Nuclear and Radiation Safety in Pakistan.

FAISALABAD October, 22: Ionizing radiation poses severe hazards to general public and environment and responsible for ailment for which collective efforts must be ensured to take strict safety measures and create public awareness. It was stated by Dr Yasir Jamil, Chairman Department of Physics University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). He addressed the seminar on Nuclear and Radiation Safety in Pakistan, organized by Department of Physics on the directive of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfqar Ali in which Rana Muhammad Nadeem, Principal Scientific Officer from Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA); Amir Mahmood, Principal Engineer PNRA and lecturer Zia ul Haq spoke on the occasion. Dr Yasir Jamil said that immediate effect of ionizing radiation causes headache, skin redness, fatigue, eye cataract and other swhereas late effects include cancer and others. He said that immediate effects normally occur at extremely high doses of ionizing radiation, received in a short period in case of an accident. He added such effects may appear within hours, days or weeks after the radiation exposure. He said that late effects may appear between 5-15 years after the radiation exposure. While talking about the preventive measures, he said that protect yourself from harmful effects of ionizing radiation by keeping distance from the areas or objects with radiation warning sign. Rana Muhammad Nadeem said that always follow the procedures and instructions established by the ionizing radiation facility. He said that PNRA is missioned to protect the radiation workers, general public and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Avoid any medical examination involving X-rays unless prescribed by a medical doctor, he added. Amir Mahmood said that if it is extremely necessary to stay inside the X-ray room to support the children, old persons and unstable patients then demand lead apron from the Radiographer and wear it during X-Ray. He called for avoiding staying inside the room without any reason where any kind of radiation apparatus (X-ray machine, CT Scanner, Fluoroscopy machine etc.) is being operated. Zia ul Haq said that the event was meant to sensitize the public and create awareness among the public. He briefed about ionizing radiation and safety measures.