Adelaide street closed due to a radiation alert
Radiation alert closes street, AdelaideNow , August 12, 2011 RADIATION at a Gillman factory is in low levels but emergency services are taking no chances. A radiation alarm activated at OneSteel Recycling on Bedford St about 9.40pm.Metropolitan Fire Service district commander Roy Thompson said two employees scanned a 1m by 2m recycling bin, similar to a skip, which had been received from another recycling company.
“As soon as it went through the weighbridge they passed a number of detectors over it to see if there was any hazardous materials or radiation in it,” Mr Thompson said.”The radiation alarm went off and they immediately placed the container into an isolated area and then evacuated.”
Mr Thompson said the radiation at the time was 20 microsieverts. “Background radiation, that’s where we’re standing now, is around about 0.2, so 20 is a low amount but still enough to raise an alarm,” he said, adding that the exclusion zone around radiation measured at 25 microsieverts was 1m….
Officers from the Environment Protection Authority were expected on the scene this afternoon. Bedford St in between Kapara Rd and Eastern Parade is closed.– http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/radiation-alert-closes-streets/story-e6frea83-1226113679964
Common sense about ionising radiation and CT scans
breast tissue in women and ‘young’ cells in children are more sensitive to radiation…….Universally, MRIs and ultrasounds – which do not use radiation – are increasingly being used as an alternative to CTs where appropriate.
When you are faced with the prospect of undergoing a CT scan or another sort of imaging, here are some questions to ask and steps to take:
- Ask your referring doctor to outline the risks and benefits, and whether this test will change the way you are treated.
- Ask if there are alternative tests or methods that use less radiation but are as effective.
- Keep a record of the scans you have had and discuss this with your doctor. Avoid unnecessary duplicate tests.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before having a scan.
- Educate yourself by accessing the many very good online resources for more information
- If you are still unsure, seek a second opinion.
CT scans and radiation, ABC by Pamela Wilson, 12 Aug 11, Every year, more CT scans are being ordered in Australia. They provide valuable information to guide medical care, but they come with a dose of radiation. Should we be worried? Continue reading
Japan’s success in conserving power shows nuclear power is unnecessary
Saving electricity has become a sort of national religion. With many air conditioners set at 82 degrees, businessmen have shed their usual suits in favor of “super cool biz” short-sleeve shirts. Car makers have been forced to operate on weekends to avoid sucking up electricity during peak weekday hours.
Peak electricity usage for the Tokyo area so far this summer was nearly 23% below the peak last summer.
The drop in electrical consumption is shaking Japan’s decades-old commitment to nuclear power
Summer Power Success Raises Heat in Energy Debate, WSJ AUGUST 12, 2011, By Peter Landers It looks as if Japan has just about survived the peak of summer electricity demand without power outages, although the Tohoku region had some close calls…..
Japan’s success at avoiding outages even with most of its nuclear reactors out of service is taking on a more strategic importance, influencing the broader debate over nuclear power’s future. Whether to phase out nuclear power will be a big issue when the Democratic Party of Japan chooses a successor to Prime Minister Naoto Kan later this month or next month……http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2011/08/12/summer-power-success-raises-heat-in-energy-debate/
Japan Snaps Back With Less Power, Economy Survives Reactor Shutdowns, and Tokyo Rethinks Nuclear Policy, WSJ, Peter Landers. JULY 29, 2011 TOKYO—When the March 11 tsunami knocked out more than half of the nuclear power plants serving the Tokyo area, it set off one of the biggest unplanned experiments in a modern society: Could a metropolis of 30 million people get by after losing about a fifth of its power supply?
After a steaming July in Japan filled with 90-degree-plus days, the preliminary answer is in, and it is yes. Continue reading
Exciting new development for renewable energy in Australia’s Northern Territory
Centre for Renewable Energy launched at CDU, Power Engineering, 08/12/2011, By Dr. Heather Johnstone ,Chief Editor, Charles Darwin University (CDU), based in Northern Territory, Australia, has launched a new renewable energy research facility. Australia’s minister for climate change, Karl Hampton, said: “This new centre will be the backbone of renewable energy development in the Territory. The Territory has many potential sources of renewable energy and is already attracting significant investment interest in its solar, tidal and geothermal energy possibilities.
“The centre will work with government, the private sector and the community to drive the research, development and uptake of these projects. “The Centre for Renewable Energy will be the key institution in spearheading initiatives under the Northern Territory Government’s Climate Change Policy, including sourcing 20 per cent of wholesale electricity from renewable sources by 2020.”
Professor Glover, vice chancellor of CDU, said the Centre will develop and evaluate new renewable energy and low emissions technologies for their commercial application. He said: “The hybrid integration of renewable and low emissions applications in the Territory’s remote and regional communities will be a priority.”– http://www.power-eng.com/articles/pei/2011/08/centre-for-renewable-energy-launched-at-cdu.html
Queensland government adopts most recommendations for renewable energy development
Qld considers green power, 9 News, 11 Aug 11, The Queensland government hopes to increase the state’s use of renewable energy with new measures such as introducing it to all indigenous communities. The parliament’s Environment and Resources Committee released its report into powering more of the state with renewable energy sources in May.
Noting around 30 per cent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions come from Queensland, it made 14 recommendations to drive an increase in green power sources.
The Queensland government this week responded to the report and has accepted 10 of those recommendationsQueensland will now aspire to the federal government target of sourcing 20 per cent of the state’s electricity from renewable energy by 2020, and will consider using upfront subsidies or interest-free loans to encourage customers to switch to renewable energy sources such as solar power.
The government also gave in-principle support for a plan to introduce renewable energy systems into 34 remote indigenous communities that rely on diesel generators for power….http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8284274/qld-considers-green-power
1 This month
of the week – Disrupting War & Militarism in Oceania. Active solidarity. Radical practice.
Antinuclear 