TNAG-1508-FCO40-2066-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1987 — Page 110

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in particular, can check the cross infection of hepatitis.

By adopting the technique of sterilization by radiation, the work of preserving merchandise and cultural relics can be promoted. For example :

Killing insects by radiation: Radiation can kill harmful insects found in such articles as furs, hides, woollen fabrics, biological specimens, cultural relics, etc.

Protection against moulds by radiation: Moulds are mostly aerobic bacteria and are a kind of saprophyte. Given suitable tem- peratures, they can propagate rapidly. During the rainy season, the propagation of moulds renders the storage of cigarettes and leather products difficult and can thus cause very heavy losses. The problem can be solved if radiation is used to protect the commodities from moulds.

Sterilization by radiation : Radiation can be used in sterilizing articles like currency notes, wool, medical instruments, cosmetics, baby wrappers, etc.

Recently, the 'hospitalization' of a famous Egyptian mummy has aroused people's interest. Having been buried underground for more than 3000 years, the mummy, which was a complete one, was discovered in 1881. It was later displayed in the Cairo Kuseum. Owing to improper preservation, the mummy had been infected with large quantities of dust and germs. Its 'illness' was becoming more serious day by day. The Egyptian government, therefore, sought medical aids from France. Since ordinary methods of sterilization were not effective when applied to that stark and dry corpse, the method of sterilization by y-ray irradiation was used later. In this way, the 89 types of germs with which the mummy had been infected were eradicated. This illustrates that sterilization by radiation can make great contribution to the preservation of valuable historical relics.