Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Response

Radiation has several uses in economic, health, and social avenues and nuclear power is well established as a viable source of power generation. Together their rapid growth has contributed immensely to national development and progress of humanity. While this is commendable, it is prudent to be prepared for any eventuality that may arise in this journey. Historical accidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima have only highlighted the need for preparedness in the nuclear and radiation journey. In this chapter, we present a holistic account of radiation emergency preparedness and response (REPR). Radiation emergencies are defined and the typical events leading to such emergencies are described. A brief account of the historical accidents and incidents is presented to set the broader context and the impact of such emergencies on national development is discussed to highlight the need for a robust REPR. This chapter then discusses in detail the national and international frameworks at work in the field of REPR. The generic radiation emergency management systems that bind the REPR of a nation are discussed and a detailed accounting of the preparedness and response measures followed by India and the world is also given.