Idle reactor keeps sick waiting for treatment Feb 22, 2008
David Tredinnick, a spokesman for the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, said it was believed to be the first time anywhere in the world that 13 uranium fuel plates had come loose in a nuclear reactor. "It is quite right the regulator would take that extra step and ask questions," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Art And Medicine Meet To Make The World's First 'Operation' Gown Feb 6, 2008
5, 2008) Medical students will be helped to understand what it is like to go under the knife thanks to a world-first project that brings together art and science. A unique surgical gown, which goes on international display at the Museum of Science in Boston January 30, should significantly improve understanding of where operation incisions are made, and what they mean to the patient, say its developers at Durham and Ulster Universities in the United Kingdom. (Science Daily)
PA DEP Requests U.S. EPA to Assume Security Oversight at 7 Lancaster County Facilities Jan 18, 2008
For more information, call DEP's Bureau of Radiation Protection at 717-787-2480. CONTACT: Neil Weaver (717) 571-3866. (PR Newswire)
UK scientists propose space station modules Jan 17, 2008
They would include a communal area and six crew rooms with a radiation protection equivalent to 20. 5 pounds of lead per square foot. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Young people in danger from solariums Jan 14, 2008
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency study also found an individual's chance of developing a melanoma - the rarest but deadliest form of skin cancer - increased by 22 per cent if they had used a solarium just once. Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) scientist Louisa Gordon, who collated the findings of 21 studies in the research project, said the results were concerning given the rapid growth of the solarium industry. (Melbourne Herald Sun)
UK push for space modules Jan 8, 2008
7m cylinder; Modules add 100 cu m to ISS HEM-C is a communal area for eating, meeting and socialising HEM-D sleeps 6 astronauts with enhanced radiation protection Launch on Soyuz-Fregat vehicle with 3 tonnes of supplies Room for one ISS Payload Rack for UK experiments Launch/build cost: 530 million; other costs about 70m. The other HEM is essentially a dormitory with extra radiation shielding to protect astronauts while they sleep. (BBC News -- Europe)
Nuclear radiation may increase risk of child leukemia Dec 10, 2007
An unnamed radiation protection expert familiar with the study said its conclusions understated the problem. He said the data showed there was an increased cancer risk for children living within 50 kilometers of a reactor. (Xinhuanet, China)
Child cancer risk higher near nuclear plants: study Dec 9, 2007
The newspaper said the study was done by the University of Mainz for Germany's Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BFS) ... The newspaper cited an unnamed radiation protection expert familiar with the study who said its conclusions understated the problem. (Reuters India)
Draft Nuclear Regulatory Authority Bill discussions Nov 21, 2007
The meeting was also to meet the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency for the establishment of a Legal Infrastructure for Nuclear Energy Programme and Radiation Protection in Ghana ... He said Ghana already had a Radiation Protection Board but its resources were inadequate and these needed to be enhanced to include the aspect related to the regulation of nuclear power facilities. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Post Comment Nov 19, 2007
30-day news archives. I understand those concerns and I am here to allay those fears," said Musk, a dot-com billionaire staging a space-industry coup by fielding a new fleet of low-cost American rockets and a new crew and cargo spacecraft.If all goes well, Space Exploration Technologies' Dragon spacecraft could carry cargo to the International Space Station by 2011 and take astronauts there a year or two later -- before NASA's Orion is deemed tested and fully operational in 2015.SpaceX intends... (Florida Today)
Radioactive alarm bells ringing at Canadian waste sites Nov 5, 2007
Mr. Jean-Francois, president of the Canadian Radiation Protection Association, stressed the importance of regulations intended to control the movement and disposal of radioactive materials that do pose health risks. Once a landfill alarm goes off, the horse has left the barn. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Antioxidants could provide all-purpose radiation protection Nov 5, 2007
Public release date: 4-Nov-2007. Contact: Staci Vernick Goldberg. (EurekAlert!)
