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
    - Vomiting
    - Skin burns
  - Stochastic effects
    - Cancer
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
    - Outdoor workers
  - 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