OVERVIEWRadiation is energy and travels either as high-speed particles or waves. It can occur naturally or be man-made.
The two types of radiation include
Non-ionizing radiation, which includes waves such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, radiation from mobile phones and visible light
Ionizing radiation, which includes ultraviolet radiation, x-rays, and gamma rays and radon
SOURCES OF RADIATIONNatural radiation from minerals present in the ground, soil, water, and even our bodies.
Background radiation exposure occurs from sun and outer space
Man-made radiation in the form of x-ray imaging, radiation therapy to treat cancer
HEALTH HAZARDS OF RADIATION EXPOSUREHumans can deal with the low levels exposed to in our everyday lives. However, excess radiation can damage tissues by causing cell injury and damaging DNA. This can result in health problems, including cancer.
The amount of damage caused by radiation exposure depends on several factors such as
The type of radiation
The dose (amount) of radiation
Route of exposure such as skin contact, inhaling radiation, swallowing or when rays pass through the body
Site of localization in the body and how long it stays there
Individual sensitivity to radiation. eg fetus is most vulnerable to the effects of radiation. Infants, young children, pregnant women, elderly persons and people with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to harmful effects of radiation compared to healthy adults
It has been estimated that the average radiation exposure of a person in the US is 6.2 mSv/yr which includes natural background radiation and imaging studies
WHAT ARE X-RAYS?X-rays are a type of radiation used for diagnostic medical imaging to look for presence of abnormalities within the body. X-rays pass through the body and and the image obtained depends on the amount of radiation that are absorbed and the amount that pass through the body. The image produced which is in the form of a films is referred to an as “x-ray,” but x-rays actually refers to the type of radiation that is used to produce the image.
Imaging tests that use x-rays include plain films, computed tomography (CT scan) and fluoroscopy.
There is no evidence that the low doses of radiation used to obtain common x-rays or CT scan imaging may cause cancer, but it is imperative to get these tests done only if absolutely needed.
ACUTE RADIATION SICKNESSBeing exposed to a large amount of radiation period of time, such as from a radiation leak, can cause skin burns. It may cause symptoms of acute radiation syndrome (ARS, or "radiation sickness"). These include
Headache and diarrhea that start within hours
Vomiting
They may go away for a while and the person seems to be getting better, but may develop symptoms again
How soon they recur, or how severe the symptoms are depends on the dose of exposed radiation
Death in severe acute radiation sickness
CHRONIC LOW LEVEL EXPOSUREMild to moderate levels of exposure over a prolonged period may not produce visible effects but
increases risk of cancer
DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE RADIATION SICKNESSThe treating doctors first need to know the level and amount of radiation absorbed into the body. This
information can be obtained by taking a detailed history to know the type of radiation, duration of
exposure and distance from the radiation site, and a thorough examination.
BLOOD TESTSFrequent blood tests over many days allows doctors to look for decreasing count of white blood cells in
the blood and abnormal changes in the DNA of blood cells. These results indicate the severity of bone
marrow damage, which depends on how much radiation the body has absorbed.
GEIGER COUNTER
A device such as a Geiger counter can be used to survey patients exposed to radiation to find the
location of radioactive particles in the body.
DOSIMETERA device called a dosimeter measures absorbed dose of radiation. However, it can be used only if the
instrument was also exposed to the same radiation event suffered by the patient.
TREATMENT OF ACUTE RADIATION SICKNESS
The aim of treatment in radiation sickness is
To prevent further radioactive contamination
Preventing dehydration
Treat life-threatening injuries, such as from burns and trauma
Reduce symptoms
Pain management.
Reducing and treating infections
EXTERNAL DECONTAMINATIONDecontamination includes removing external radioactive particles on clothing and shoes and this itself
could eliminates about 90 percent of external contamination. Gently washing with water and soap
removes additional radiation particles on the skin
Decontamination reduces risk of further spread, absorption into the body by inhalation, ingestion or
Wounds
INTERNAL DECONTAMINATIONThese treatments are given only if a person has been exposed to a specific type of radiation in order to reduce injury to internal organs. These treatments include the following
Potassium Iodide (Thyroshield)
This is a non radioactive form of Iodine. It prevents the absorption of radio iodine. Potassium iodide
is most effective if taken within a day of exposure. The excess radio iodine is eliminated in the urine
Prussian Blue
It binds to particles of radioactive elements such as cesium and thallium, which are are then excreted in feces. This treatment hastens elimination of radioactive particles and reduces absorption
Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA).
This substance binds to metal, plutonium, americium and curium particles. The radioactive particles pass out of the body in urine, thus limiting the amount of absorbed radiation
SUPPORTIVE TREATMENTBacterial infections
Fever
Headache
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Dehydration
Burns
Sores or ulcers
PREVENTION OF RADIATION EFFECTS
Discuss with your doctor before getting an x-ray or CT scan tests
Reduce use of cell phones to avoid electromagnetic radiation exposure
Measure indoor radon levels within your home
In case of an acute radiation event, take shelter indoors and shut the doors and windows. If possible, stay tuned to the news and follow the instructions provided