• Title/Summary/Keyword: radiation accident

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ASSESSMENT OF WIND CHARACTERISTICS AND ATMOSPHERIC DISPERSION MODELING OF 137Cs ON THE BARAKAH NPP AREA IN THE UAE

  • Lee, Jong Kuk;Kim, Jea Chul;Lee, Kun Jai;Belorid, Miloslav;Beeley, Philip A.;Yun, Jong-Il
    • Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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    • v.46 no.4
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    • pp.557-568
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    • 2014
  • This paper presents the results of an analysis of wind characteristics and atmosphere dispersion modeling that are based on computational simulation and part of a preliminary study evaluating environmental radiation monitoring system (ERMS) positions within the Barakah nuclear power plant (BNPP). The return period of extreme wind speed was estimated using the Weibull distribution over the life time of the BNPP. In the annual meteorological modeling, the winds from the north and west accounted for more than 90 % of the wind directions. Seasonal effects were not represented. However, a discrepancy in the tendency between daytime and nighttime was observed. Six variations of cesium-137 ($^{137}Cs$) dispersion test were simulated under severe accident condition. The $^{137}Cs$ dispersion was strongly influenced by the direction and speed of the main wind. A virtual receptor was set and calculated for observation of the $^{137}Cs$ movement and accumulation. The results of the surface roughness effect demonstrated that the deposition of $^{137}Cs$ was affected by surface condition. The results of these studies offer useful information for developing environmental radiation monitoring systems (ERMSs) for the BNPP and can be used to assess the environmental effects of new nuclear power plant.

A Practical Methodology for Determination of Derived Intervention Levels on Relocation Following a Nuclear Accident (원자력 사고후 주민의 이주를 위한 유도개입준위 산정의 실용적 방법론)

  • Hwang, Won-Tae;Kim, Eun-Han;Suh, Kyung-Suk;Jeong, Hyo-Joon;Han, Moon-Hee;Lee, Chang-Woo
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.91-96
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    • 2004
  • A practical methodology for the determination of derived intervention levels (DILs) on relocation following an accidental release of radionuclides was designed based on dose rate on the ground. The influence of DILs was investigated with respect to the change of parameter values, which are dependent on socio-environmental characteristics in distinction from temporary and permanent relocations. The DILs on relocation showed a distinct difference depending on effective removal half-life of radionuclides following a deposition, delay time in measurement and residential characteristics. In particular, the delay time. In measurement was an important factor in determination of DILs in the case of an assumption that dose rate on the ground declines in a power function, not in an exponential function. The DILs showed lower numerical values as longer effective half-life, longer delay time In measurement and longer exposure time.

Food Ingestion Standards for Nuclear Emergency Exposure Situations

  • Keum, Dong-Kwon;Jeong, Hyojoon;Jun, In;Lim, Kwang-Muk;Choi, Yong-Ho;Hwang, Won-Tae
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.42 no.3
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    • pp.166-175
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    • 2017
  • Background: This study presents food ingestion standards for radioactivity that can be applied in nuclear emergency exposure situations, and discusses the validity of the current domestic standards. Materials and Methods: This study derived food ingestion standards for radiocesium and radioiodine using domestic food intake rates and intervention levels, which serve as a basis for determining the necessity of public protective actions, and then compared them with the existing guidelines. Operational intervention levels were also derived using domestic food intake rates, and were compared with those of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Results and Discussion: The derived activity concentrations for food ingestion standards of radiocesium for infants were higher than those in the Act on Physical Protection and Radiological Emergency (APPRE) for all food categories, while for adults, the derived activity concentrations for drinking water and milk appeared to be slightly lower. The derived activity concentrations for vegetables, fruits, and grains were greater than those in the guidelines of the APPRE, while the derived activity concentrations for meat and seafood were similar to those in the APPRE. The derived activity concentrations for radioiodine were greater than both domestic and global standards. The calculated operational intervention levels (OILs) based on domestic food intake rates were greater than the IAEA's default OIL6 values for most radionuclides, except for a few ${\alpha}$-radionuclides. Conclusion: The current domestic guidelines turned out to be conservative overall, compared to the present results that were calculated using domestic food intake rates. It is recommended that the domestic guidelines should be revised and complemented transparently through an in-depth review by stakeholders on a solid scientific basis.