Pennsylvania DEP to Investigate Two Radium Contaminated Sites in Lock Haven; No Imminent Threat to Public Oct 20, 2007
" URS Corporation and Safety and Ecology Corporation will perform a comprehensive scan of the two properties, as well as adjacent properties, to identify potential problem areas and collect soil samples for analysis. Staff collecting the soil samples will wear basic protective clothing as required by established protection guidelines and will take steps to prevent any contaminated materials from spreading. DEP became aware of the radium problem this past June when it received individual reports... (PR Newswire)
As Maine goes ... Former Maine nuclear expert comes to Vt. Oct 8, 2007
He later got a master's degree in health physics, specializing in radiation protection, at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. He has spent the bulk of his career working for the state of Maine, for 12 years as nuclear safety adviser to the governor and Legislature, for a shorter period for Maine Yankee as it was being docommissioned and later back in government as a senior policy analyst on a broad range of energy issues. (Concord Monitor)
Adams trained in nuclear technology Oct 6, 2007
where Adams obtained experience in nuclear radiation protection activities. Adams is now employed at the University of Missouri's Research Reactor Center as a reactor operator trainee in Columbia, Mo. (Camdenton Lake Sun Leader, MO)
Cloud of worry gathers over wireless health risks Sep 24, 2007
In response, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection advised limiting use of mobile phones and wireless networks as a precaution until more is known. "Our main concern is to keep the total exposure of electric magnetic fields as low as possible, especially in schools and kindergartens," said Sylvia Kotting-Uhl, a member of the German Bundestag and spokesman for the Green Party on the issue. (International Herald Tribune)
Germany warns citizens to avoid using Wi-Fi Sep 11, 2007
And Germany's official radiation protection body also advises its citizens to use landlines instead of mobile phones, and warns of "electrosmog" from a wide range of other everyday products, from baby monitors to electric blankets ... By contrast the agency's German equivalent the Federal Office for Radiation Protection is leading the calls for caution. (Independent)
FDA Proposes New Rules for Sunscreens Aug 25, 2007
"FDA considers both UVB and UVA radiation protection equally important at this time, because scientific data demonstrates that both have harmful effects on the skin," the agency said. The proposed ratings system for UVA sunscreens would rate them on a scale of one to four stars. (Forbes)
Absence of policy affect healthcare technology -Expert Aug 8, 2007
He noted that regulatory bodies such as Food and Drugs Board, Radiation Protection Board and Ghana Standards Board were available to regulate healthcare technology. He said a memorandum of understanding had been signed with Radiation Protection Board to ensure compliance, whilst regulatory bodies were yet to develop the capacity in healthcare technology to ensure public safety and protection. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Nuclear - The only way out Jul 31, 2007
The acting Director for Radiation Protection Board of the GAEC, Prof Geoffrey Ami-Reynolds, said this in an interview in Accra yesterday. Source:Daily Graphic. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Minor Incident on Russian Sub, But No Blast - Navy Jul 30, 2007
In nearby Norway, the radiation protection agency said Norwegian sensors did not detect any change in radioactivity levels. "We have had no indication that this incident involved any radioactive releases," Ingar Amundsen, head of the environmental protection section at the Norwegian agency, told Reuters. (Planet Ark, United States)
IAEA to assist Ghana on nuclear security Jul 27, 2007
Geoffrey Emi-Reynolds, Acting Director of the Radiation Protection Board of GEAC, told the GNA that the IAEA had supplied a number of radiation alarm detectors to be worn by Customs and other security officers to detect the import or export of radioactive materials at the country's entry and departure points. He said the IAEA would be supplying more of the equipment to Ghana to upgrade the prevention mechanism. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
A space suit Angelina Jolie could love Jul 18, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007 21:31. Cambridge (MA) Traditional space suits are big, bulky and quite frankly not very sexy, but that could change if Dava Newman has her way. (TG Daily)
Survey Reveals Lack of Awareness That U.S. Sunscreens Provide Insufficient Protection Against Skin Cancer Jul 4, 2007
Most other nations require sunscreens to provide both types of UV radiation protection. "Americans deserve the same type of protection," stated Bob Hurley of CSP. "The FDA should update its current regulations, last updated in 1999, to require more complete skin cancer protection from sunscreens by requiring both UVB and UVA protection.". (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Ottawa quietly prepares for 'dirty bomb' attack Jul 3, 2007
Jack Cornett, director of Health Canada's radiation protection bureau, says the lesson is to get more information out to the medical community sooner. I think we could have given them more support than we did. (Globe and Mail)
Centre for Radiation Protection transferred to NEA from July 1 Jun 30, 2007
SINGAPORE : With effect from July 1 this year, the Centre for Radiation Protection (CRP) will be transferred from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to the National Environment Agency (NEA). The centre will be renamed the Centre for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science (CRPNS) ... This change is introduced to enhance Singapore's institutional and manpower capabilities in nuclear science and technology, radiation protection and emergency response. (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
Melanoma Is Now More Common Than Lung Cancer in Australia, Report Shows Jun 28, 2007
