NO NUKES IS GOOD NUKES!

THE NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION STANDS ON THE BORDER BETWEEN HUMANITY’S GREATEST HOPES AND ITS DEEPEST FEARS FOR THE FUTURE.

One of the biggest debates that the entire world has gotten into is: ‘Should nuclear energy be used for power generation?’ People have diverse opinions. Some see nuclear power as an important technology that emits no carbon dioxide while producing huge amounts of reliable electricity. While others perceive it as an inherently dangerous technology that poses a threat to any community located near a nuclear power plant. In either case, today, nuclear power is a fact of life for many parts of the developed world.

The nuclear reactors are designed and built to the highest standards of the engineering profession. It has the perceived ability to handle nearly anything that nature or mankind can dish out. However, these perceptions of ultimate safety are left to questions and doubts after the recent Japan crisis.

To be a part of this debate, it is necessary to understand how this cycle actually works and what risks it may lead to for the entire humanity.

WHAT IS NUCLEAR MELTDOWN?
Nuclear meltdown occurs due to overheating of a nuclear reactor core, resulting in melting of the core and escape of radiation. In such a situation, huge amount of thermal energy and radiation are released because of an uncontrolled chain reaction in a nuclear power reactor. Nuclear meltdown, fallout or blasts further lead to a nuclear crisis.

What is Radiation?
Radiation may be defined as energy travelling through space or a medium. There are two distinct types of radiation; ionizing and non-ionizing. All forms of ionizing radiation have sufficient energy that may destabilize molecules within cells and lead to tissue damage. Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, X-ray radiation and neutrons may all be accelerated to an energy high enough to ionize an atom. This ionization can result in an increased probability of cancer.

On the other hand, non-ionizing radiation is essential to life, but excessive exposures can cause tissue damage. Radio waves and visible light are the examples of non-ionizing radiation.

THE PROBLEMS
All radiations, when exposed to in an excess are bad. But actually, some types of radiations are unavoidable, like the cosmic one which originates from the stars. The Sun too, radiates cosmic energy produced by nuclear reactions on its surface, consisting of short wavelength emissions of electrons and neutrons.

The nuclear crisis and the radiation emitted by such a crisis is, however, hazardous as it even has the power to alter DNA in the cells of human and animal bodies. Particles, or energy waves originating from the radioactive source, can penetrate the body and damage vital cellular machinery. The greatest concern is when it damages DNA, preventing it from making new proteins to keep the cell alive. Worse yet, it may begin to copy itself abnormally turning the cell into a cancer cell. To sum up:

• Burns are the most immediate harmful effect as a lot of Kinetic Energy is released
• Permanent damage of tissues
• Sunburn, melanoma or different types of cancers are caused by overexposure to nuclear radiations
• It can permanently alter the gene structure and introduce hereditary problems
• Food, water and soil are exposed to radioactive contamination
• There is a subsequent effect on agriculture and food cultivation
• The surrounding environment gets damaged
• In the longer run, the ozone layer gets depleted
• Changes in the climate – Nuclear winter is a possible occurrence (This effect is caused by the absorption of sunlight when large amount of dust is injected into the atmosphere by the widespread burning of cities and petroleum stocks destroyed in a nuclear blast)

PREVIOUS MAJOR EXPLOSIONS
Before the 2011 Japan Nuclear Crisis, the world had faced two such nuclear disasters.
A partial meltdown had occurred in Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg, United States on March 28, 1979. It is called the Three Mile Island accident. The disaster began with failures in the non-nuclear secondary system, followed by a stuck-open pilot-operated relief valve (PORV) in the primary system, which allowed large amounts of nuclear reactor coolant to escape. The incident was rated a five on the seven-point International Nuclear Event Scale.
The worst was yet to follow on April 26, 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. The Chernobyl disaster is the only nuclear disaster that has been ranked seventh on the scale. There was a sudden power output surge, and when an emergency shutdown was attempted, a more extreme point in power output occurred, which led to a reactor vessel burst and a series of explosions. This event exposed the graphite moderator of the reactor to air, causing it to ignite.

THE JAPAN NUCLEAR CRISIS
Japan is struggling with the triple whammy of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. The later one is the outcome of the first two disasters. The two power plants at Fukushima – Daiichi and Daini were the victims.