Development of High-Sensitivity Detection Sensor and Module for Spatial Distribution Measurement of Multi Gamma Sources (감마선원의 공간분포 가시화 및 3D모델링을 위한 운용환경 개발)

  • Song, Keun-Young;Lim, Ji-Seok;Choi, Jung-Huk;Yuk, Young-Ho;Hwang, Young-Gwan;Lee, Nam-Ho
    • Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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    • 2017.10a
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    • pp.702-704
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    • 2017
  • In case of dismantling of nuclear power generation facility or radiation accident, the accurate information of gammaray source is essential for rapid decontamination. In order to more efficiently represent the position of the gamma ray to be removed, we create a spatial domain based on the real image. And we can perform decontamination of gamma-ray source more quickly by expressing the distribution of radiation source. The developed gamma ray imaging device overlaps with the visible image after gamma - ray detection and provides only two - dimensional image, but it does not show the distance information to the source. In this paper, we have developed a operation environment using the 3D visualization model for reporting effective decontamination operation.

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In Vitro Experiment to Evaluate 137Cs Dissolution in the Digestion Process of Mushrooms

  • Nishiono, Kanoko;Yamanishi, Hirokuni
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.45 no.4
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    • pp.154-162
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    • 2020
  • Background: Several studies have reported that wild mushrooms contain high amounts of radioactive cesium (137Cs). After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident, a significantly high concentration of 137Cs has been detected in wild mushrooms, and their consumption may be the cause of the chronic internal exposure of local consumers to radioactivity. Therefore, an accurate evaluation of the internal radioactivity resulting from mushroom ingestion is needed. Materials and Methods: The 137Cs elution rate through the cooking and digestion stages was evaluated using in vitro experiments. The edible mushroom Pleurotus djamor was taken as a sample for the experiments. The mushrooms were cultivated onto solid media containing 137Cs. We evaluated the internal dose based on the actual conditions using the elution rate data. For various cooking methods, the results were compared with those of other wild edible mushrooms. Results and Discussion: From the elution experiment through cooking, we proved that 25%-55% of the 137Cs in the mushrooms was released during soaking, boiling, or frying. The results of a simulated digestion experiment after cooking revealed that almost all the 137Cs in the ingested mushrooms eluted in the digestive juice, regardless of the cooking method. The committed effective dose was reduced by 20%-75% when considering the dissolution through the cooking process. Conclusion: We found that cooking lowers 137Cs concentration in mushrooms, therefore reducing the amount of radioactivity intake. Besides, since there were differences between mushroom types, we demonstrated that the internal exposure dose should be evaluated in detail considering the release of 137Cs during the cooking stages.

The Impact Analysis of the Leakage Scenario in the Tank of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vessel (수소연료전지선박의 탱크 내 누출시나리오에 따른 영향분석)

  • Sang-Jin Lim ․;Yoon-Ho Lee
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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    • v.27 no.1
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    • pp.13-22
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    • 2023
  • As an alternative to environmental pollution generated from fossil fuels currently in use, research is being actively conducted to use hydrogen that does not cause air pollution. As fire and explosion accidents caused by hydrogen leakage have occurred until recently, research on safety is needed to commercialize hydrogen on ships, which are special environments. In this study, a seasonal alternative scenario for each season and the worst scenario were assumed in the event of a leakage accident while a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion ship equipped with a hydrogen storage tank was navigating at JangSaengPo port in Ulsan. In order to consider environmental variables, the damage impact range was derived through ALOHA and probit analysis based on the annual average weather data for 2021 by the Korea Meteorological Administration and on geographic information data from the National Statistical Office. Radiation showed a wider damage range than that of Overpressure and Flame in both the alternative and worst-case scenarios, and as a result of probit analysis, a fatality rate of 99% was confirmed in all areas.

