119. Health effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations
- Basics of radiation
- Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei
- Beta radiation consists of electrons
- Gamma radiation consists of photons (electromagnetic radiation)
- Units related to radiation
- Gray (Gy) = absorbed dose
- Sievert (Sv) = equivalent/effective dose
- Ionizing radiation
- Mostly gamma rays
- Alpha and beta radiation has low penetrating power and therefore only causes disease if inhaled
- Radon can be inhaled, and it gives alpha radiation
- Natural sources of ionizing radiation
- Radioactive disintegration (mainly from uranium)
- Cosmic radiation
- Radioactive potassium
- Radon occurs naturally in soil
- Occupations with high ionizing radiation exposure
- Jobs in nuclear medicine
- Miners
- Pilots
- Gas and oil industry
- Health effects of ionizing radiation
- Deterministic effects
- Stochastic effects
- Non-ionizing radiation
- Ultraviolet
- UVA
- Least energy
- Mostly related to premature aging
- Less related to cancer
- UVB
- Mostly related to sunburns
- Highly related to cancer
- UVC
- Highest energy
- 99% is absorbed by the ozone layer, preventing UVC from reaching us
- Occupations with UV exposure
- Health effects
- Erythema
- Premature ageing
- Skin cancer
- Outdoor workers have the highest UV exposure
- Infrared
- Occupations with IR radiation exposure
- Bakers
- Glass blowers
- Blacksmiths
- Health effects
- Corneal and conjunctival burns
- Retinal injury
- Cataract
- Laser
- Skin problems
- Eye problems