Uses of Uranium
Food Irradiation
Irradiated food is food that has been treated by ionizing
radiation from highly radioactive materials produced in nuclear reactors
from uranium. The process is essentially the same as that used for sterilizing
medical equipment.
Irradiating food does not make it radioactive but it does
generate potentially harmful chemicals through a process known as radiolysis.
Radiolysis produces highly reactive substances known as free radicals.
Radiolytic products are potentially carcinogenic; that is, cancer forming.
Public inquiries into food irradiation were held
in Australia in the 1980's. Strong public opposition prevented its use
in Australia. In August 1999, without any public consultation, permission
was given by State and Federal Health authorities for food irradiation
and an irradiation plant is being built in Queensland. There are no labelling
requirements for irradiated food.
Greater technical detail can be found on this topic by searching through
the listed briefing papers and education resources at
http://www.ccsa.asn.au/nic/.
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