Under the shadow of radiation; How to protect our body from nuclear radiation?

Collection: Diseases and the way of treatment

Nuclear radiation is the energy released from unstable atoms

Nuclear radiation; Signs, risks and tricks of protection during crisis

Atomic poetry or ionizing radiation is the energy released from unstable atoms (radioactive) that can damage the living cells. This type of radiation is present in nature (such as soil, air and human body) and human activities (such as nuclear medicine and nuclear power plants). Recent concerns, such as attacking the Natanz nuclear site, and so on, indicate the need for public awareness of the phenomenon. In this article, we define nuclear radiation, its effects on the body, the symptoms of exposure, and the necessary measures at the time of the publication of these radiation.

Nuclear radiation can damage cell DNA

What is the nuclear radiation?

Atomic radiation occurs when unstable atoms, known as radionuclide, release energy to achieve sustainable state. This energy can be particles (alpha, beta, neutrons) or electromagnetic waves (gamma, X -rays). Due to the ability of this radiation to separate the electrons from the atoms, it is called ionizing radiation, which can damage DNA and other biological molecules.

Types of ionizing radiation:

• Alpha particles (α): Positive heavy particles, including two protons and two neutrons. They have little penetration and are stopped by skin or paper, but are dangerous if inhaled or swallowed (such as particulate matter in air or contaminated food).

• Beta particles (β): Energy -than -size electrons and more penetration than alpha. They are stopped by aluminum sheet and can be harmful when entering the body.

• Gamma and X -ray beams: High -penetrated electromagnetic waves that require heavy protectors such as lead or concrete. These beams can pass through the body and damage the tissues.

• Nutrons: Non -load particles produced in nuclear fission (such as reactors). It has high penetration and can radioactive non -religious materials.

Nuclear radiation can increase the risk of cancer in the long run

Radiation Resources

• Natural (up to 1 % annual exposure): cosmic radiation of space, radon (radioactive gas from the soil), and the radioocluids in foods (such as potassium-1 in bananas with 1 bakerol).

• Human (up to 1 %): Nuclear medicine (such as CT scanning with 1 mc), nuclear power plants, and events such as Chernobyl or Fukushima.

The effects of atomic radiation on the body

Ionnamentation by creating ions in biological molecules, especially DNA, can cause mutation, cell death or cancer. The effects vary depending on the dose, type of radiation, and how the exposure (external or internal) vary:

1. The short -term effects (acute):

Exposure to high doses (more than 2 mcure in the short term) can cause acute radiation syndrome (ARS) or “radiation disease”, which occurs in events such as atomic explosion or contact with strong radioactive sources.

Fatal doses:

• 1mcate: nausea, decreased white blood cells, increased risk of cancer.

• 1-5 milligrams: Half people's death within a month.

• Over 2 ms of: Death is almost certain.

2. Long -term effects:

Lower but frequent doses can increase the risk of cancer. The most common cancers:

Leukemia (leukemia): Bone marrow damage.

• Thyroid cancer: iodine-2 absorption (such as Chernobyl).

• Lung cancer: Inhalation of radon or other radionuclide.

• Other cancers: skin, bone (starsum-1), or liver.

The line -free linear model (LNT) assumes that each dose, even low, increases the risk of cancer, but in doses below 1 mc, definitive evidence is limited because the body usually repairs damage.

Internal exposure to foreign:

• External: Gamma or X rays pass through the body and precipitate their energy in the tissues.

• Internal: Inhalation or swallowing of radiochloids (such as cesium-1 or iodine-1) causes accumulation in the organs (thyroid, bone) and continuous damage.

Sensitive tissues:

• Bone marrow, digestive tract, fetus and thyroid are more vulnerable to the rapid division of cells.

• The muscles and nerves are more resistant.

Distance from source reduces the risk of nuclear radiation

Symptoms of exposure to nuclear radiation

Symptoms depend on the dose and type of exposure:

• Low doses (up to 1 mm): Without immediate symptoms, low risk of cancer in the long run.

Moderate doses (1-5 mm): Mild nausea, fatigue, increased risk of cancer.

• High doses (more than 1 mm):

Acute Radiation Syndrome:

• Hours to days: nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea.

• Subsequent days: Hair loss, skin burns (itching to blisters), reducing white blood cells, fever, severe fatigue.

• Severe: seizures, internal bleeding, coma, death.

• Internal exposure: Symptoms may appear later, such as thyroid problems or cancer caused by the accumulation of radiochloid.

What can we do when the radiation is published?

In the case of Natanz, authorities have confirmed that no leakage has occurred and pollution is limited to low -risk alpha particles. However, in the general conditions of the dissemination of radiation, the following measures are necessary:

1. Distance:

• The farther you are from the source of radiation, the intensity decreases (inverse square law). Go to safe areas.

