13 September 2023

Study finds speaking to the public helps to address radiation risk perceptions. 

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) evaluated its community engagement programs and penned a paper published in the Sax Institute’s journal Public Health Research and Practice September 2023 issue. 

It found that its health complaints register, established in 2003, was poorly utilised and did not assist in addressing community concerns when compared to its Talk to a Scientist service. 

The Talk to a Scientist program provides a unique opportunity for members of the public to speak to a scientist either over the phone or via email to address any questions or concerns they have relating to radiation.

The health complaints register received an average of 20 complaints each year and a total of 180 complaints during its operation from July 2003 – April 2022.

In comparison, the Talk to a Scientist service received around 50 times that number of enquiries per year, with a total of 6546 enquiries in the period from 2016 to 4 August 2022. 

ARPANSA’s Health Impact Assessment Assistant Director A/Prof Ken Karipidis says that the results are unsurprising. 

‘The complaints register was not an effective tool in addressing people’s concerns,’ A/Prof Karipidis said. 

‘The Talk to a Scientist service provides people with an opportunity to access information and have a conversation rather than just registering a concern or complaint. People can talk to us about anything radiation related and have their questions answered in real time.

‘We will continue to operate our Talk to a Scientist service because it’s been effective in reducing community concern and educating the public on their real radiation risks, such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.' 

The main author of the study, Dr Chris Brzozek, says that Talk to a Scientist’s engagement was particularly evident in 2020 when 5G concerns peaked. 

‘In 2020, our scientists responded to 441 enquiries while the health complaints register only received 3 enquiries about 5G for its entire operation. 

‘Our experience has found that having a two-way dialogue, where people can have their concerns heard and resolved by a radiation protection scientist, is more engaging and productive than lodging complaints online.

As the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection, ARPANSA has an obligation to provide clear and accurate information to the public about their radiation risk.

Talk to a Scientist is available to the community via phone on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm AEST, excluding public holidays, and via email at any time.

You can read the study here: 

29 August 2023

ARPANSA is seeking nominations for 9 members of the Nuclear Safety Committee (NSC). The Committee advises the CEO on nuclear safety and the safety of controlled facilities.

Current membership is comprised of experts from experts from fields including nuclear science and engineering, safety management of high hazard industries, environmental science, regulation and law.

All appointments are part-time and nominations are now open for the triennium (2024-2026) in line with the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (subsection 27(2)) and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 1999 (section 25).

Eight of the roles require knowledge, qualifications or industry experience in one or more of the following areas:

• safety-related areas relevant to the nuclear sector
• human and organisation factors in the nuclear sector and other areas
• plant and process safety in major hazard facilities
• other industrial or safety-related regulation or a related area.

ARPANSA is also seeking to appoint one member who will actively contribute to the NSC’s functions by representing the interests of the general public.

If you are interested in joining, you are encouraged to learn more about the functions and current membership of the Nuclear Safety Committee.

Find out more about how you can nominate today. And for further information about the roles and expectations for advisory bodies, please read our guidelines.

To nominate, please email the NSC Secretariat your CV detailing relevant experience for the role, the position and committee name by Tuesday, 19 September 2023.

We look forward to announcing the 2024-2026 Committee in due course.

24 August 2023

The Japanese Government has announced the release of treated water from the decommissioned Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean will commence today, 24 August 2023, weather conditions permitting. 

Over the past two years, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has conducted a detailed review of the safety related aspects of handling and discharge of the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water, resulting in a comprehensive report released in July 2023.

The report concluded that the approach to the discharge of treated water and associated activities by TEPCO and the Japanese Government is ‘…consistent with relevant international safety standards and would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment.’

‘ARPANSA is fully confident in the IAEA’s findings, which are based on the work of international and independent scientific experts. The report has highlighted that no health or environmental risks will occur if the discharges are kept within strict, international limits,’ said ARPANSA CEO Dr Gillian Hirth.