Due to the powerful quake and tsunami, the nuclear reactor’s emergency cooling power system had failed at the Fukushima plant. Since then, efforts were made to cool the reactor by circulating water by steam power, instead of electricity. But an attempt to lower the temperature inside the vessel that houses the reactor did not work well. The plant had a partial nuclear meltdown, followed by the leak of radiation.

The Fukushima plant’s building was destroyed by a blast and around 170,000 people were evacuated from a 12-mile radius. Large scale efforts were made by the operators to keep the temperatures down in a series of nuclear plant reactors. But all were in vain, as a second hydrogen explosion occurred at the Fukushima plant. As if this were not enough, dangerous levels of radiation leaked and a fire rocked the plant after a third explosion took place.

IS INDIA NUCLEAR READY?
Are we ready? All the countries of the world are struggling to find an answer to this question when Japan is still struggling to get out of the emergency.

We at India are power-starved, with an energy deficit of around 12%. Rapid establishment of nuclear plants to fuel the economic growth has already started. We currently have 22 plants across the country. And at least six more are on the way. India’s Tarapur has one reactor which is a boiling water reactor, the same kind used in Fukushima.

The Government is busy reviewing the safety norms but environmentalists, social activists and commentators remain unconvinced. The nuclear industry of India is wrapped up in secrecy and it does not share information about its inner working with the public. This creates doubts and questions over corruption and skimping of nuclear safety norms.
On the other hand, Indian engineers will take time to grasp new and unfamiliar technologies – a dangerous situation in case of a disaster. Study reports increase the tension as they have raised the uneasy issue that some nuclear plants are situated on seismic zones and near coastal areas, posing a high risk in the event of an earthquake or tsunami.

More than two years ago, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) produced a 132-page document, which provides guidelines on how to deal with a nuclear emergency. The document talks of the need to have clearly defined evacuation plans for population living in close proximity to nuclear facilities, ensuring these communities are aware of the threats and that drills be held regularly. It mentions the need of trained staff and other necessities. But, one cannot be sure whether all these is simply on paper or on ground as well.
However, the nuclea establishment in India has assured that our systems are robust. In India, a nuclear plant cannot be built within a radius of 400 kilometers of a seismic zone. Also, diesel power backups for our nuclear power plants, particularly in tsunami prone areas, have been constructed at high altitudes to avoid flooding by tsunami. But, looking at Japan, maybe we need further reassurance.

India goes by the phrase, ‘everything will be alright on the night.’ It assumes that rule-bending fixing shall do and ‘we’ll manage.’ But it’s high time, this will no longer work.

FUTURE OF NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION
The Japan crisis has sent shockwaves through nuclear planning agencies around the world. Policy makers are asking for reviews of safety regulations, public is expressing concern, and it appears likely that some of the planned construction will be curtailed.

But on the other hand, there are issues like climate change that are strongly supported by nuclear power generation. This has triggered a debate as to should this mode of energy generation be used in the future or not.

In an Australian book (2010), Why vs. Why: Nuclear Power, Barry Brook and Ian Lowe have very well debated this topic and articulated seven points for and against the use of nuclear power. Brook puts forward seven reasons why people should say “yes” to nuclear power.

• Because renewable energy and energy efficiency won’t solve the energy and climate crisis
• Because nuclear fuel is virtually unlimited and packs a huge energy punch
• Because new technology solves the ‘nuclear waste’ problem
• Because nuclear power is the safest energy option
• Because advanced nuclear power will strengthen global security
• Because nuclear power’s true costs are lower than either fossil fuels or renewable
• Because nuclear power can lead the ‘clean energy’ revolution

Lowe argues that there are seven reasons why people should say “no” to nuclear power.
• Because it is not a fast enough response to climate change
• Because it is too expensive
• Because the need for base load electricity is exaggerated
• Because the problem of waste remains unresolved
• Because it will increase the risk of nuclear war
• Because there are safety concerns
• Because there are better alternatives

In the end, many people remain torn on the subject of nuclear power. They can see the amazing possibilities and destructive capabilities of the technology. However, the Japan crisis should get people thinking about some important issues. If we want to use a powerful energy source like nuclear power, we need to be able to deal with the powerful responsibilities and consequences that come along with it. Humanity’s greatest hopes and deepest fears truly lie in the Nuclear Power Generation!

