All living organisms are constantly exposed to radiation from space, like a constant drizzle. The charged particles emitted by the sun and stars match the atmosphere and the earth’s magnetic field, creating a shower of radiation, especially beta and gamma radiation. Radioactive elements are naturally found in natural conditions in soil, water, and vegetation. The main isotopes of terrestrial radiation are uranium and uranium fission products such as thorium, radium, and radon.
In addition to cosmic and terrestrial radiation, the radioactive isotopes of potassium40, carbon-14, lead-210 and other isotopes are present in humans from birth, the dose of which varies from person to person.
While artificial sources include radiation from televisions, X-ray equipment, smoke detectors, road construction materials, nuclear power plants, radiographers, nuclear medicine procedures, etc.
The use of radiation in human life
Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon and natural sources are part of the environment. It can have many beneficial uses, ranging from medical, energy, food, and research uses, but risks from continued resource use must be assessed and controlled if necessary.
Taking into account the protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, certain safety regulations must be observed to control the release to people and the release of radioactive elements into the environment, nuclear reaction or any other source of radiation.
Effect of radiation on radioactive emissions
Radioactive radiation has enough energy to affect living cells and alter DNA to become cancer cells. Nausea and vomiting can begin within hours of exposure, followed by diarrhea, headache, and fever. Exposure to children carries an even higher risk, as they grow rapidly with more dividing cells and the possibility of something more deadly.
Typically, two types of radiogenic effects have occurred over the years. You can be called fast and late.
- The quick effects are mainly due to the highest dose in a very short period of time. Immediate effects include changes in peripheral erythrocyte and lymphocyte counts, skin necrosis and ulceration, gastrointestinal syndrome, and skin necrosis.
- Delayed effects are due to long-term cumulative dose. Some of the effects include cataracts, clinically significant depression, skin damage, and mental retardation.
Radiation protection measures
The actions of time, distance and protection minimize our exposure to radiation, as well as protection against excessive exposure to sunlight:
Since ionizing radiation cannot be seen, felt, only a detector can help us. Here are some ways to protect you from exposure:
- Workers in factories and other mines often forget to protect sources and may be exposed to radiation. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly check the sources that could cause radiation.
- Dosimetría generally helps us keep our dose to a minimum from time to time.
- You can reduce the exposure by reducing the distance, keeping the screen between the person and the source.
- Respiratory masks can help prevent inhalation of airborne particles.
- After knowing all the sources that can cause radiation.
- Radiation sources must be properly protected and labeled to obtain accurate information.
- The use of lead, concrete as a barrier, and water can provide protection against gamma ray radiation and X-rays.
- For example, the heat of the fire decreases with the distance to the fire, the radiation dose decreases with the distance to the source.
We have several ways to protect our loved ones from the harmful effects of radiation by choosing radiation protection services and choosing safety standards.