‘As a Pacific nation, we are committed to ensuring that Australia’s oceans and marine life are kept safe. ARPANSA’s scientists are confident that any exposure to marine life – such as fish – will be below the screening level used to ensure protection of the environment,’ said Dr Hirth.

The IAEA’s Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said that the release process will be closely monitored and assessed by onsite IAEA staff to ensure adherence to international safety standards.

Dr Hirth also emphasised that there is no need for people in any location to take protective measures in relation to the release of the treated water, or limit intake of marine-sourced food items.

‘We want to reassure the public that there are no associated health risks to people or the environment in Japan or surrounding countries from this activity.’

23 August 2023

Recent STEM graduates are encouraged to apply to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency’s Graduate Program with applications closing 11 September 2023.

Two selected graduates will rotate through various teams, undertaking professional development and mentoring over a 24-month period before moving to roles in the Regulatory Services Branch at our Sydney office.

ARPANSA’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Jim Scott, says nuclear safety is an exciting and rewarding career pathway.

‘Many of the graduates we’ve employed over the years have gone on to become internationally renowned experts and senior leaders,’ Mr Scott said.

‘After completing your rotation through the agency, you will contribute to ARPANSA’s strategy and provide specialist advice and assistance to Regulatory Services Branch on the safety and regulation of ionising and non-ionising radiation sources.’

As Australia’s primary authority on radiation protection, ARPANSA protects people and the environment through adopting and promoting best practice regulation, undertaking research, and by providing clear and reliable information to government and the community on radiation risk.

‘We’re hosting a webinar for prospective candidates to find out more about ARPANSA and our Graduate Program,’ said Mr Scott.

The webinar will be held on Wednesday 30 August at 2pm and potential applicants are encouraged to register online.

Student and recent graduates can learn more about ARPANSA's Graduate Program including how to apply, by visiting the APS jobs website.

ARPANSA’s Graduate Program provides access to professional development and mentoring designed to start your career as well as make a positive contribution to protection of people and the environment as part of the Agency’s scientific and regulatory activities.

3 August 2023

ARPANSA has updated Australia’s nuclear medicine diagnostic reference levels to support optimised use of radiation in medical diagnosis and treatment.

The reference levels were updated in July 2023 based on data from 120 medical imaging centres.

ARPANSA’s Medical Imaging Director, Dr Peter Thomas, says the update promotes nationally consistent radiation doses.

‘Medical imaging facilities across the country can compare their doses to the nuclear medicine diagnostic reference levels to make sure that radiation exposure is not too high or too low for a specified procedure,’ Dr Thomas said.

‘The update to these benchmarks promotes effective diagnosis of disease and injury across Australia.  

‘There are close to 500,000 nuclear medicine scans performed annually – so it’s important that these benchmarks exist to minimise harm from overexposing patients to radiation.'  

In 2022, there were 300,000 general nuclear medicine scans and a further 170,000 Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans claimed on Medicare. Supporting consistent application of nuclear medicine helps to promote patient safety and encourage continuous improvement in medical practice.

The 2023 update is the first since the national nuclear medicine diagnostic reference levels were introduced by ARPANSA in 2017. The updates to the diagnostic reference levels reflect nuclear medicine’s growth over the last six years including the addition of new PET procedures to the Medicare Benefit Schedule.

Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive materials inside the body for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and diseases.

‘Nuclear medicine scans can produce images that show how your organs work, whereas X-rays and CT scans produce images that look at the structure of the body,’ Dr Thomas said.

ARPANSA’s diagnostic reference levels provide valuable support to medical facilities and patients as part of our work to protect Australians from the harmful effects of radiation.

27 July 2023

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the Australasian College of Dermatologists have collaborated to update advice on cosmetic treatments using non-ionising radiation for consumers and treatment providers.     

Associate Professor Ken Karipidis says that there are some key takeaways for consumers of cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation.  

