Question

Discuss the risks and benefits to society assoviated with the use of devices that produce radiation ( ionizing and nonionizing).2.Describe the ocular effects on nonionizing radiation in optical spectrum.

Answer 1

Radioactive devices or materials have variety of uses in many field in society:-

1. Medicine- Radiopharmaceuticals drugs contain radioactive materials which help in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Use of x rays to detect our intenal body parts, kill cancerous tissue, radioactive iodine used to treat thyroide cancer.

2. Industry- Many substances are exposed to x rays to kill germs without harming the substance. Radiation is used to remove toxic pollutants such as NO2, SO2. Agricultural industry uses radiation to improve food production.

3. Smoke detectors used at home has radioactive source, security device such as cabinet x ray system is radioactive etc.

RISKS;-

1. Radioactive decay of contaminants emit harmful ionising radiation ( gamma rays, alpha particles) can cause health defects in human such as hair loss, radiation burn and acute radiation syndrome etc.

2. A nuclear or radiological accident leads to social isolation, anxiety, social problems.

3. Low doses of ionizing radiation increase the risk of longer term effect such as cancer.

2. The protein of eye lenses are very sensitive to non ionizing radiations which is hazardous and lead to cataract. Optical instruments used for diagnostic and therauptic applications to human eye expose ocular structures to optical radiations like infrared radiation, leading to clouding of cornea and lens.