Radioactive sources provide a vast array of benefits within the field of nuclear medicine, from their use in diagnostic scanning procedures to the sterilisation of equipment and the treatment of cancers.
The earliest applications of nuclear medicine date back to the mid-twentieth century when physicians with an interest in the endocrine system first used iodine-131 in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease.
After a year of digital interaction, online events and virtual networking, many within the CBRNe industry will no doubt be keenly awaiting the return to face-to-face conferences and exhibitions.
Among the live events that were previously postponed due to COVID-19 is CBRNe Summit USA which is currently scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 12th to 14th 2021.
Attendees at this highly-anticipated inaugural conference, exhibition and live demonstration will have the opportunity to hear insights from military and civilian officials representing the spectrum of CBRNe preparedness, training and response.
It is twenty-six years since the Japanese terrorist group Aum Shinrikyo released the deadly nerve agent sarin in a series of five coordinated attacks on Tokyo's subway system.
Twelve people lost their lives in the aftermath of the incident on March 20th 1995. More than 5,000 civilians required medical attention, with some fifteen-hundred found to have been moderately to severely poisoned by the effects of the toxin.
Subsequent analysis of the harrowing events of that day would reveal a number of key lessons which continue to inform and guide authorities, responders and medical teams in their preparedness and response to chemical incidents.
Since it first came into effect in April 1997, the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) has set out to eliminate the use of chemical warfare agents by prohibiting their development, production, acquisition and stockpiling.
According to latest figures published by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), approximately 98% of the world's declared chemical weapons stockpiles are currently believed to have been destroyed.
While the controlled use of radiological and nuclear materials continues to benefit society in a multitude of ways, the risk of these materials being used in the carrying out of terrorist or other criminal acts remains a substantial global concern.
Law enforcement agencies worldwide are committed to supporting prevention, preparedness and response activities that can be used to counter the effects of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNe) terrorism.
The ability for emergency responders to make informed decisions in the face of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incident is a critical factor, both in ensuring that they are able to save lives and that they themselves do not become victims.
In the face of evermore complex and multi-dimensional CBRN threats, the use of new diagnostic and detection technologies is playing an increasingly important role in guiding decision-making and in aiding the accuracy and efficiency of emergency response.
The successful detection, identification and mitigation of radioactive threats relies on having access to the right equipment, knowing which equipment to select in which environment and being able to interpret the readings that are obtained.
In situations where there is a known presence of radioactive materials, the primary objective will be to monitor and measure in order to improve awareness - whether to establish the strength of the radioactive field, to define the boundaries of the radioactive area or to monitor the spread of contamination.
Major incidents involving ionising radiation are thankfully rare, but this can mean that many firefighters or first responders may have little or no first-hand experience of handling the challenges of a real-life radiological emergency.
While the prospect of attending the aftermath of a deliberate radiological act such as the detonation of a “dirty bomb” is highly unlikely day-to-day, there are other less obvious examples of radiological hazards that may be overlooked in the course of attending what appears to be a routine event.
The uncontrolled and unpredictable nature of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incidents can place a substantial strain on the psychological and physical health of those tasked with emergency first response.
While the importance of wellbeing in the workplace is a subject that has gained increasing momentum in the UK in response to rising mental health issues within the wider labour market, it is only recently that the mental health needs of first responders have started to receive more attention.
Seventy years ago, electricity was generated by a nuclear reactor for the very first time at the EBR-I experimental station on the outskirts of Idaho, USA.
Three years later, in Obninsk Russia, a nuclear power station would go on to produce the world's first ever electricity for a power grid.
Through the 1960s and 70s many more nuclear reactors were constructed all over the world, with many countries envisioning a future of cheap and emission-free electricity.