Nuclear security concerns, which arise after a potential leak in nuclear power plants worldwide or attacks on nuclear facilities, also pose a serious threat to Türkiye. Experts warn that a potential nuclear leak could directly affect not only the environment but also human health.
Instructor Dilek Aker, Head of the Nuclear Technology and Radiation Safety Program, stated that in the event of a nuclear leak, the human body could be exposed to radiation, and added, 'Alpha and beta particles, upon entering the body, deliver a high amount of radiation energy to the tissues and organs they reach. This can affect genetic sequencing, lead to cell structure damage, and organ lesions. In the long term, these damages can cause serious diseases like cancer or mutations.'
Instructor Dilek Aker, Head of Üsküdar University's Nuclear Technology and Radiation Safety Program, made important warnings about the consequences of a potential nuclear leak within the scope of April 26 Chernobyl Disaster Commemoration Day.
How do radioactive leaks/particles spread?
Instructor Dilek Aker stated that radiation emerges from unstable atoms emitting energy, and explained, 'Radiation is the energy emitted by unstable atoms in the form of particles (alpha, beta, neutron) or electromagnetic waves (X-rays, gamma rays, radio waves, infrared rays) to become stable. Radio waves, microwaves, and infrared waves, which we live with daily through devices like phones, televisions, and Wi-Fi, are types of non-ionizing radiation.'
Instructor Dilek Aker, stating that ionizing radiation is what truly needs attention, said, 'These types of radiation are scattered into the environment as particles like alpha and beta, while electromagnetic waves like gamma rays spread in a linear direction. The biological effect of radiation on humans can vary depending on the form, duration, and source of exposure. Furthermore, the age, gender of the exposed person, and which part of the body is irradiated also directly affect this impact.'
There are two forms of radiation exposure: internal irradiation and external irradiation
Instructor Dilek Aker stated that in the event of a potential leak, internal irradiation could occur through ingestion or inhalation, and added, 'Alpha and Beta radiation create highly harmful biological effects in internal irradiation. Alpha and beta particles can deliver a high amount of radiation energy to the tissues and organs they reach, affect genetic sequencing, and damage different cells and organelles. These damages can lead to diseases like cancer or mutations. In external irradiation, no danger is observed for Alpha particles because these particles cannot penetrate the skin, but open wounds can lead to internal irradiation. Beta particles can cause more harmful effects than alpha particles. For example, skin burns or cataract formation in the eyes. Gamma rays, however, are more dangerous. Gamma rays, which can travel long distances, can penetrate the entire body.'
How does radiation exposure affect human health?
Instructor Dilek Aker, explaining that radiation exposure can create effects called deterministic or stochastic effects, continued as follows:
'An accident at nuclear facilities can deterministically affect people in the immediate vicinity, while stochastically affecting those further away. Deterministic effect is an effect where the exposed area is damaged as a result of radiation exposure, cell deaths occur in that area, and very high doses can even cause death. We can also describe the deterministic effect as sudden exposure to high levels of radiation. Stochastic effect, on the other hand, is an effect where diseases like cancer and genetic mutations can emerge and be passed down from generation to generation. We can also describe this effect as continuous exposure to relatively low doses.'
Some measures were taken after Chernobyl
Instructor Dilek Aker, reminding that some systems and agreements were not in place during the Chernobyl accident, and that the 'Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident' came into force on November 26, 1986, following the Chernobyl Accident, stated, 'The purpose of the Convention is to establish an 'Early Notification System' in case of a radioactive substance release in a country party to the convention after a nuclear accident, and this risk will be shared with neighboring countries. This way, potentially affected countries can take early measures. With the cooperation of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, work has been initiated on the 'International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale System (INES)' to classify nuclear events according to the risk they pose. Therefore, if we can know the source of the radiation leak, and how and what kind of energy it emits, it will be easier for us to take precautions accordingly.'
What precautions should be taken by those in the immediate vicinity in case of a nuclear explosion?
Instructor Dilek Aker listed the precautions that should be taken by those in the immediate vicinity in case of a nuclear explosion as follows: 'The light beam created by the explosion should never be looked at directly as it can blind the eyes. One should enter protected areas as soon as possible and not leave these areas for at least 48 hours. For food and water needs, uncovered foods should not be consumed; instead, packaged or canned products should be preferred. Vegetables grown above ground should not be eaten; products grown underground, such as carrots and potatoes, should be preferred. Open water sources (like lakes, streams, rivers) should not be used; packaged drinking water should be preferred. As radioactive particles mix with the atmosphere and fall to the ground, the protection of the body, skin, and eyes becomes important. Therefore, protective clothing, masks, hats, gloves, glasses, and long-sleeved clothes should be worn. Concrete is a good radiation shield. For this reason, one should stay inside structures for at least 48 hours, preferably 8-9 days; water and ventilation pipes should be closed, and windows should not be opened to prevent radiation from seeping in. Additionally, thyroid protective tablets (iodine tablets) can be used to protect the thyroid gland. It should be remembered that these precautions may vary depending on the intensity of the released radiation.'
