Radioactive radiation is powerful impact on the human body, capable of causing irreversible processes leading to tragic consequences. Depending on the power, various types of radioactive radiation can cause serious illnesses, or, on the contrary, can heal a person. Some of them are used for diagnostic purposes. In other words, everything depends on the controllability of the process, i.e. its intensity and duration of exposure to biological tissues.

The essence of the phenomenon

In the general case, the concept of radiation means the release of particles and their propagation in the form of waves. Radioactivity implies the spontaneous decay of the nuclei of atoms of certain substances with the appearance of a stream of charged particles of high power. Substances capable of such a phenomenon are called radionuclides.

So what is radioactive radiation? Usually, under this term, both radioactive and radiation emissions are noted. At its core, this is a directed flow of elementary particles of significant power, causing ionization of any medium that gets in their way: air, liquids, metals, minerals and other substances, as well as biological tissues. Ionization of any material leads to a change in its structure and basic properties. Biological tissues, incl. of the human body, undergo changes that are incompatible with their vital activity.

different types radioactive radiation have different penetrating and ionizing abilities. The damaging properties depend on the following basic characteristics of radionuclides: type of radiation, flux power, half-life. The ionizing ability is estimated by the specific indicator: the number of ions of the ionized substance, formed at a distance of 10 mm along the radiation penetration path.

Negative impact on a person

Radiation exposure of a person leads to structural changes in the tissues of the body. As a result of ionization, free radicals appear in them, which are chemically active molecules that damage and kill cells. The first and most severely affected are the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and hematopoietic systems. There are pronounced symptoms of their dysfunction: nausea and vomiting, fever, impaired stool.

Quite typical is a radiation cataract caused by exposure to radiation on eye tissues. There are other serious consequences of radiation exposure: vascular sclerosis, a sharp decrease in immunity, hematogenous problems. Of particular danger is damage to the genetic mechanism. The emerging active radicals are able to change the structure of the main carrier of genetic information - DNA. Such disturbances can lead to unpredictable mutations that affect future generations.

The degree of damage to the human body depends on what types of radioactive radiation took place, what is the intensity and individual susceptibility of the body. The main indicator is the radiation dose, which shows how much radiation has entered the body. It has been established that a single large dose is much more dangerous than the accumulation of such a dose during prolonged exposure to low-power radiation. The amount of radiation absorbed by the body is measured in everts (Ev).

Any living environment has a certain level of radiation. The radiation background is considered normal not higher than 0.18-0.2 meV / h or 20 microroentgens. The critical level leading to death is estimated at 5.5-6.5 Ev.

Varieties of radiation

As noted, radioactive radiation and its types can affect the human body in different ways. The following main types of radiation can be distinguished.

Radiations of the corpuscular type, which are streams of particles:

1. Alpha radiation. This is a stream composed of alpha particles, which have a huge ionizing power, but the penetration depth is small. Even a piece of thick paper can stop such particles. Human clothing effectively plays the role of protection.
2. Beta radiation is caused by a stream of beta particles flying at a speed close to the speed of light. Due to the enormous speed, these particles have an increased penetrating ability, but their ionizing capabilities are lower than in the previous version. Window windows or a metal sheet 8-10 mm thick can serve as a screen from this radiation. For humans, it is very dangerous with direct contact with the skin.
3. Neutron radiation consists of neutrons and has the greatest damaging effect. Sufficient protection against them is provided by materials in the structure of which there is hydrogen: water, paraffin, polyethylene, etc.

Wave radiation, which is the ray propagation of energy:

1. Gamma radiation is, in essence, electromagnetic field created during radioactive transformations in atoms. Waves are emitted in the form of quanta, impulses. The radiation has a very high permeability, but a low ionizing power. To protect against such rays, screens made of heavy metals are needed.
2. X-rays, or X-rays. These quantum rays are in many ways similar to gamma rays, but the penetrating power is somewhat underestimated. This type of wave is generated in vacuum x-ray machines by hitting electrons on a special target. The diagnostic purpose of this radiation is well known. However, it should be remembered that its prolonged action can cause serious harm to the human body.

How can a person get irradiated

A person receives radioactive exposure under the condition that radiation enters his body. It can occur in 2 ways: external and internal influence. In the first case, the source of radioactive radiation is outside, and for various reasons a person enters the field of his activity without proper protection. Internal exposure is carried out when the radionuclide penetrates into the body. This can happen when consuming irradiated foods or liquids, with dust and gases, when breathing contaminated air, etc.