Relatively clear atmospheric conditions and the influence of ozone depletion over Antarctica contribute to higher levels of solar UV radiation in the southern hemisphere than at similar latitudes in the northern hemisphere, according to the government's Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. Harmful UV rays reach ``extreme'' levels most days between December and January in the most populous cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, meaning there is enough ultraviolet radiation to cause... (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Tanning beds latest amenity in student housing Jun 13, 2007
North Carolina has about 9,000 tanning beds or booths listed with the state Radiation Protection Section, which regulates their use. Tanning beds show up in salons and odd places from backyard sheds and video stores to gas stations and coin laundries. (The Daily Reflector)
Nuclear push gains momentum Jun 4, 2007
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act prohibits establishment of nuclear power plants, while the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act provides that the industry regulator may not issue licences for nuclear power, uranium enrichment or fuel fabrication facilities. Mr Macfarlane said the Government's goal was to amend these acts so Australia could move further into the nuclear fuel cycle if the public accepted nuclear power. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Sweden Halts Nuclear Waste Storage at Forsmark May 31, 2007
The Swedish Radiation Protection Authority (SSI) said in a statement the company in charge of handling the waste, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management (SKB), had failed to live up to safety standards at the Forsmark storage site ... The authority, the regulatory body charged with promoting effective radiation protection in Sweden, said the firm had submitted late and incomplete accounts of operations, which indicated safety flaws, such as exceeding radiation limits. (Planet Ark, United States)
Elsevier partners with European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics May 30, 2007
The major topics addressed by the journal are: Medical Imaging, Radiation Therapy, Radiation Protection, Measuring Systems and Signal Processing and Education and Training in Medical Physics. Associate Editors have been appointed to help ensure the journal publishes the highest quality articles in these areas. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Advice found on axing state bans on nuclear May 30, 2007
Commonwealth legislation such as the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and the laws setting up the nuclear watchdog, the Australia Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, also prohibit a domestic nuclear power industry. The Commonwealth laws could be easily amended but the Federal Government would also need to get around the state bans. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Schools warned as concerns grow over wireless computer networks May 22, 2007
It relies on the data supplied by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. But Panorama said the body did not take into account the biological effects of radio frequency radiation and bases exposure limits on a thermal effect. (Scotsman)
No cover-up of army radiation leak: govt Apr 27, 2007
Several Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) recommendations to the ADF about its handling of tritium made after the leak had been implemented, an ADF spokeswoman said. Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Peter Lindsay said no adverse health affects were detected as a result of the leak. (The Age)
Army admits to Brisbane radiation leak Apr 27, 2007
An Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency inspector found radioactive contamination in two building on the site. The Defence Department spokesman stressed that there was no threat to nearby residents or the staff who came into contact with the substance. (ABC News Online, Australia -- Health)
Genetic Susceptibility Linked to Rare Brain Tumor Apr 24, 2007
Meningioma findings could impact radiation protection standards ... The findings could have implications for current radiation protection standards, which assume the all people have uniform sensitivity to radiation, Eric Hall, a professor at the Center for Radiological Research of the Columbia University Medical Center in New York, wrote in an accompanying editorial. (Health-Finder)
Dead Sellafield workers tested Apr 19, 2007
A second paper, published in the journal Radiation Protection Dosimetry in 1989, refers to data on plutonium from the livers of four ex-Sellafield workers along with other people from Cumbria and Oxfordshire. This study was trying to work out whether higher levels of plutonium in people living in Cumbria were due to their proximity to Sellafield. (Guardian Unlimited -- Life)
Nigeria: Security Agencies Watch Toxic Waste Dumping Accused Mar 27, 2007
Calling the attention of DCP S.G Balogun, the letter entitled Re: Charge Number: FHC/ABJ/CR/30/2007, FRN VS Western Atlas International Nigeria Limited & 20 others reads: "Above subject matter refers. I am directed to inform you that appropriate charges (copy attached) has been preffered against above mentioned accused persons before Federal High Court Miatama, Abuja."You will be further informed as soon as the matter is directed and a date is fixed for hearing".In a charge no... (allAfrica.com)
EMF ruled out as cause of ABC cancer cluster Mar 19, 2007
Professor Armstrong has delivered another report after tests were carried out by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. It has ruled out exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) as a possible cause, and reveals low frequency fields (ELF) at the site were typical of other workplaces. (ABC News Online, Australia -- Top Stories)
Environmental groups plan Uranium Summit Mar 15, 2007
Kearfott is member of the Scientific Committee of the National Council on Radiation Protection. She earned a doctorate in nuclear engineering and medical physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and she has a master s degree in nuclear reactor safety from the University of Virginia. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Woman, dog fall through ice on Charles Feb 11, 2007