‘Safe use of non-ionising cosmetic procedures is an ongoing area of research and focus for the health impact assessment team at ARPANSA,’ A/Prof Karipidis said.   

‘The update for consumers provides more information to help people determine if a treatment provider is reputable and what consumers should know before a procedure.’ 
 
‘Something we added to this advice is for consumers to make sure their provider correctly classifies the colour of their skin as most cases of burns in laser hair removal treatments are due to wrong classification of skin type.  

‘For providers we have also included further recommendations, including taking extra care with procedures near the eye and classifying skin correctly, to make sure they are keeping consumers safe.’ 

ARPANSA is supervising a PhD project with Monash University Accident Research Centre and Monash Law School to look at the injury incidence from cosmetic radiation procedures to see what, if any, regulation is needed to protect people.  

As the Australian Government’s primary radiation protection authority, ARPANSA works with peak bodies like the Australasian College of Dermatologists to communicate risk and minimise harm.   

You can view the updated advice for consumers and providers on our website.  

20 July 2023

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is pleased to announce The Hon Assistant Minister Ged Kearney MP’s appointment of Dr Jane Canestra as incoming Chair of the Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council (RHSAC).

RHSAC is one of ARPANSA’s three statutory advisory bodies. Members provide guidance and advice to the CEO of ARPANSA on strategic and emerging issues, as well as matters of public concern relating to radiation protection and nuclear safety. Appointment terms are for three years.

Dr Canestra has been a General Member of the Council since 2015. She was an emergency physician with an extensive background in public health, emergency preparedness and response, including advising on planning responses to chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) incidents at state and national levels.  

‘I am honoured to follow Dr Roger Allison as Chair of RHSAC, and thank both Dr Gillian Hirth and Assistant Minister Kearney for their support. I am looking forward to harnessing the collective expertise of Council and bringing further considered advice and support to ARPANSA as significant developments in radiation protection and nuclear safety occur in Australia,' said Dr Canestra.

Dr Gillian Hirth, CEO ARPANSA, congratulated Dr Canestra on her new role.

‘I am excited to welcome Dr Canestra as new Chair of RHSAC. As well as contributing eight years to the Council as a General Member, Dr Canestra brings considerable expertise to the role. Notably, she is highly experienced in the fields of emergency and risk management, and in health system and responder preparedness for radiological emergencies.’

Dr Hirth also thanked outgoing Chair, Dr Roger Allison for his decade-long commitment to – and guidance in – matters of radiation protection and nuclear safety.

‘I wish to extend our gratitude to Dr Allison for his significant service and contribution to the Agency. During his tenure, Dr Allison has shown himself to be a strong leader for the Council, providing invaluable, considered advice across a wide range of regulatory and public health issues.’

The Council has also welcomed three new General Members: Mr Christopher Perry, Associate Professor Catherine Olsen, Mr Stuart Parr and Mr Christopher Donovan.

‘The Council remains in good hands with Dr Canestra as Australia embarks on a new chapter of nuclear safety and security and ARPANSA continues our work to protect people and the environment,’ said Dr Hirth.

View the full Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council membership.

11 July 2023

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has released a comprehensive report reviewing the plans of Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) and the Japanese Government to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The power plant was damaged during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

The planned release is an important step towards enabling the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, with recent reports of the internal damage to the reactors highlighting the ongoing risk if decommissioning is not managed and conducted in a timely manner.

ARPANSA has continually reviewed the information released by the Japanese Government and the IAEA, including the recently released IAEA report.

‘ARPANSA supports the IAEA’s assessment that the Japanese plans for discharge of water treated through the Advanced Liquid Processing System will not have an adverse impact on people and the environment,’ said ARPANSA CEO Dr Gillian Hirth.

The IAEA report showed that the approach to the discharge of treated water and associated activities by TEPCO and the Japanese Government are consistent with relevant international safety standards. The levels of radioactivity in the treated water would be kept within safe limits where there are no associated health risks to people or the environment in Japan or surrounding countries.