Biphasic Increase of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in Mice Lung after Irradiation (방사선 조사 후 흰 쥐의 폐에서 염증성 Cytokine의 발현 양상)

  • Choi, Yun Jung;Rho, Jing Kyung;Jang, Won Seok;Lee, Seon Joo;Lee, Seung Sook;Koh, Jae Soo;Kim, Jae Yeol;Kim, Hye-Ryoun;Kim, Cheol Hyeon;Lee, Jae Cheol
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.67 no.1
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    • pp.14-20
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    • 2009
  • Background: The pathophysiologic mechanisms of radiation-induced lung injury should be elucidated to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy and to manage patients exposed to serious radiation by accident. It has been suggested that pro-inflammatory cytokines play an important role in radiation-induced effect on the lung. This study was aimed to investigate changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-$\alpha$, MIP-2, IL-1$\beta$ and HMGB1, a newly recognized inflammatory mediator. Methods: The chests of BALB/c mice were selectively irradiated with single fraction of 20 Gy and then sacrificed at indicated times. Pathologic changes in the lung were examined after H&E staining. The expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by ELISA kits in lung homogenate and in serum. Results: Radiation induced inflammatory changes and mild fibrosis in lung. Biphasic increase of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-1$\beta$ was found in lung homogenate at 4 hours and at 3 weeks after radiation. The elevation in the second phase tended to be more intense. However, there was no similar change in serum. MIP-2 level was slightly increased in lung homogenate at 4 hours, but not at 3 weeks. HMGB1 was increased at 3 weeks in serum while there was no significant change in lung homogenate. Conclusion: Radiation induced a biphasic increase in TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-1$\beta$. The effective control of second phase cytokine elevation should contribute to preventing severe lung fibrosis caused by radiation.

Review of pediatric cerebrovascular accident in terms of insurance medicine (소아뇌졸중의 보험의학적 고찰)

  • Ahn, Gye-Hoon
    • The Journal of the Korean life insurance medical association
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.29-32
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    • 2010
  • Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a progressive occlusive disease of the cerebral vasculature with particular involvement of the circle of Willis and the arteries that feed it. MMD is one of cerebrovacular accident,which is treated with sugical maeuver in pediatic neurosurgery. Moyamoya (ie, Japanese for "puff of smoke") characterizes the appearance on angiography of abnormal vascular collateral networks that develop adjacent to the stenotic vessels. The steno-occlusive areas are usually bilateral, but unilateral involvement does not exclude the diagnosis. The exact etiology of moyamoya disease is unknown. Some genetic predisposition is apparent because it is familial 10% of the time. The disease may be hereditary and multifactorial. It may occur by itself in a previously healthy individual. However, many disease states have been reported in association with moyamoya disease, including the following: 1) Immunological - Graves disease/thyrotoxicosis 2) Infections - Leptospirosis and tuberculosis 3) Hematologic disorders - Aplastic anemia, Fanconi anemia, sickle cell anemia, and lupus 4) Congenital syndromes - Apert syndrome, Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Turner syndrome, von Recklinghausen disease, and Hirschsprung disease 5) Vascular diseases - Atherosclerotic disease, coarctation of the aorta and fibromuscular dysplasia, 6)cranial trauma, radiation injury, parasellar tumors, and hypertension etc. These associations may not necessarily be causative but do warrant consideration due to impact on treatment.(Mainly neurosurgical operation.) The incidence of moyamoya disease is highest in Japan. The prevalence of MMD is 1 person per 100,000 population. The prevalence and incidence of moyamoya disease in Japan has been reported to be 3.16 cases and 0.35 case per 100,000 people, respectively. With regard to sex, the female-to-male ratio is 1.4:1. A bimodal peak of incidence is noted, with symptoms occurring either in the first decade(5-10yr) or in the third and fourth decades (30-40yr)of life. Mortality rates of moyamoya disease are approximately 10% in adults and 4.3% in children. Death is usually from hemorrhage. In aspect of life insurance, MR is 1700%, EDR is 16 per 1000 persons. Children and adults with moyamoya disease (MMD) may have different clinical presentations. The symptoms and clinical course vary widely from asymptomatic to transient events to severe neurologic deficits. Adults experience hemorrhage more commonly; cerebral ischemic events are more common in children. Children may have hemiparesis, monoparesis, sensory impairment, involuntary movements, headaches, dizziness, or seizures. Mental retardation or persistent neurologic deficits may be present. Adults may have symptoms and signs similar to those in children, but intraventricular, subarachnoid, or intracerebral hemorrhage of sudden onset is more common in adults. Recently increasing diagnosis of MMD with MRI, followed by surgical operation is noted. MMD needs to be considered as the "CI" state now in life insurance fields.

