TNAG-1508-FCO40-2066-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1987 — Page 109

Translation

Killing Insects, Destroying Germs and Sterilization by Radiation

Radiation has a number of physical, chemical and biological effects on such living organisms as insects, germs and microorganisms. Such effects can be used for killing insects and germs, sterilizing medical instruments, preserving merchandise and food, etc.

When compared with the high temperature sterilization and the chemical sterilization, sterilization of medical instruments by radiation has the following characteristics:

1.

The effect of sterilization by radiation is remarkable in that this method can destroy germs thoroughly by killing those hidden microorganisms and insects (eggs, larvae and imagoes).

2. It is a kind of 'cool' treatment. During the process of sterilization of medical instruments by radiation, there is scarcely any rise in temperature. So this method is particularly suitable for sterilizing articles made of volatile or easily deformable materials which are sensitive to heat treatment.

3. It does not cause any environmental pollution. No chemical residue will be left on the medical instruments after they have been sterilized by radiation.

4. It saves energy. It is estimated that in sterilizing the same volumes of medical instruments, the energy consumed in sterilization by radiation is 5 to 10 times less than that consumed in high temperature sterilization.

It is estimated

5. High speed of sterilization and low cost. that in sterilizing the same volumes of medical instruments, the cost of sterilization by radiation is about 5 times lower than that of high temperature sterilization.

used

in

According to the 1984 statistics, there is a total of 135 y-ray irradiation installations for industrial use in 42 countries. sterilization of 80% of the y-ray power is medical instruments, and the capacity of sterilization by radiation each year is 2,000,000 m3.

Medical instruments are packed before they are sterilized by radiation. Therefore, as long as they are sealed and airtight, they can be kept free of germs for a long time. helps prevent the spread of diseases in is particularly useful in remote areas.

This method of sterilization epidemic areas and its application The use of disposable syringes,

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