Radiation poisoning
radioactiveWhen unstable atoms give off particles that can be harmful to humans. materials are hazardous. nuclear radiationParticles or waves given out by the nucleus of an unstable atom. Alpha particles, beta particles and gamma waves are the three most common types of nuclear radiation. can ioniseTo ionise is to convert an uncharged atom or molecule into a charged particle by adding or removing electrons. chemicals within a body, which changes the way the cells behave. It can also deposit large amounts of energy into the body, which can damage or destroy cells completely.
Some of the effects that radiationEnergy carried by particles from a radioactive substance, or spreading out from a source. has on a human body are shown below.
| Eyes | High doses can cause cataracts. |
| Thyroid | Radioactive iodine can build up and cause cancer, particularly during growth. |
| Lungs | Breathing in radioisotopes can damage DNA. |
| Stomach | Radioactive isotopes can sit in the stomach and irradiate it for a long time. |
| Reproductive organs | High doses can cause sterility or mutations. |
| Skin | Radiation can burn skin or cause cancer. |
| Bone marrow | Radiation can cause leukaemia and other diseases of the blood. |
| Eyes |
|---|
| High doses can cause cataracts. |
| Thyroid |
|---|
| Radioactive iodine can build up and cause cancer, particularly during growth. |
| Lungs |
|---|
| Breathing in radioisotopes can damage DNA. |
| Stomach |
|---|
| Radioactive isotopes can sit in the stomach and irradiate it for a long time. |
| Reproductive organs |
|---|
| High doses can cause sterility or mutations. |
| Skin |
|---|
| Radiation can burn skin or cause cancer. |
| Bone marrow |
|---|
| Radiation can cause leukaemia and other diseases of the blood. |
Managing the risks
The risk associated with radioactive materials depends on the amount of exposure. Being exposed to highly radioactive materials or being exposed to radioactive materials for long periods of time or on a regular basis increases the dose received which, in turn increases the risk.
Given that radioactive materials are hazardous, certain precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of using radioactive sources. These include:
- keep radioactive sources like technetium-99 shielded (preferably in a lead-lined box) when not in use
- wear protective clothing to prevent the body becoming contaminated should radioactive isotopes leak out
- avoid contact with bare skin and do not attempt to taste the sources
- wear face masks to avoid breathing in materials
- limit exposure time so less time is spent around radioactive materials
- handle radioactive materials with tongsA scissor-like tool used to pick up and manipulate objects without touching them directly with the hands. in order to keep a safer distance from sources
- monitor exposure using detector badges, etc
The risk also depends on the type of radiation to which a person has been exposed and whether that exposure is internal or external.
If the radioactive source is inside the body, after being swallowed or breathed in:
- alpha radiation is the most dangerous because it is easily absorbed by cells
- beta and gamma radiation are not as dangerous because they are more likely to pass through a cell than to be absorbed
If the radioactive source is outside the body:
- alpha radiation is not very dangerous because it is absorbed by the skin and is unlikely to reach living cells inside the body