Question

4. Describe the risks associated with ionising radiation and what can be done to reduce these risks. (2 page limit)

Answer 1

Ionising radiation is a type of energy released by atoms that travels in the form of electromagnetic waves such as X-rays, Gamma rays or particles like alpha, beta, neutrons etc.

Exposure to ionising radiation

Radiation exposure may be internal or external.

Internal exposure - Internal exposure due to ionising radiation occurs when a radioactive nuclei is inhaled, ingested or somehow enters into bloodstreams. Internal exposure stops when radioactive nuclei is eliminated from the body.

External exposure - It occurs when radioactive material such as dust, air, liquid, aerosol etc. is deposited on skin or clothes. This type of exposure can be removed just by washing the skin or cloth.

Risks associated with ionising radiation

Exposure to small amounts of radiation doesn't cause any symptoms. But exposure to high energy radiation for longer time and larger amounts can damage DNA, tissues, cells and can cause cancer and other health problems like gastrointestinal syndrome, prodormal syndrome such as vomiting and diarrhea, central nervous system syndrome, bone marrow syndrome, skin burns, lung fibrosis, suppression of ovulation and sperm count, risk for leukaemia, eye problems, brain damage etc.

How to reduce risks caused by ionising radiations?

We can't avoid radiations that occur naturally. But there are certain things which we can do to protect ourselves.

1. CT Scans generally use more radiations than X- rays and multiple tests of CT scans can cause cancer. If someone is concerned about the risk of getting cancer from having a CT scan, ask your doctor to do another test like ultrasound, MRI, X-ray test. CT Scan outweighs the small risk of getting cancer, but varies from body to body or person to person.

2. As we humans can't sense ionising radiations in atmosphere, we can use face mask or respirator when feeling like of exposure.

3. If we work around radioactive materials such as radon, radium, uranium; it's good to have a radiation detector.

4. We can use shielding materials like barriers of lead and concrete that provides protection from penetrating gamms rays and X-rays.

5. Staying inside the house and by closing windows and doors we can protect ourself from exposure of radiations.

6. For gamma and X-rays, radiation intensity is proportional to the square of the distance from the source. This means increasing the distance by factor of 2 decreases the dose rate by factor of 4.

7. Minimizing the exposure time in places of ionising radiation zone, we can protect ourselves.

8. There are very high chances of finding the ionising radiation in high altitude areas. Because cosmic rays are present in the atmosphere. By going through in this area, we increase the risk of exposure of radiations. So, if you want to protect yourself from ionizing radiations, don't go at high altitude or hilly areas.