ROSATOM using Nuclear technology to help combat COVID-19

The novel coronavirus crisis has led to a slowdown of the economic growth of countries across the world.

According to the World Bank biannual Africa’s Pulse report, which discusses the macroeconomic outlook for sub-Saharan Africa, released in April 2020, economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa will decline from 2.4 percent in 2019 to between -2.1 percent and -5.1 percent in 2020, depending on the success of measures taken to mitigate the pandemic’s effects.

The report predicts that the region will experience its first recession in 25 years.

All industries mobilize to help to combat the negative effect of the new pandemic on the global economy. Nuclear technologies also show multiple use during the crisis.

Nuclear technology is a major baseload power-generating source and accounted for 10.3% of global power generation in 2019. The use of nuclear technologies during these times is not limited to maintaining a stable electricity supply.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is providing diagnostic kits, equipment and training in nuclear-derived detection techniques to countries asking for assistance in tackling the worldwide spread of the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19.

The assistance, requested by 14 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, is part of intensified global efforts to contain infections.

For its part, Russian State Nuclear Corporation ROSATOM, one of the leading energy and technology companies on the global scale, offers its latest developments for sterilization (i.e. the destruction of pathogens, spores, viruses) of medical devices.

The company has already sterilised 24,416,893 medical masks as of May 19, as well as 334,500 portable lab kits to test for COVID-19.

Unlike all other types of sterilization, this method has sufficient penetrating power, which allows it to process hermetically sealed products – the generated streams of accelerated electrons are able to penetrate the packaging of medical devices without violating its integrity, which eliminates the possibility of re-contamination of the product.

In addition, after processing the product with a stream of accelerated electrons, the product immediately becomes usable. This does not require degassing (unlike other sterilization methods) or other necessary actions, before actual use.

This method of sterilization ensures environmental friendliness – there is no side chemical and other pollution during processing.

Source:Starrfm.com.gh