Iaea Who Agreement 1959
- 13/07/2023
The IAEA-WHO Agreement of 1959: A Significant Milestone in Nuclear Safety
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been working together for decades to ensure the safety and security of nuclear technology around the world. However, the partnership between these two agencies did not begin until 1959, when the IAEA-WHO Agreement was established. This agreement is considered a significant milestone in nuclear safety and set the framework for the cooperation between the IAEA and WHO that continues to this day.
The main objective of the IAEA-WHO Agreement was to ensure that the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes would not create any health hazards for the public or the workers involved. The agreement established a formal communication channel between the two organizations, enabling them to share information, coordinate research efforts, and provide technical assistance to member states. One of the key outcomes of the agreement was the establishment of a Joint Radiation Emergency Management Plan, which outlines the procedures for responding to radiation emergencies.
The IAEA-WHO Agreement also promotes the development of international standards and guidelines for radiation protection, nuclear safety, and emergency response. The two organizations work closely with member states to develop these guidelines and standards, which are regularly updated to reflect the latest scientific knowledge and best practices. These guidelines and standards are critical for ensuring that nuclear technology is used safely and responsibly around the world.
One of the most significant contributions of the IAEA-WHO Agreement is the establishment of the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES). The INES is a tool used to rate and communicate the severity of nuclear and radiological incidents, ranging from minor incidents to major accidents. This rating system allows for the prompt and transparent communication of information about nuclear events to the public, government officials, and other stakeholders. The INES has been used to assess the severity of several high-profile nuclear incidents, including the Fukushima disaster in Japan in 2011.
In conclusion, the IAEA-WHO Agreement of 1959 represents a significant milestone in nuclear safety. The agreement established a formal partnership between the IAEA and WHO, promoting international cooperation, the development of guidelines and standards, and the establishment of a joint emergency management plan. The agreement has played a critical role in promoting nuclear safety and radiation protection around the world and continues to do so today.