KUWAIT, June 30 (KUNA) — The Ministry of Oil reiterated on Monday that nuclear radiation poses one of the most serious health and environmental risks in the modern era. It affirmed that Kuwait places a high priority on addressing this challenge through a robust regulatory framework, well-developed emergency response strategies, and nationwide scientific monitoring systems aimed at ensuring maximum safety for both public health and the environment.
This statement was delivered by Sheikha Tamadher Khalid Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Director of Public Relations and Media at the Ministry of Oil, during a seminar titled “Risks and Damages Resulting from Nuclear Reactors and Their Impact on Human Health.” The event was part of the Ministry’s broader social responsibility initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about nuclear hazards.
Sheikha Tamadher acknowledged the efforts of governmental and technical institutions in educating the public about the dangers of nuclear radiation and preventive measures. She emphasized that such scientific forums play a crucial role in fostering a sustainable culture of prevention among both public and private sector employees. The Ministry, in coordination with relevant agencies, continues to conduct educational campaigns and specialized workshops to raise community awareness about nuclear reactor risks and radioactive leaks, while also strengthening national preparedness and response systems for radiological emergencies.
She further stated that awareness is the foundation of prevention, and that investing in education, training, and readiness is essential for safeguarding both people and the environment. She called for sustained support for scientific and awareness initiatives and urged stronger institutional cooperation between ministries and state agencies to ensure long-term community safety and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Salem Al-Azmi, Chief Radiologist at the Radiation Protection Department of the Ministry of Health, presented an in-depth analysis of the health risks associated with nuclear reactors, their operational mechanisms, and the preventive measures implemented locally and globally. He noted that while nuclear reactors are among the most efficient sources of electricity generation, they pose serious health and environmental risks if not managed under strict regulatory controls.
He explained that nuclear power plants generate electricity through nuclear fission, where atomic nuclei split to release thermal energy, which is then used to produce steam and drive turbines for electricity generation. He compared this process to conventional power plants, which rely on fossil fuels, while emphasizing that nuclear energy has a relatively lower environmental footprint in terms of land and resource usage.
In the event of radioactive leakage, he warned of potential contamination of air, water, and soil with radioactive isotopes such as Cesium-137 and Iodine-131. However, he assured that these materials naturally degrade over time and that effective environmental rehabilitation strategies are in place to mitigate their impact. He also noted that while wildlife and agriculture may experience temporary disruptions, these effects can be managed through established safety and restoration protocols.
Dr. Al-Azmi also outlined protective measures, including staying indoors during radiological incidents, as indoor sheltering can reduce exposure by up to 50%. He recommended the use of face masks to minimize inhalation of radioactive particles and highlighted the importance of sealed basements and shelters for enhanced protection.
He concluded with a briefing on the Iranian Bushehr nuclear reactor, stating that it is a civilian facility dedicated solely to electricity generation with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. He confirmed that the reactor operates under full international oversight, is not a military installation, and does not produce nuclear weapons. The plant is located approximately 280 kilometers east of Kuwait.
— news from Kuwait News Agency
— News Original —
Oil Min.: Kuwait gives significant importance to nuclear radiation safety plans
KUWAIT, June 30 (KUNA) — The Ministry of Oil affirmed on Monday that nuclear radiation is one of the most dangerous health and environmental challenges in the modern era, and that Kuwait gives significant importance to this issue through an integrated regulatory system, well-studied emergency plans, and scientific monitoring networks covering all parts of the country to ensure the highest levels of environmental and health safety for society. nThis came in a speech by the Ministry ‘s Director of Public Relations and Media Sheikha Tamadher Khalid Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in a seminar titled (Risks and Damages Resulting from Nuclear Reactors and Their Impact On Human Health) as part of its social responsibility towards raising society ‘s awareness. nSheikha Tamadher praised the efforts of governmental and technical authorities in raising awareness of the dangers of nuclear radiation and ways to prevent it, stressing that such scientific meetings contribute to building a sustainable preventive culture among workers in the public and private sectors. nShe pointed out that the Ministry of Oil, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, is working to raise community awareness of the dangers of nuclear reactors and the risks of radioactive leakage through ongoing educational programs and specialized workshops, in addition to developing the national infrastructure for preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies. nShe added that prevention begins with awareness, and that investing in awareness, training, and preparedness is the cornerstone of protecting people and the environment. nShe also called for continued support for scientific and awareness initiatives and strengthening institutional cooperation between state ministries and authorities to ensure community safety and environmental sustainability. nOn his part, Chief Radiologist at the Radiation Protection Department at the Ministry of Health Salem Al-Azmi displayed the health risks resulting from nuclear reactors, their operating mechanisms, and preventive measures adopted locally and internationally. n”Nuclear reactors nowadays are among the most important energy sources in the world, as they provide massive electricity production with high efficiency, however, they carry serious health and environmental risks if they are not managed according to strict controls,” Al-Azmi pointed out. nAl-Azmi stated that a nuclear reactor is a facility that generates electricity through the process of nuclear fission, wherein the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing thermal energy in the process. This energy is then used to heat a coolant, typically water, converting it into steam. The steam is directed toward rotating turbines, which activate an electric generator to produce power. nHe explained that nuclear power plants operate in a manner largely similar to conventional power stations, wherein a source of heat converts water into steam to drive turbines and generate electricity. nAl-Azmi noted that the key difference between various power plants lies in the source of heat, while conventional plants rely on burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas, nuclear power plants depend on the splitting of atomic nuclei, a process known as nuclear fission, as their primary source of heat. nHe emphasized that nuclear energy is among the power generation sources with the least environmental impact, particularly in terms of land and natural resource use, when compared to other electricity-producing methods. nOn potential environmental effects, Al-Azmi indicated that in the event of radioactive leakage, air, water, and soil contamination with substances such as Cesium-137 and Iodine-131 could occur. However, these materials are naturally degradable and diminish over time. He noted that effective environmental rehabilitation plans are in place to mitigate their impact. nHe added that potential impacts on wildlife and agriculture could include temporary declines in crop quality and biodiversity, yet these effects are generally manageable through safety protocols and environmental restoration procedures. nRegarding protective measures, Al-Azmi stressed the importance of sheltering indoors during any radiological incident. Staying inside buildings can reduce exposure by half, while sealed basements and shelters offer enhanced protection. The use of face masks also significantly lowers the risk of inhaling radioactive particles. nAl-Azmi also delivered a briefing on the Iranian Bushehr nuclear reactor, saying that it is solely dedicated to electricity production with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. nHe affirmed that the reactor is under full international supervision, is not a military facility, and does not produce nuclear weapons. The plant is located approximately 280 kilometers east of Kuwait. (end) r nkm.maa.bb