PLYMOUTH NRC backs plant's safety specialist staffing The Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station needs just one safety specialist known as a "radiation protection technician" on duty at any given time, the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission ruled this week. The decision comes after union workers objected to plans by plant owner Entergy Nuclear Operations to reduce the number of radiation protection technicians on any given shift from two to one ... According to NRC regulations, having only one... (Boston Globe)
NRC OKs reduced safety staff Feb 10, 2007
By STEPHANIE VOSK STAFF WRITEROnly one radiation protection technician needs to be on duty at any one time at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials decided this week. In the event of an emergency, radiation protection technicians test contamination levels, make sure no contaminated material leaves the plant and even transport injured workers to the hospital, among other duties, said plant spokesman David Tarantino ... Before reducing the... (Cape Cod Times, MA)
Balancing actIslamic perspective on the challenges facing the world Feb 9, 2007
Archaeologists excavating our present rampant civilisation are going to have wear radiation protection suits ... By contrast, and assuming we survive as a species, archaeologists excavating our present rampant civilisation are going to have wear radiation protection suits. (BBC News -- Science)
Climate report Feb 8, 2007
Coincidently, the strength of the Earths magnetic field has been decaying during same period (61 to 54 micro Tesla) by about 11%, so radiation protection of Van-Allen belt has also been reduced. This increase of the harmful radiation is causing reduction bio-mass of the oceans surface phytoplankton, the largest absorber of CO2 on the Earths surface, either through direct destruction of its cells or process of sterilisation by irradiation. (Nature News Service)
Defense plan for nuclear reactors approved Jan 30, 2007
It said that various mitigation strategies required of plant operators such as radiation protection measures and evacuation plans are sufficient to ensure adequate protection of the public health and safety in case of an airborne attack. . (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
Nuclear Agency: Air Defenses Impractical Jan 30, 2007
It said that various mitigation strategies required of plant operators -- such as radiation protection measures and evacuation plans -- "are sufficient to ensure adequate protection of the public health and safety" in case of an airborne attack. The commission unanimously approved the plan, which has been the subject of internal discussions for 15 months, in a 5-0 vote at a brief meeting without discussion. (Herald Sun)
Nuclear Plants Not Liable for Airliner Attacks, Agency Says Jan 30, 2007
It said that various mitigation strategies required of plant operators such as radiation protection measures and evacuation plans "are sufficient to ensure adequate protection of the public health and safety" in case of an airborne attack. "This rule is an important piece, but only one piece of a broader effort to enhance nuclear power plant security," NRC Chairman Dale Klein said in a statement. (Fox News -- Politics)
Pilgrim seeks crisis workers cut Jan 26, 2007
It is up to one radiation protection technician to check out about 80 sites in the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, testing radiation and contamination levels ... Utility Workers Union of America Local 369 is petitioning the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to stop Entergy Nuclear Operations, which owns the plant, from having the ability to reduce the number of radiation protection technicians on night shifts ... In a letter Entergy sent to the NRC in July, the company requested ''the number of... (Cape Cod Times, MA)
Senior 1 Radiographer (Band 7) - Interventional Jan 5, 2007
This post Includes the role of Radiation Protection Supervisor for the department and for the trust. This will include liaising with our Radiation Protection Advisor who is based at the Hammersmith Hospital. (Guardian Unlimited)
X-ray tests security, privacy Dec 27, 2006
A 2003 report by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, which Congress created to develop radiation guidelines, said someone would need 2,500 backscatter scans a year before reaching the limits of safe radiation exposure. Frank Cerra, a physicist with the National Institute of Standards and Technology who co-wrote the report, said a backscatter scan gives off "very, very minimal" radiation. (USA Today -- News)
Hallinan: Spy vs. Spy Dec 22, 2006
Sebastian Pflugbeil, president of the German Society for Radiation Protection, and a physicist, has strong doubts about the 'Russian connection. . (Zmag.org)
Mysterious case of the poisoned spy Dec 14, 2006
In Litvinenko's case, the delivery method could have been to put polonium into his food or spray him with an aerosol, says Thomas Tenforde, president of the U.S. National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. McFaul says he has no theory but notes that his friends in Russia's political opposition feel that "now there's no safe haven. Whether that was the intention of this remains unclear, but it's definitely been a consequence.". (USA Today)
Interpol joins probe of Russian ex-spys death Dec 13, 2006
Gerald Kirchner of the German Radiation Protection Agency said the ex-wife of Kovtun, her current partner and their two children were unlikely to suffer health problems. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- International)
Interpol joins Litvinenko poisoning inquiry Dec 13, 2006
On Tuesday, workers from the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection entered a house in Haselau, outside Hamburg, that Russian businessman Dmitry Kovtun visited in late October. Mr Kovtun is believed to be in a Moscow hospital suffering radiation contamination. (MSNBC)
