Nomenclature of radioprotective medical agents for major radiation accidents
https://doi.org/10.21514/1998-426X-2025-18-4-70-82
Abstract
The widespread use of nuclear and radiation technologies necessitates preparedness for response to radiological emergencies. The application of medical countermeasures aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of ionizing radiation is a key element of risk management and reduction strategies, particularly during the early phases of large-scale radiation accidents among emergency response personnel. Medical agents for radiation protection are used for preventive and therapeutic purposes in cases of external, internal, or combined exposure. The aim of this study is to substantiate the choice of modern medical countermeasures for radiological protection and their protocols for application across various radiation accident scenarios. Materials and Methods: A review of Russian and international scientific publications, normative and methodological documents, and official guidelines for the period 2010–2025 was conducted. Results and Discussion: The main scenarios requiring the use of medical countermeasures for radiation protection were identified. The principal groups of drugs, their mechanisms of action, and roles within the medical radiation protection system were determined. A comparative analysis of domestic and foreign nomenclature of radiation protection agents was performed. Conclusion: It was established that the Russian nomenclature of medical countermeasures is more universal and covers a wider range of radiological emergency scenarios compared with foreign systems. The choice of specific preparations should be determined case by case, depending on the type of accident, radiological conditions, and radionuclide composition of releases. Expansion of the range and stockpiling of medical countermeasures should be given particular attention as part of emergency preparedness activities.
Keywords
radiation accident,
radioprotectors,
radiomitigators,
emergency response,
potassium iodide,
iodine prophylaxis
Supporting agencies: The work was carried out within the framework of the sectoral program of Rospotrebnadzor for 2021–2025: “Scientific substantiation of the national system for ensuring sanitary and epidemiological well-being, managing health risks and improving the quality of life of the population of Russia” on the topic: “Improvement of the system of measures and regulatory and methodological base to ensure emergency preparedness and response of Rospotrebnadzor bodies and organizations in the event of radiation accidents of various types in order to optimize radiation protection of the population of the Russian Federation”.
About the Authors
G. A. Gorsky
Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing; I. Mechnikov North Western State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Grigory A. Gorsky – Candidate of Medical Sciences, Deputy Director of Innovation Work; Associate Professor, Department of Hygiene of Conditions of Education, Training, Work and Radiation Hygiene
Saint Petersburg
A. M. Biblin
Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection
and Human Wellbeing
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Artem M. Biblin – Senior Research Fellow, Head of Information Analytical Center
8, Mira Str., Saint Petersburg, 197101
A. V. Vodovatov
Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing; Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Aleksandr V. Vodovatov – Candidate of Biological Sciences, Head of Laboratory of Radiation Hygiene of Medical Facilities; Docent
Saint Petersburg,
N. M. Vishnyakova
Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing; I. Mechnikov North Western State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Nadezhda M. Vishnyakova – Doctor of Medical Sciences, Deputy Director; Professor of the Department of Hygiene of the conditions of education, training, labor and radiation hygiene
Saint Petersburg
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Review
For citations:
Gorsky G.A., Biblin A.M., Vodovatov A.V., Vishnyakova N.M. Nomenclature of radioprotective medical agents for major radiation accidents. Radiatsionnaya Gygiena = Radiation Hygiene. 2025;18(4):70-82. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21514/1998-426X-2025-18-4-70-82
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