Harmful effects of radiation-Acute and Long-term

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

In this article, the author has explained What is radiation, sources of radiation and harmful effects of radiation.

Radiation can have harmful effects on the body, depending on the type, amount, and length of exposure. High doses of radiation can cause acute radiation syndrome (ARS), increase the risk of cancer, birth defects, thyroid problems, radiation burns, and immune system problems.

Sources of Harmful Radiation

There are several sources of harmful radiation that can have negative impact on human health. Some of them are given below.

Natural Sources of Harmful Radiations

1. Cosmic radiation (that comes from space)
2. Terrestrial radiation (that comes from the ground)
3. Radon (that is found in the ground)
4. Internal sources (radioactive elements that are inside the body)

Man-Made/Artificial Sources Of Harmful Radiations

1. Medical sources (include X-rays, CT scans, and nuclear medicine procedures)
2. Industrial sources (include uranium mining, nuclear power plants, and the manufacturing of radioactive materials)
3. Military sources (include nuclear weapons testing and the disposal of radioactive waste)

Harmful Effects of Radiation

There are two different forms of harmful effects of radiations:

1. Acute radiation exposure can cause acute radiation syndrome (ARS), which is a serious illness that can lead to death. Symptoms of ARS can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, and bleeding.
2. Long-term radiation exposure can increase the risk of developing cancer, especially leukemia and other blood cancers. It can also cause birth defects, thyroid problems, and radiation burns.

Harmful Effects of Radiation on Humans

Here are some of the harmful effects of radiation on humans:

1. Acute radiation syndrome (ARS)

This is a serious illness that can occur after exposure to a high dose of radiation in a short period of time. Symptoms of ARS can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, and bleeding. In severe cases, ARS can be fatal.

2. Cancer

Exposure to radiation can increase the risk of developing cancer, especially leukemia and other blood cancers. The risk of cancer increases with the amount of radiation exposure.

3. Birth defects

Exposure to radiation during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects in the baby.

4. Thyroid problems

Exposure to radiation can damage the thyroid gland, which can lead to thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

5. Radiation burns

Exposure to high doses of radiation can cause skin burns, which can be similar to sunburns. In severe cases, radiation burns can lead to tissue death.

6. Immune system problems

Exposure to radiation can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections.

7. Mutations

Radiation can damage DNA, which can lead to mutations. Mutations can cause cancer or other health problems.

Harmful Effects of Radiation On Environment

Here are some of the harmful effects of radiation on the environment:

• Cause destruction of ecosystems-Radiation can damage plants, animals, and other organisms, disrupt food chains, and destroy entire ecosystems.
• Cause Contamination of water and soil-Radiation can contaminate water and soil, making them unsafe for drinking, bathing, or agricultural use.
• Can cause Mutations in plants and animals-Radiation can damage DNA, which can lead to mutations in plants and animals. Mutations can cause birth defects, cancer, and other health problems.
• Can Increase risk of cancer-Radiation exposure can increase the risk of cancer in humans and other animals.
• Can Damage infrastructure-Radiation can damage infrastructure, such as buildings, bridges, and roads.

How can I minimize my exposure to harmful radiation?

There are several ways to reduce your exposure to radiation:

• Avoid unnecessary medical and dental X-rays.
• If you need a medical or dental X-ray, ask your doctor or dentist if it is really necessary.
• Get a copy of all your past medical and dental X-rays so you can share them with other health care professionals.
• Consider having a lower dose CT scan or avoiding it altogether.
• Choose procedures that use less radiation, like ultrasound or MRI instead of CT scans.
• Avoid having procedures that use contrast media unless absolutely necessary.
• Minimize your time in the sun and avoid sunburns.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 in order to absorb or reflect UV radiation before it damages skin cells.
• Cover your head and skin in the sun when possible, including wearing a shirt, pants, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat.
• Limit your use of cell phones since the radiofrequency energy they produce has been shown to have potentially harmful biological effects on humans by increasing heat in tissues closest to where people hold their phones when they are turned on.

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