Response to nuclear and radiological emergencies - Brazil and the world

Abstract

Some nuclear and radiological accidents happened on last decades, providing to specialized personnel a huge change in terms of protocols and safety measures. In Brazil, the experience during the response to the radiologic accident in Goiânia/GO in 1987 showed the need for a rapid and intense mobilization of human resources to act in several areas of knowledge (radiological monitoring of personnel and areas, dosimetry, waste management, logistical support, social communications, among others). At that time, most of the people involved did not have the opportunity to have previously received even necessary training to act in an event of that nature and magnitude. Taking into account the global scenario, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a series of documents that aim to guide its Member States, to achieve an adequate level of preparedness to respond to emergency situations of nuclear or radiological origin. The paper brings an introduction, the methodology applied, a contextualization about nuclear accidents; emphasis on ocurrences in Peru; the accident in Goiânia. Finally, the preparation and response to accidents; the Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Response System (SAER), and a conclusion.