‘The damaged reactors require constant cooling and water used in cooling becomes contaminated with radioactive isotopes,’ said Dr Hirth.

‘Used water is treated to remove most of the radioactive isotopes and stored in tanks, however the storage capacity is limited and ultimately, a safe disposal pathway is needed.

‘In Australia, many hospitals routinely discharge radionuclides associated with medical isotopes into the sea and air.

‘Releasing treated radioactive water into the sea does not present health or environmental risks if the discharges are kept within strict limits,’ said Dr Hirth.

Prior to release of the treated water, TEPCO will further dilute the tritium to a level of radioactivity which is less than the level outlined in the Australian drinking water guideline for tritium.

The dose rate to environmental biota, such as fish, will also be less than the screening level used to ensure protection of the environment in Australia. A clearly defined plan for environmental monitoring by TEPCO and the Japanese Government is in place, and the IAEA will provide an independent sampling program to ensure transparency during the discharge phase, including providing continuous live monitoring data to be made available on their website.

The treated water will quickly dilute in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, and radiation will be indistinguishable from background levels in waters surrounding Australia and the Pacific region.

The IAEA report was prepared by a panel of internationally recognised independent experts, including ARPANSA Chief Radiation Health Scientist Dr Rick Tinker, who participated in an individual capacity due to his expertise in this area.

ARPANSA research and public health advice on the potential radiological health impacts from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant can be found on the ARPANSA website.

Find out more:

Watch: IAEA reports on Fukushima Water Release – You Tube

IAEA Finds Japan’s Plans to Release Treated Water into the Sea at Fukushima Consistent with International Safety Standards

IAEA Fukushima Daiichi ALPS Treated Water Discharge – FAQs

23 June 2023

ARPANSA Acting CEO Dr Rick Tinker has removed a licence condition from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) Health Products facility following satisfactory implementation of recommendations following a 2018 safety review.

The licence condition was imposed in 2019 by then CEO Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson following a June 2018 direction for ANSTO to undertake an independent safety review.

The independent safety review considered occupational radiation safety of processes and operational procedures at ANSTO’s nuclear medicine facility (now ANSTO Health Products) –particularly those associated with quality control of molybdenum-99 samples.

The licence condition stated:

The licence holder must report to the CEO of ARPANSA on progress of the Independent Safety Review Action Plan implementation starting with a report for the last quarter of 2019 and then at six-monthly intervals until all actions are completed to the satisfaction of the CEO.

All actions from the independent safety review have been completed to the satisfaction of the CEO and the licence condition has now been removed.

ARPANSA will continue to monitor the ongoing implementation of recommendations through its regular inspection program.

22 June 2023

Researchers from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) recently attended a workshop on techniques to measure radio waves in the 24 – 30 GHz range, frequencies which are now being used in the latest implementation of the 5G network.

ARPANSA’s Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure Assessment Assistant Director, Stuart Henderson, said the agency recently acquired two new probes for their spectrum analysers so that they can measure higher frequency 5G radio waves.

‘In 2022, when we conducted radio wave exposure measurements in Melbourne, all commercially available mobile phone services, including 5G, were using radio waves below 6 GHz,’ Dr Henderson said.

‘Now that 5G has started to use higher frequencies, we have updated our technology and practices so that we can continue to assess the community’s radio wave exposure.

‘The workshop provided an opportunity to discuss and explore those best practice methods to collect accurate measurements at 24-30 GHz. These techniques are outlined in recently updated standards by the International Electrotechnical Commission and have been adopted by Standards Australia.’

5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology used by telecommunications providers for mobile services and wireless internet.

ARPANSA’s measurement surveys have shown that exposure to radio waves in the environment from broadcast media and wireless technology is low – typically hundreds of times below the safety limits set in the ARPANSA Standard.