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Israel Developing Ways to Survive Nuclear Radiation

(RealClearDefense) Lt.-Col. (ret.) Dr. Arik Eisenkraft - Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) may be the result of an accident with diagnostic and therapeutic devices, or with a nuclear facility (Chernobyl, Fukushima). It may also be the result of an intentional act of terrorism, involving the use of a radiological dispersal device (i.e., dirty bomb), an improvised nuclear device, an attack on a nuclear power plant, or any number of potential scenarios. The major goals of a response plan to a radio-nuclear emergency are to protect the public, as well as the emergency personnel while performing their duties. A novel protection device that recently reached the market is the StemRad 360 Gamma wearable shield, which allows the protection of enough bone marrow tissue among first responders and all those who may be exposed to high radiation levels in a way that will ensure their survival. The first 36-48 hours following exposure are critical. There is a time window allowing for treatment even in a mass casualty scenario. Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. is developing cell therapy products that release a mix of therapeutic proteins in response to signals from cells and tissues that have been damaged by conditions such as inflammation, ischemia, hematological disorders, or exposure to radiation. The writer was former Head of Medicine for the Israel Ministry of Defense, where he led studies and product development for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) medical countermeasures.
2017-08-10 00:00:00
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