Disposable mask for use during radiological emergencies at nuclear power plants

In spite of all safety provisions, an accident may occur in a nuclear reactor resulting in overheating and melting of fuel. This would give rise to a substantial quantity of radioactive material escaping, after breaching several formidable barriers, into the environment. The released radionuclides fission products to the atmosphere include caesium, ruthenium, tellurium, iodine and fission product noble gases. The significant dose during such accident is due the radioisotope Iodine-131. Because of its short half-life, Iodine-131 remains radioactive for a few weeks. Iodine-131, after ingestion or inhalation, concentrates in the thyroid gland and gives significantly high dose to thyroid. To minimize the effect of Iodine-131, an appropriate dose of potassium iodate (KIO3) is administered within an hour of the ingestion of the radioactive isotope. Respiratory protection will have a major role to play in minimizing inhalation of radioactive iodine. Disposable mask presently in use during emergency exercises at NPPs does not offer protection against iodine