External sources of radiation can be divided into 3 categories:

1. Natural sources: heavy chemical elements and radioactive isotopes.
2. Artificial sources: technical devices that provide radiation during appropriate nuclear reactions.
3. Conducted Radiation: various environments after exposure to intense ionizing radiation, they themselves become a source of radiation.

The most dangerous objects in terms of possible radiation exposure include the following sources of radiation:

1. Production related to the extraction, processing, enrichment of radionuclides, the manufacture of nuclear fuel for reactors, in particular the uranium industry.
2. Nuclear reactors of any type, incl. in power plants and ships.
3. Radiochemical enterprises involved in the regeneration of nuclear fuel.
4. Places of storage (burial) of waste radioactive substances, as well as enterprises for their processing.
5. When using radiation in various industries: medicine, geology, agriculture, industry, etc.
6. Testing of nuclear weapons, nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes.

The manifestation of damage to the body

The characteristic of radioactive radiation plays a decisive role in the degree of damage to the human body. As a result of exposure, radiation sickness develops, which can have 2 directions: somatic and genetic damage. According to the time of manifestation, an early and a distant effect is distinguished.

The early effect reveals characteristic symptoms in the period from 1 hour to 2 months. The following signs are considered typical: skin redness and peeling, cloudiness of the eye lens, violation of the hematopoietic process. The extreme option with a large dose of radiation is a lethal outcome. Local lesions are characterized by such signs as radiation burns of the skin and mucous membranes.

Remote manifestations are detected after 3-5 months, and even after several years. In this case, persistent skin lesions, malignant tumors of various localization, a sharp deterioration in immunity, a change in the composition of the blood (a significant decrease in the level of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets and neutrophils) are noted. As a result, various infectious diseases often develop, and life expectancy is significantly reduced.

To prevent human exposure to ionizing radiation, various types of protection are used, which depend on the type of radiation. In addition, strict standards are regulated for the maximum duration of a person's stay in the radiation zone, the minimum distance to the radiation source, the use of personal protective equipment and the installation of protective screens.

Radioactive radiation can have a strong destructive effect on all tissues of the human body. At the same time, it is also used in the treatment of various diseases. It all depends on the dose of radiation received by a person in a single or long-term mode. Only strict observance of radiation protection standards will help maintain health, even if you are within the range of a radiation source.

Creation date: 2015/04/25

The rapid development of the nuclear industry, new types of weapons, missiles with atomic warheads on alert, accidents and radioactive radiation - this is the reality of today.

According to an ancient legend, Prometheus stole fire from the gods and brought it to people. Those who put this sculpture, of course, did not think that the famous hero would remain in the city in splendid isolation. As conceived by the authors, it was supposed to symbolize the triumph of the human mind, which "bribed", as they say, the atom. Today, alas, the symbol says otherwise. Looking at a picture of an empty Pripyat with a lonely sculpture, one involuntarily thinks: the irony of fate is that the wise Prometheus witnessed how a peaceful, seemingly “home” atom that warmed and gave light went out of control. Indeed, we somewhat overestimated the omnipotence of man, indeed, somewhat early considered ourselves the kings of nature, indeed, believing in scientific and technological progress and the power of the mind, we forgot that there are such simple things in the world as order, the qualifications of engineers and technicians , the responsibility of scientists for their decisions, the accuracy in the execution of reasonable orders. When all this is not there, there is no guarantee of the security of our “power” over nature. Then, in peacetime, the flame of Prometheus becomes uncontrollable. Then nature takes revenge cruelly and terribly. That is why Chernobyl and Pripyat Prometheus are also an eternal reproach to human doubt.

Naturally, many different conversations and rumors arise around this issue, which are sometimes absolutely groundless, that is, myths arise. “A myth is a living idea. The myth begins to live because millions begin to believe in it” (Losev “The Dialectics of Myth”).

Indeed, in our time it is very difficult to separate reality from myths. And the problem of mastering the atom and using it for the benefit, and sometimes against humanity, is not entirely clear to ordinary people.

Therefore, it is quite understandable why ionizing radiation has become the subject of rumors, the appearance of legends and myths.

Reading the literature about ionizing radiation, one gets the impression that it is not so dangerous, but in fact many people have suffered after receiving even a small dose of radiation. Why is this happening? There are CONTRADICTIONS between literary data and reality. And then myths are composed around ionizing radiation. Unusual stories are told, events are eloquently described that sometimes never happened.