• Follow the authorities' orders to evacuate.

2. Limit exposure time:

• Minimize the time of presence in the contaminated areas.

• In an emergency, go to the shelter quickly.

3. Protect (shielding):

• Take refuge in concrete or basement buildings, as concrete and soil protect the gamma rays.

• Close the doors and windows so that the particles do not enter.

• Use lead shields if you have access.

1. Preventing internal exposure:

• Avoid eating or drinking suspicious water and food.

• Use a damp mask or fabric to reduce inhalation of particles.

• Wear clothes so that the skin is not exposed to particles.

5. Consumption of Potassium iodide (KI):

In case of iodine-2 risk (not reported in Natanz), potassium iodide tablets can protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine absorption. Only be used by the order of health authorities.

6. Monitor and official information:

• Listen to the announcements of the Atomic Energy Agency, the Ministry of Health, or IAEA.

• If you have access, use a dosemaker or gigger to measure ambient radiation.

7. Actions after exposure:

• Rinse: Wash your body and hands with soap and water to cleanse the radioactive particles.

• Dresses: Seal the contaminated clothes in the plastic bag.

• Medical visit: See your doctor immediately if symptoms (nausea, skin burns).

Important Tips of Radioactive Disposal from the Body

If possible with radioactive materials, these measures will help them repel them:

• Consuming plenty of fluids: Drinking too much water accelerates the excretion of radonocluids through the urine. Repeated urine is essential because the urination of the urine in the bladder increases the absorption of beams.

• Regular washing: Washing hands, face, and showering prevents particles from accumulating on the skin.

• Avoid excessive sweating: Heavy activities that cause sweating may absorb particles through the skin.

Healthy Diet: Antioxidant -rich foods (such as fruits and vegetables) can help to repair cellular.

• Protect sensitive groups: Children and pregnant women should be kept away from suspicious environments due to the rapid division of cells.

Nuclear radiation at high doses cause nausea and hair loss

Common questions about nuclear radiation

1. Is the atomic radiation always dangerous?

Not necessarily. Low doses (below 2 mm), such as natural underlying radiation or medical scans, are usually harmless and repair the body. High doses (more than 1 mcure) can cause acute radiation syndrome or cancer.

2. What are the symptoms of exposure to nuclear radiation?

• Low dose (up to 1 mcure): Without immediate symptoms, low risk of cancer in the long run.

• Moderate dose (1-5 mm): Mild nausea, fatigue, increased risk of cancer.

• High dose (more than 1 mmocoria): nausea, vomiting, hair loss, skin burns, reducing white blood cells, and in severe cases, seizures and death.

3. What is potassium iodide tablet and when should it be taken?

Potassium iodide (KI) prevents radioactive iodine (iodine-1) by thyroid and reduces the risk of thyroid cancer. Only if Iodine-2 is confirmed by health authorities with a specific dose.

4. What is the difference between alpha, beta and gamma radiation?

Alpha: Heavy, low penetration (by skin or paper), dangerous if inhaled or swallowed.

Beta: Lighter, moderate penetration (stops by aluminum), dangerous in internal contact.

Gamma: High -penetrating high -energy waves, needle lead or concrete protection.

5. Does nuclear radiation cause genetic mutation in subsequent generations?

Studies on the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (at high doses) have not shown any definitive evidence of hereditary genetic mutation in humans. The risk of mutation at low doses is very low.

6. Is the nuclear radiation the same as the radiation in the microwave or mobile phones?

No, nuclear radiation (ionizing) has enough energy to break chemical bonds and DNA damage, but microwave and mobile (non -ionic) waves do not have such capability and mainly produce heat. Scientific evidence for the risk of these waves at normal levels is very limited.

7. Can nuclear radiation contaminate food or water?

Yes, radionoclids (such as cesium-1 or iodine-1) can enter food and water through dust or rain. To prevent:

Use the approved water and food resources.

Wash the crops completely.

8. Are the animals harmed by nuclear radiation?

Yes, animals, like humans, are sensitive to radiation, but the effects vary depending on the species and doses. In infected areas such as Chernobyl, some species declined, but others were adapted.

Conclusion

Atomic radiation can cause acute effects (acute radiation syndrome) or long -term (cancer) by damaging DNA, but at low doses, the body usually repairs damage. In the case of Natanz, the risk of leakage is confirmed and contamination is limited to alpha particles. However, awareness of symptoms (nausea, burn, fatigue), protective measures (distance, protection, prevention of internal exposure), and disposal tips (high liquids, washing) are essential. Following the orders of the authorities and the avoidance of rumors is the key to maintaining safety.

Collected:Bitote Health