Forever News
Radiation technology, often associated with nuclear power, is increasingly being used in everyday applications that directly benefit society. In India, the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT), functioning under the Department of Atomic Energy, has emerged as a key institution promoting the use of radioisotopes and radiation-based technologies in healthcare, agriculture, industry and scientific research.
For more than three decades, the organisation has been working to translate atomic science into practical solutions. Its work now supports hospitals, farmers, research institutions and major industrial sectors across the country. With more than 3,000 institutional clients, BRIT has also become one of the major suppliers of sealed radiation sources in the Asia-Pacific region.
One of the most important areas where radiation technology is making a difference is healthcare. Nuclear medicine, which uses small quantities of radioactive substances for diagnosis and treatment, has become a critical tool in modern medicine. Radio-pharmaceuticals produced by BRIT are widely used in hospitals to detect diseases and treat certain types of cancer.
These compounds consist of a radioactive isotope attached to a biological molecule that targets a specific organ or tissue. Once injected into the patient’s body, the compound travels to the targeted area. In diagnostic procedures, the radiation emitted helps doctors capture images of organs and detect abnormalities. In therapeutic applications, the radiation destroys diseased cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
A range of medical isotopes supplied by BRIT are used in hospitals across India. Technetium-99m is widely used for diagnostic imaging of organs such as the heart, bones and kidneys. Fluorine-18 is used in PET scans for detecting cancer and studying metabolic activity. Iodine-131 is commonly used in the treatment of thyroid disorders, while Lutetium-177 is increasingly used in targeted cancer therapy. Today, more than 250 nuclear medicine centres in India rely on such isotopes for diagnosis and treatment.
Radiation technology also plays an important role in ensuring safe blood transfusions. Specialised blood irradiators are used to expose donated blood to controlled radiation before transfusion. This process prevents the proliferation of certain immune cells that can cause a rare but life-threatening complication known as transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease. Irradiated blood products are particularly recommended for patients with weakened immune systems, including those undergoing bone marrow transplants, newborn infants and individuals receiving blood donations from close relatives.
Cancer treatment is another critical area where radiation technology is widely used. Radiation therapy techniques such as teletherapy and brachytherapy rely on radioactive sources to deliver controlled doses of radiation to tumours. In brachytherapy, tiny radioactive sources are placed inside or very close to the tumour, allowing doctors to target cancer cells precisely while reducing exposure to healthy tissues. Such treatments are commonly used for cancers of the cervix, head and neck, breast and prostate.
Beyond hospitals, radiation technology is also helping address one of the major challenges in agriculture and food supply—post-harvest losses. A significant portion of food produced in India is lost due to microbial contamination, spoilage and poor storage conditions. Gamma irradiation offers an effective solution to this problem.
Food irradiation uses controlled doses of gamma radiation to eliminate harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Unlike conventional preservation methods, the process does not involve heat or chemicals and therefore does not significantly alter the taste, texture or nutritional value of food. It is also a “cold process,” meaning it can be applied to packaged food products without damaging them.
In India, several radiation processing plants have been established to treat agricultural commodities such as spices, fruits and grains. Irradiated spices are widely exported because the process ensures they are free from microbial contamination. Mangoes treated with irradiation technology are also exported to international markets as the process eliminates pests and improves shelf life.
New technologies are further expanding these possibilities. Mobile irradiation units mounted on transportable platforms can be taken directly to rural areas during harvest seasons. This allows farmers to treat produce near the source, reducing spoilage during transportation and enabling longer storage. By extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, such technologies can help farmers sell their produce when market prices are favourable rather than immediately after harvest.
Another innovation is the development of low-temperature irradiation facilities designed for meat and marine products. By reducing microbial load, these systems help extend the storage life of fish and meat products while maintaining food safety standards.
Radiation technology also plays a crucial role in industrial safety and quality control. Industrial radiography devices use radioactive sources to inspect metal structures, pipelines and welds without damaging them. These techniques are widely used in sectors such as power generation, oil and gas, shipbuilding and heavy engineering. By identifying internal defects in materials, radiation-based inspection helps prevent structural failures and ensures the reliability of critical infrastructure.
In addition to equipment manufacturing, radiation techniques are used for industrial diagnostics. Specialised methods can detect leaks in pipelines, analyse flow patterns in industrial reactors and diagnose faults in petrochemical plants. Such services help industries avoid costly shutdowns and improve operational efficiency.
Research institutions and universities also rely on radiation technology for scientific studies. Compact research irradiators are used in fields such as material science, radiation biology, mutation breeding and sterilisation research. These tools allow scientists to study the effects of radiation in controlled laboratory conditions and develop new technologies and applications.
As these diverse applications show, radiation technology is no longer confined to nuclear laboratories. It is now quietly supporting healthcare systems, improving food safety, assisting farmers and strengthening industrial infrastructure. With continued innovation and responsible use, radiation science is set to play an even greater role in improving quality of life and supporting economic developments.
( ATOM HERO )
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Caption: “Radiation at work — healing patients, saving food, and safeguarding industry.”
