Radiation Hazards

Radiation Hazards

Ionizing radiation can damage living tissue in the human body. It strips away electrons from atoms breaks some chemical bonds.

Spontaneous decay of radioactive materials produces radiation. Radiation may be ionizing and non-ionizing. Alpha and beta, gamma and X-rays particles are the most common forms of ionizing radiations. Radioactive iodine is a beta particle released during nuclear plant accidents. The amount of energy the radiations can deposit in a given space varies with each type. Radiations also differ in the power to penetrate. Inside the body the alpha particle will deposit all its energy in a very small volume of tissue while gamma radiation will spread energy over a much larger volume.(1^✔)

The allowed exposures from specific radioactive sources to the public are limited to 100 mrem. Medical X-rays generally deliver less than 10 mrem.

All kinds of ionizing radiations produce health effects. The damages incurred by different kinds of tissue vary with the type of radiation to which the person is exposed and the means of exposure. Direct exposure to radiation and radiation emitters (radionuclides) can affect the whole body while inhalation or ingestion affects tissues inside the body. The body attempts to repair the damage caused by the radiation. However, at times the damage is so severe and widespread that repair is impossible. Radiations can damage the process of normal cell division leading to cancers. Non-ionizing radiations do not affect at molecular levels. They may cause electrical shocks and burns. Prolonged exposure to microwaves radiation, which is non-ionizing, may cause cataracts.

The thyroid gland is one of the most radiation-sensitive parts of the body, especially in babies and children. Most nuclear accidents release radioactive iodine into the atmosphere. This is absorbed by the body. Absorption of too much radioactive iodine can cause thyroid cancer to develop several years after exposure.(2^✔)

References:

1. Radiation: Ionizing - (http://www.ilocis.org/documents/chpt48e.htm)
2. Nuclear Radiation and the Thyroid - (https://www.thyroid.org/nuclear-radiation-thyroid/)
3. Summary Of Health Effects Of Ionizing Radiation - (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp149-c3.pdf)
4. Protecting Yourself from Radiation - (https://www.epa.gov/radiation/protecting-yourself-radiation)
5. Radiation and Pregnancy: A Fact Sheet for Clinicians - (https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/emergencies/prenatalphysician.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Femergency.cdc.gov%2Fradiation%2Fprenatalphysician.asp)
6. Standard Practices in Occupational Radiation Protection - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224061/)