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Analysis of Thermal Shock Behavior of Cladding with SiCf/SiC Composite Protective Films (SiCf/SiC 복합체 보호막 금속피복관의 열충격 거동 분석)

  • Lee, Dong-Hee;Kim, Weon-Ju;Park, Ji-Yeon;Kim, Dae-Jong;Lee, Hyeon-Geon;Park, Kwang-Heon
    • Composites Research
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    • v.29 no.1
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    • pp.40-44
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    • 2016
  • Nuclear fuel cladding used in a nuclear power plant must possess superior oxidation resistance in the coolant atmosphere of high temperature/high pressure. However, as was the case for the critical LOCA (loss-of-coolant accident) accident that took place in the Fukushima disaster, there is a risk of hydrogen explosion when the nuclear fuel cladding and steam reacts dramatically to cause a rapid high-temperature oxidation accompanied by generation of a huge amount of hydrogen. Hence, an active search is ongoing for an alternative material to be used for manufacturing of nuclear fuel cladding. Studies are currently aimed at improving the safety of this cladding. In particular, ceramic-based nuclear fuel cladding, such as SiC, is receiving much attention due to the excellent radiation resistance, high strength, chemical durability against oxidation and corrosion, and excellent thermal conduction of ceramics. In the present study, cladding with $SiC_f/SiC$ protective films was fabricated using a process that forms a matrix phase by polymer impregnation of polycarbosilane (PCS) after filament-winding the SiC fiber onto an existing Zry-4 cladding tube. It is analyzed the oxidation and microstructure of the metal cladding with $SiC_f/SiC$ composite protective films using a drop tube furnace for thermal shock test.

Accumulation of Natural and Artificial Radionuclides in Marine Products around the Korean Peninsula: Current Studies and Future Direction (국내산 수산물 내 자연 및 인공방사능 축적 연구 현황 및 향후 연구 방향)

  • Lee, Huisu;Kim, Intae
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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    • v.27 no.5
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    • pp.618-629
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    • 2021
  • The Fukushima nuclear power plant (NPP) accident caused by the East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and the recent increase in the frequency of earthquakes in Korea have caused safety concerns regarding radionuclide exposure. In addition, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in Japan recently decided to release radionuclide-contaminated water from Fukushima's NPP into the Pacific Ocean, raising public concerns that the possibility of radionuclide contamination through both domestic- and foreign fishery products is increasing. Although many studies have been conducted on the input of artificial radionuclides into the Pacific after the Fukushima NPP accident, studies on the distribution and accumulation of artificial radionuclides in marine products from East Asia are lacking. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to explore recent research on the distribution of artificial radionuclides (e.g., 137Cs, 239+240Pu, 90Sr, and etc.) in marine products from Korean seas after the Fukushima NPP accident. In addition, we also discuss future research directions as it is necessary to prepare for likely radiation accidents in the future around Korea associated with the new nuclear facilities planned by 2030 in China and owing to the discharge of radionuclide-contaminated water from the Fukushima NPP.