Page 159 - IGC BOOK

Health Effects

Ionising radiation health effects are based on the exposure and dose received by a person.

Acute Effects

• Itchiness
• Erythema
• Hair loss
• Damage to cells
• Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) – damage to bone marrow, nervous systems.

Chronic Effects

• Cancer (e.g. leukaemia or solid tumours)
• Genetic mutations
• Brain damage to foetus

Exposure to high or low dosage will have chronic effect, the larger the dose exposed, the greater
the risk of harm.

Typical Sources of Ionising Radiation

• Alpha Particles – smoke detectors
• Beta particles – thickness gauges
• X-rays – radiology (Medical X-ray and CT Scans)
• Gamma Rays - industrial operations (e.g., radiography equipment for testing materials or
products).
• Neutrons - nuclear power plants (reactors) and nuclear weapon production facilities.

Basic Means of Controlling Exposure to Ionising Radiation

The following principles guide you how to protect yourself from exposing to radiation sources:

Time, distance, and shielding measures minimize your exposure to radiation in much the same
way as they would to protect you against overexposure to the sun (as illustrated in the figure
below):

• Time: Limiting or minimizing the exposure time reduces the dose from the radiation source.

• Distance: Intensity and dose of radiation decreases dramatically as you increase your
distance from the source.

• Shielding: Barriers of lead, concrete, or water provide protection from penetrating radiation
such as gamma rays and neutrons. This is why certain radioactive materials are stored under
water or in concrete or lead-lined rooms, and why dentists place a lead blanket on patients
receiving x-rays of their teeth.

ENSIGN | Unit IG2 – Element 5 – Physical and Psychological 19
Health