Radiation Hazard

Radiation

Radiation would be best described as energy or particles that travel through a medium. There are a multitude of different forms radiation including light, heat, and microwave. Radiation is also found naturally. This happens when a naturally formed element has an unstable nucleus. The nucleus decays, shedding the excess particles until stability is reached. Hazardous radiation, or ionising radiation, consists of alpha, beta, gamma, and x-rays. These are by far the most dangerous forms of radiation as they have the ability to dislodge electrons from an atom. For biological beings such as humans, this can be fatal. Radiation in a mild form can cause severe burns as is evidenced by the process of sunburn. Sunburn is caused by the solar radiation emitted by the sun. Despite the dangers, radiation can be used in controlled environments to make life better for human beings. Radiation is commonly used in the field of medicine for different purposes ranging from medical imaging to the treatment of some diseases.

Radiation as on Occupational Hazard

While most people spend their lives blissfully unaware of the risks of radiation, however, there are those that put themselves at a higher risk due to their occupations. There are many jobs that involve working with or around radiation sources, from medical imaging technicians, nuclear power plant worker and operators, nuclear scientists, and even hazardous materials transport. Although every precaution is taken to protect these workers, risks to themselves and those around them still exist. Studies show that despite preventative measures, nuclear medicine workers are at a higher risk of cancer than others, Changizi V. (2015). This is even after one takes into consideration that they are working below the exposure levels dictated by international standards for workers involved. As well as occupational risks, the potential for a devastating incident also exists. There have been accidents involving nuclear power plants and during the transportation of nuclear waste. These threaten not only the workers but also the surrounding population and environment.

Radiation Safety

Radiation exists in everyday life.  Radiation emitted by the sun bombards the planet. Naturally occurring radiation emits from the earths surface in the form of a radioactive gas known as Radon. Even terrestrial radiation is emitted via naturally occurring radioactive elements.

While the overall effect of radiation on the global population is limited, in some areas where the levels are higher, a possible threat does exist. A recent study performed in Switzerland and published in Environmental Health Perspectives (2015 p.625), stated The nationwide census-based cohort study found evidence of an increased risk of cancer among children exposed to external doses of background ionising radiation. This said however, without conclusive evidence from across the global, the risk is generally considered negligible. It is only when radiation level reach higher levels that a hazard manifests.

Out of the three common types of ionising radiation, gamma radiation is by far, the most dangerous. While alpha particles can be contained something as simple as a piece of paper and beta particles by Perspex, gamma particles require lead or concrete to block it. The best method of prevention for exposure to hazardous radiation is to avoid it. Follow proper protocols, heed any and all warnings and do not enter areas of concentrated doses unless it is completely necessary.

The most common form of protection in modern medical practise is lead shielding. This lowers exposure and keeps the radiation at acceptable levels. The National Standard for limiting occupational exposure to ionising radiation (1995) limits the effective exposure levels to no more than 20mSv per year averaged over a period of five consecutive years or a single year limit of 50mSv. The dose limit for the general public is 1mSv a year.

Measuring Radiation

Measuring radiation is conducted in two ways. These are radiation activity and radiation exposure. The unit for measuring radiation activity is called a Becquerel, or Bq. This is measurement is performed by counting how many particles are emitted per second from a radiation source. Radiation exposure is expressed in three ways, Absorbed Dose, which is the amount of energy placed in a kilogram of a substance from a source. This is measured by units of Gray (Gy). Equivalent Dose compares the absorbed dose to the damage inflicted to the host by the radiation. This is measured in unites referred to as Sievert (Sv).The Effective Dose is varied as it depends on the type of tissue exposed to the radiation and is also measured in Sieverts.

Two of the most common types of equipment used for measuring radiation are the Gieger counter and the Dosimeter. The Gieger cunter is a handheld device which provides real-time feedback on localized radiation and is a common device for people working in environments potentially effected by radiation. The Dosimeter is a smaller device that can be attached to a shirt or worn on a finger. The dosimeter detects radiation it is exposed to.

References

ANSTOVideos 2015, Safely managing Australia’s radioactive waste, video, 12 November, viewed 10 June 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-xK95vygkM

 Changizi V, Alizadeh MH, 2015, ‘A study of professional radiation hazards in CT scan and nuclear medicine workers using GTG-banding and solid stain’, Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran, vol.29:200.

Cohort study’, Environ Health Perspectives, June, p.625, viewed 10 June 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408548

Radiation & Energy Transfer - My NASA data. My NASA Data 16 Feb. 2017. https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/radiation-energy-transfer/

Radiation | Nuclear Radiation | Ionizing Radiation | Health Effects - World Nuclear Association. World-nuclear.org Web. 21 Feb. 2017. http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/radiation-and-health/nuclear-radiation-and-health-effects.aspx

Radiation. En.wikipedia.org 21 Feb. 2017. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation

Spycher B, Lupatsch J, et al. 2015, ‘Background ionizing radiation and the risk of childhood cancer: a census-based nationwide