FOLKLORES AND MYTHS
• There would be an ‘acid rain’ or a ‘nuclear rain’
• We should all have KI pills (Fact: KI stands for potassium iodide, and the pills are distributed to individuals who reside within a 10-mile radius of nuclear power plants)
• Stay inside and keep the doors and windows shut
• There is an itchy feel and burning sensation, we can feel the spread of radiation

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EUTHANASIA: LEGAL MURDER OR MERCY TOWARDS NEVER-ENDING PAIN?

THE DEBATE ON MERCY KILLING CONTINUES WITH THE CASE OF ARUNA SHANBAUG: THE FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF THAT INTENTIONAL KILLING OF ANOTHER PERSON IS WRONG VERSUS DEEP SYMPATHY FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE SUFFERING.

It is not only a debate – it involves emotional, social, legal, ethical, religious and many other points of view. The outcome of this debate will profoundly affect family relationships, interaction between doctors and patients, and concepts of basic ethical behavior. With so much at stake, more is needed than just a contest of one-liners, write-ups and debates. Mercy killing, also known as Euthanasia, is an issue back in spotlight in India. The question is raised by the vegetative state of Aruna Shanbaug since 1973. India’s Supreme Court has directed three doctors to examine the medical condition of the woman. It is being seen as a landmark case in India where Euthanasia is illegal.

WHAT IS EUTHANASIA?

Euthanasia (Eu – good, Thanatos – death) is a Greek term that refers to ending life in such a manner that relieves pain and suffering. It is deliberately bringing about a gentle and easy death, making the last days of the patient as comfortable as possible.

To summarize Euthanasia and types of it:

• Euthanasia: The intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit. (The key word here is “intentional.” If death is not intended, it is not an act of Euthanasia)

• Voluntary Euthanasia: When the person who is killed has requested to be killed.
• Non-voluntary: When the person who is killed made no request and gave no consent.
• Involuntary Euthanasia: When the person who is killed made an expressed wish to the contrary,

• Assisted Suicide: Someone provides an individual with the information, guidance and means to take his or her own life with the intention that the knowledge will be used for this purpose. When it is a doctor, who helps another person to kill himself/herself, it is called “Physician Assisted Suicide.”
• Euthanasia by Action: Intentionally causing a person’s death by performing an action such as giving a lethal injection.
• Euthanasia by Omission: Intentionally causing death by not providing necessary and ordinary (usual and customary) care or food and water.

THE INDIAN BENCHMARK CASE

The case is that of Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug, a nurse in Mumbai who has been paralyzed and considered ‘brain-dead’ since she was attacked by a rapist on the night of 27 November 1973. The woman was then 24 years old and working as a nurse at Mumbai’s King Edward Memorial (KEM) hospital, when she was raped by a ward boy named Sohanlal Walmiki. He forced sex on her in an act of vengeance after Aruna threatened him that she would report his stealing of milk meant for patients to the hospital authorities. She was sexually assaulted, wrapped with a dog chain around her neck and sodomized. The chain cut off the blood and oxygen supply to her brain. She went into coma, and the cruel incident has left her speechless. She cannot speak, hear or see; and she is force-fed every day.

What adds fuel to the fire is that during the trial, the prosecution could not prove the rape charges, so Sohanlal was let off after six years of imprisonment for robbery.

The plea has been made by a journalist Pinki Virani to the Supreme Court for mercy killing. The writer has also penned a book titled ‘Aruna’s Story’ about the case. Two years ago, a reluctant court had issued notices to the Centre and the State Government on Virani’s petition and had said, “Under the law of the country, we cannot allow a person to die.” However, on 24th January 2011, the Supreme Court of India responded to the plea of Euthanasia, by setting up a medical panel to examine the physical and mental status of Aruna.

In her petition, Virani asked the judges to issue instructions to “forthwith ensure that no food is fed” to Aruna, who is 60. “The continued vegetative existence of Aruna is a violation of her right to live with dignity. She has a right to not be in this kind of sub-human condition,” said Virani. A lawyer for Virani, Shubhangi Tuli, said the case was not about Euthanasia. Rather they had asked the court to consider the medical definition of death. “She cannot move, she cannot hear. She only survives because she is being fed,” she said. “We are saying this is not life as guaranteed by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.”

