We are glad to introduce a new section at the NFF Site. In this section we will be sharing information related to non-power applications of nuclear energy. To kick-start the process, here is a brief introduction. In the coming days, we would be discussing many aspects of this other side of nuclear energy. Non-power applications of nuclear energy refer to its uses for applications other than electric power generation. By harnessing radiation, especially through the use of artificial radiation, it is possible to achieve several unique goals very effectively, some of which are quoted briefly below. Radiation is used in medicine, research, industry, agriculture etc. for a wide range of applications. Indeed, our everyday life is touched by one or more of such applications.
Some of the non-power applications of nuclear technology are mentioned below in brief. In our upcoming write-ups in this new section, we would try to throw light on them in greater detail.
Radiation Therapy
Cancer treatment is one of the most beneficial non-power uses of nuclear technology in the form of nuclear medicine. A prominent example of this is radiation therapy for treating cancers. This mode of treatment uses radiation energy for targeting cancerous tissue. Various methods employing radiation are used to destroy the cancer cells by disrupting their DNA. The high-energy radiation beams are generated using medical accelerator devices or by using certain radionuclides as source of radiation.
Radiopharmaceuticals and Radioisotope Therapy
Radioisotope therapy is used for systemic administration (instead of using external radiation beams, as in the case of medical accelerator devices.) Indeed, radio pharmaceuticals are used not only for treatment but also in various diagnostic procedures.
Radiotracers
Radiotracers (or radioactive tracers) are substances containing a radionuclide. The radionuclide in these compounds causes them to be detected on the basis of their radio active status. These labeled compounds are as‘markers’ and find diverse applications such as in medical tests, medical imaging, for advanced biochemical studies, in molecular research, for drug discovery in pharmaceutical industry, etc.
Sterilization of medical equipment
Radiation is also useful in sterilization (disinfection) of medical equipment. Intense radiation is used to kills microbes that may be present on medical equipment and accessories.
For Extending the Shelf Life of Agricultural produce
Radiation is useful for irradiating agricultural produce to increase the shelf life. This becomes possible because irradiated food lasts longer. For example, irradiated potatoes do not sproutearly, thus extending their viability and shelf life.
Food Preservation
Irradiation of food stops the growth of microorganisms. This is an effective way to avoid food poisoning in packaged foods.
Improved Crops
Radiation has been used in developing over 1500 improved strains of food crops and plants. The newer varieties can have improved attributes such as draught resistance or resistance to pests. The same technique is also used for developing plant varieties that have better yield.
X-Rays in Medicine
The most prevalent use of X-rays in the history of medicine is for the imaging of the chest in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. X-rays are used in dentistry to find out hidden abnormalities and cavities that are obscured from view or are deep seated. X-rays are also used for diagnosing osteoporosis and fractures in bones.
Industrial Applications
Non-destructive testing: Radio imaging is used for detecting welding errors or cracks in buildings, pipelines and structures. This allows testing without being invasive or destructive. The object being tested is unharmed, as it is not physically affected.
X-ray machines are used in baggage surveillance at airports. Even cleverly hidden contents of the baggage become visible without handling it physically, which is otherwise sometimes missed in physical and visual inspection.
X-rays are useful in various industrial applications like measurements and estimation. For example, levels of liquids in industrial storage tanks can be measured using this technique.
Smoke detectors are integral parts of fire fighting equipment. The radionuclide americium-241 is used in smoke detectors based on its property of alpha-emission.
