Nuclear Technology's Numerous Uses

摘要

In his 1953 "Atoms for Peace" address to the United Nations, President Dwight D. Eisenhower challenged scientists and engineers to harness the atom for humanitarian purposes in medicine, agriculture, and other non-power aspects of direct benefit. Half a century later, nuclear technology has had astounding economic and job impacts in the United States (see Table 1). The totals in terms of dollars and jobs are impressive, but perhaps the biggest revelation is that the atom has a substantially larger impact outside the nuclear power sector than in it. Perhaps the most significant success story over the past half-century in harnessing radiation to serve modern humanity is found in the field of medicine. Sterilizing medical equipment. Radiation in high enough doses can kill microorganisms, so gamma radiation is used to sterilize dressings, surgical gloves, bandages, and other equipment routinely used during medical procedures. Today, well over half of all sterilized medical equipment used in modern U.S. hospitals has had radiation treatment. This is safer and cheaper than most other methods (such as steam) because it can be done after the item is packaged. Its sterile shelf life is practically infinite as long as the package is not opened.