On the other hand, Dr. Sanjay Oak, the dean of KEM, confessed: “She means a lot to KEM. She is on a liquid diet and loves listening to music. When those looking after her do not have a problem, I do not understand why a party who has nothing to do with her needs to worry. We have no moral right to terminate her life. I am against Euthanasia for Shanbaug.”

The panel of doctors who will examine the victim comprises of JV Divatia, Head, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai; Roop Gursahani, Consultant Neurologist at PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai; and Nilesh Shah, Head, Department of Psychiatry at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Corporation Medical College and General Hospital. The bench of Justice Markandeya Katju and Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra has also appointed senior advocate TR Andhyarujina as an amicus curiae (friend of the court) to assist on the issue.

EUTHANASIA IN INDIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES

Euthanasia is illegal in India. The last time the issue made the headlines was in 2004 when a former chess champion, K Venkatesh, who was suffering from a degenerative neurological order, applied to the court to have his life support machine switched off so that his organs could be donated before they were irreparably damaged. The 25-year-old’s efforts failed and he died soon afterwards.

Oregon, Washington, Montana, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg are the jurisdictions in the world where laws specifically permit Euthanasia. Oregon and Washington passed laws and Montana’s Supreme Court determined that assisted suicide is a medical treatment. The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg permit both Euthanasia and assisted suicide. Although Euthanasia is illegal in Switzerland, it is penalized only if carried out from selfish motives.

The state of Oregon has a ‘Death with Dignity’ law, which has been in place for almost 10 years.

THE QUESTION OF ‘WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY?’

The essence of human life is to be able to live a dignified life but when some law forces you to live in intense pain and humiliation, there is something wrong with our society. After all as an individual, you decide where to marry; you decide where to work, and at the last hurdle of your life, you should be allowed to choose how you want to end your life. But this question cannot be answered so easily. Medical science has progressed to an extent that as long as the patient lives, there is hope.

This is the era of family disputes over property and money. People could also get away with cold-blooded murder if the patient is not in a condition to decide and the family members are allowed to mercy kill. Legalizing voluntary Euthanasia would lead to involuntary Euthanasia.

Religious and sentimental aspects are also strongly attached with the debate of Euthanasia. Euthanasia could be legalized, but the laws would have to be very strict. Every case will have to be carefully monitored taking into consideration the point of views of the patient, the relatives and the doctors. Some quick pros and cons of Euthanasia are:

For Euthanasia:

• It provides a way to relieve extreme pain
• It provides a way of relief when a person’s quality of life is low
• Frees up scarce medical funds to help other people
• It is another case of freedom of choice
• People should have the right to die
• The grief and suffering of the patient’s loved ones is shortened
• Euthanasia happens anyway!

Against Euthanasia:
• Euthanasia devalues human life
• Euthanasia can become a means of health care cost control
• Physicians and other medical care people should not be involved in directly causing death
• Voluntary Euthanasia is the start of a slippery slope that leads to involuntary Euthanasia and the killing of people who are thought undesirable
• There is no proper way of regulating Euthanasia
• Allowing Euthanasia will discourage the search for new cures and treatments for the terminally ill
• Euthanasia is morally incorrect and against the will of God

THE POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH

Euthanasia is a debate that is still in its infancy in India, but it is a decision that affects some of the deepest feelings of humanity. The final decision should be with the patient. But does this mean that everyone around the victim has failed? Also, what is the solution if the patient is not in a condition to decide? Euthanasia does mean “Good death,” but there can still be no conclusion to the question of whether Euthanasia should be accepted or not.

Euthanasia has practical justifications. But it is morally, emotionally and ethically unacceptable. The Euthanasia debate is fundamentally about the nature and meaning of human life. We, as a society, have a choice to make. Do we become more and more an individualistic, self-interested society, or a society that respects and values the meaning of life that is gifted to us?

Read original article at: http://epaper.namoleague.com/EpaperArticle.aspx?title=EUTHANASIA:%20LEGAL%20MURDER%20OR%20MERCY%20TOWARDS%20NEVER-ENDING%20PAIN_443