KUWAIT, Aug 28 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's Ministry of Health said Saturday it has developed "an integrated plan" to counter any possible radioactive pollution accidents.
The plan, worked out in cooperation with the Interior Ministry's Directorate General of Civil Defence, follows the criterions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the countries close to nuclear reactors, said Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Public Service Affairs Eng. Samir Al-Asfour in a press conference here.
"It includes draft emergency measures for each state department to follow in case of nuclear radiation accidents," he said, noting that the IAEA's nuclear safeguards outline the levels of nuclear radiation.
"The Ministry of Health is ready to deal with any radioactive pollution accidents," Eng. Al-Asfour affirmed.
"A network, consisting of 15 fixed and two mobile radiation detection stations, has been put in place nationwide to gauge the levels of radiation in the border areas as well as in the residential areas," he said.
"The data received from the stations show that the current level of radiation in Kuwait ranges between 84 and 266 nanosievert (nSv) per hour which means that the average is 130 nSv/h. This level is in line with the normal basis point of Kuwait," Al-Asfour revealed.
The country's radiation testing labs have been modernized and provided with the latest equipment to detect the levels of radiation in the air, water, soil and food samples, he disclosed.
Al-Asfour added that a simulation program has been developed to gauge the nuclear dust which could result from a sudden radioactive pollution accident.
The measures aim to protect the citizens, foreign residents and emergency personnel at a possible nuclear eventuality.
The Ministry of Health has a strategic stock of drugs for radioactive illnesses, including up to 60 million doses of non-radioactive iodine for various radioactive categories.
Efforts are being made to make available 18,000 syrup bottles for kids below three years, he added. - Kuna