The Effects of Radiation
Radiation is energy that is emitted as particles or waves. This energy cannot be seen, heard, touched, or tasted. It comes from a variety of sources.
Radiation can be harmful to humans, and it may cause certain illnesses or increase a person’s risk of cancer. But when used correctly, however, it can also have benefits. Radiation can be used as such in medical applications, electricity generation, and for research.
It is important to note that all people are exposed to very small doses of radiation in their daily lives. The earth’s atmosphere and crust contain natural sources of radiation. Additionally, medical procedures and common household items, such as televisions, provide small amounts of radiation exposure. Read on to learn about several sources of radiation and their effect on humans.
Medical Imaging
Medical imaging may be the most commonly recognized form of radiation exposure. Radiologic tests and treatments such as X-rays, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans, or nuclear medicine scans expose a patient’s body to doses of radiation. Medical imaging is able to penetrate the body and allow for the acquisition of images of the inside of a patient’s body. These images allow doctors to diagnose, and ultimately treat, a variety of diseases and conditions.
The amount of radiation a person receives from medical imaging varies. Each test provides a different level of exposure and there are other factors, such as a patient’s size and weight that affect the dosage. To protect patients, radiologists and physicians work to limit radiation exposure for their patients.
Though there are many benefits associated with medical imaging, risks do exist. During medical imaging procedures, patients are exposed to ionizing radiation, which could potentially increase a patient’s lifetime cancer risk. Additionally, extreme amounts of radiation could cause physical defects such as hair loss or burns on the skin.
Dirty Bomb Attacks
A dirty bomb is a combination of radioactive materials and explosives. Not to be confused with atomic bombs, dirty bombs are used in small-scale attacks. When dirty bombs are detonated, the explosion propels the radioactive material into the air.
The effects of a dirty bomb depend on several factors, including bomb size and ratio of explosives to radioactive material used. The explosion after a dirty bomb detonation is considered more of a threat than exposure to its contents. How a person is affected depends on the level of exposure they received. In extreme cases, exposure to the radioactive contents could cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, skin swelling, and redness. It may also increase a person’s risk for developing cancer.
The National Terror Alert Response Center provides information about what to do in the event of a dirty bomb explosion, including tips to potentially reduce radiation contamination.
Nuclear Power and Waste Burial
Nuclear power is used to generate electricity. Uranium, an element found in the environment, is used to fuel nuclear power plants. It is a radioactive substance, which means it could be harmful to humans.
Exposure to radiation could happen through the following methods:
- Normal nuclear plant operations
- A nuclear power plant accident
- An accident during radioactive material transport
If exposed to nuclear radiation, a person’s risk of cancer could increase. Additionally, if a person’s reproductive system receives exposure, they could pass genetic diseases to their children.
After uranium is used to generate nuclear power, some waste is left over. Although it is a small amount of waste, it is dangerous. What to do with waste is an ever-present issue with nuclear power. There is no surefire way to dispose of nuclear waste and ensure that it will not cause harm to anyone.
One proposed nuclear waste disposal method involves burying it underground. The waste would be stored in sealed containers and left underground to stabilize and become nonradioactive, which could take thousands of years. Dangers involved with nuclear waste burial include water and air pollution. Gases could escape sealed containers and become airborne or seep into underground water sources, potentially contaminating drinking water.
If radioactive materials are inhaled or ingested, they could cause damage to internal organs, increased risk of genetic defects, or cancer.
Depleted Uranium Weapons
In order for uranium to work with most nuclear reactors, a specific type of uranium must be used. After the process of preparing (or enriching) the uranium, some is left over. This leftover material is called depleted uranium.
Depleted uranium has been used to create weapons such as ammunition, landmines, and armored tanks. When blended with another metal, it creates weapons capable of penetrating armor.
Exposure to depleted uranium can cause kidney or lung-tissue damage and birth defects and could potentially increase the risk for several different types of cancers.
Additional Resources
- Global Security Website: This site provides a discussion of what depleted uranium is and describes some of its applications.
- PBS Website: This site explains what radiation and dirty bombs are and provides an overview of what could happen during a dirty bomb detonation.
- Radiation Answers Website: This site provides information about the different types of radiation, effects of radiation exposure, facts and myths about radiation, and a question-and-answer section.
- United States Food and Drug Administration Website: This government website provides information about products that emit radiation and radiation safety. The site also provides the latest news and resources for consumers.
- United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Website: The NRC was created by Congress to oversee safety matters relating to radioactive materials. The website provides extensive information related to nuclear reactors, materials, waste, and much more.
- RadiologyInfo.org: A radiology information resource for patients. The site includes extensive information about medical imaging procedures, treatments, and safety.