First of all, it is necessary to establish: why and how do myths penetrate science? This problem worries many.

Science is a human activity for the production of knowledge. Science is a social phenomenon and its development is determined not only by the internal logic of scientists, but also by the fact that it is aimed at the needs of society and can be used both for the good of civilization and for its evil.

How did myths and legends penetrate science? There are a huge number of them. For example, each cosmic constellation is shrouded in the most unusual, beautiful and poetic legends and myths. The history of the creation of such myths is rooted in ancient times because our distant ancestors were very dependent on natural phenomena. Attempts to explain and overcome this dependence gave rise to myths.

Thus, a myth is one of the forms of reflection of reality, characteristic of man, and from the point of view of philosophy, it is a special form of thinking that is distinguished by certain characteristic features. In the myth completely contradictory elements merge together. Therefore, the mythological form of thinking is fundamentally different from the dialectical.

This problem must be solved as quickly as possible, because delusions in the minds of people sometimes give such sad results. People begin to fantasize, invent various "fables" and this, unfortunately, can lead to the emergence of radiophobia.

Radiation was invented by nuclear scientists

Many people believe that radiation was invented by atomic scientists, and the very first victims of it were the inhabitants of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Is it so? It turns out that people in the 16th century received radiation doses from radioactive radiation! The first of them were miners from the Austrian city of Joachimsthal, who died at a young age from a terrible “altitude sickness”. In those distant times, they did not know that lead ores contained large concentrations of uranium. Only in 1879 it became known that "mountain sickness" is lung cancer. Soon, radioactivity was discovered as a phenomenon. That is why the ICRP was created in 1928.

In the 1920s, radiologists worked with the first X-ray machines, and they all died. Until now, no one can determine the true cause of their death. And now we are undergoing X-ray studies, which means that we also receive a very small dose of radioactive exposure. In addition to the above facts, there is cosmic radiation, and people also irradiate from the soil. It is known that in the earth there are rocks containing uranium and radium. Even in the human body, radionuclides are present, often in large quantities.

Conclusion: therefore, humanity has lived, lives, and will live in radioactive world. Radiation will always exist, since it is an integral part of nature, and "nodding" at the nuclear scientists that they allegedly invented radiation is not worth it at all! The most dangerous type of radiation comes from the radionuclide strontium-90.

What is the most dangerous type of radiation? Let's look into this confusing and complex issue. There is an opinion that the most dangerous radionuclide is strontium. Indeed, the peculiar fame of strontium-90 is due to its half-life. What is a half-life? The fact is that radionuclides differ from stable isotopes in that their nuclei are unstable, unstable. They decay over time - this is the half-life. During this decay, radionuclides are converted into other isotopes, and most importantly, during the half-life, radionuclides emit the most ionizing radiation. Not all radionuclides have the same half-life. There are radionuclides that decay very slowly, over tens, hundreds, thousands of years. They are classified as long-lived radionuclides (iodine-129, strontium-90, caesium-137, uranium-238, plutonium-239, potassium-400), there are also short-lived radionuclides (iodine-131), which decay in seconds, hours, days, months. But in any case, radioactive decay occurs according to the same law.

But among the population there is still a persistent myth that strontium-90 is the most dangerous of the radionuclides. Why? The thing is that the half-life of strontium-90 is 29 years, that is, its effect can be traced by a person directly during his life. While, for example, plutonium-239 has a half-life of 24.1x10 cubed years. Its action is very difficult to trace.

Conclusion: Based on the foregoing, the following conclusion can be drawn, no matter what properties and half-lives the radionuclides have, the effect produced on living organisms will be the same, but the degree of danger to humans will depend on the received radiation dose.

"Illness from radiation threatens everyone"

Is it true that most of our illnesses are from radiation? Are we all in danger of radiation sickness? Let's look into this issue.

After the Chernobyl accident, people began to associate some of their illnesses with radiation. Indeed, the grounds for such thoughts were serious. Most of the liquidators of this accident are actually very sick people, their number is approximately equal to 70%, and 30% did not get sick, which means ... Liquidators are sick with a variety of diseases. And even we, who live far from Pripyat, were also affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, albeit to a lesser extent. Does this mean that our diseases are caused by radiation? This point of view is common for ignorant people, not specialists. There is also an opposite point of view, which is held by scientists and specialists. They believe that the liquidators received only 0.3 SG. Another example about the workers of the famous software "Mayak" post-war years a secret plant produced plutonium for nuclear weapons. