information about radiation

RADIATION

INTRODUCTION

MEANING

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF RADIATION ?

ALPHA RADIATION

EXAMPLES OF ALPHA

RADIATION EMITTERS

RADIUM

URANIUM

THORIUM

BETA RADIATIO

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EMMITERS OF BETA

RADIATION

STRONTIUM

CARBON

TRITIUM

SULPHUR

GAMMA RADIATION AND X RADIATIO

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CONSEQUENCES OF RADIATION

ON HUMAN BEINGS

Hair LossThe losing of hair quickly and in clumps occurs with radiation exposure at 200 rems or higher.

BrainSince brain cells do not reproduce, they won't be damaged directly unless the exposure is 5,000 rems or greater. Like the heart, radiation kills nerve cells and small blood vessels, and can cause seizures and immediate death.

ThyroidThe certain body parts are more specifically affected by exposure to different types of radiation sources. The thyroid gland is susceptible to radioactive iodine. In sufficient amounts, radioactive iodine can destroy all or part of the thyroid. By taking potassium iodide, one can reduce the effects of exposure.

Blood System When a person is exposed to around 100 rems, the blood's lymphocyte cell count will be reduced, leaving the victim more susceptible to infection. This is often refered to as mild radiation sickness. Early symptoms of radiation sickness mimic those of flu and may go unnoticed unless a blood count is done.According to data from Hiroshima and Nagaski, show that symptoms may persist for up to 10 years and may also have an increased long-term risk for leukemia and lymphoma.

HeartIntense exposure to radioactive material at 1,000 to 5,000 rems would do immediate damage to small blood vessels and probably cause heart failure and death directly.

Reproductive TractBecause reproductive tract cells divide rapidly, these areas of the body can be damaged at rem levels as low as 200. Long-term, some radiation sickness victims will become sterile.

Gastrointestinal TractRadiation damage to the intestinal tract lining will cause nausea, bloody vomiting and diarrhea. This is occurs when the victim's exposure is 200 rems or more. The radiation will begin to destroy the cells in the body that divide rapidly. These including blood, GI tract, reproductive and hair cells, and harms their DNA and RNA of surviving cells.

Marine LifeThe effects that radiation has on marine life can be dangerous. High levels of UV or ultraviolet radiation can cause a reduction in reproduction capabilities. It can also disrupt the timing that plants flower, which can result in changes in pollination patterns. According to NASA, it can also reduce the amount of food and oxygen that plankton produces. Plankton can respond to excessive amount of UV-B or Ultraviolet-B light by sinking deeper into the water. This decreases the amount of visible light required for photosynthesis, which reduces growth and reproduction. An increased amount of UV-B can also increase the amount of ozone produced at the lower atmosphere. While some plants can use this extra layer as a protective shield, other plants are highly sensitive to photochemical smog.

Plant GrowthNatural radiation is often beneficial to plant growth. It is necessary for many plants to receive some form of non-ionizing radiation. Radiation that produces light in order for photosynthesis to occur is a positive effect that radiation has on plant life. However, according to the Environmental Literacy Council, ionized radiation that occurs from nuclear material may result in weakening of seeds and frequent mutations 

EFFECTS OF RADIATION ON INSECTS

CAUSES OF RADIATION

Nuclear explosions and detonations of nuclear weapons

Defense weapon production

Nuclear waste handling and disposal

Mining

Nuclear accidents

USES OF RADIATIO

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IN MEDICINE

IN COMMUNICATIONS

IN CANCER TREATMENT

ADVANTAGES OF

RADIATION

1) They can detect very minute amount of material.

2) You can label specific atoms (say carbon-1 glucose) to follow where each one goes.

3) A radioactive molecule is chemically exactly like the unlabeled form (this isn’t really 100% true but for what you want it is close enough).Thus, it will behave just like the unlabeled form so you have to worry about effects.

4) Since carbon, hydrogen and phosporous can be easily purchased in radioactive forms, you can make just about any biomolecule in a radioactive form.

DISADVANTAGES OF

RADIATION

1)Radio isotopes are quite expensive.

2)Radio isotopes are rather hazardous and must be handled with extreme care. At the same time, they present a disposal hazard.

3)Some radio isotopes have short half lives, so you have to use them quickly.

STEPS TO OVERCOME RADIATIONS

The truth is, we’re exposed to minute amounts of radiation every single day from the radon in our houses, uranium deposits in the soil, radio signals from every AM and FM station in range, airport full-body scanners, dental X-rays and our cell phones.

Could a nuclear emergency happen here? While the government tells us that it isn’t likely, it is possible. After all, there are more than 100 nuclear reactors in the U.S. 

And anyone who remembers Three Mile Island knows things can go wrong.

If you live within striking distance of one of these nuclear reactors, you may want to be prepared for a worse-case scenario. 

But rather than rushing to your local drugstore for potassium iodide, there are simple and affordable supplements you can keep stocked in your kitchen or an emergency kit that are safe and effective in case of potential exposure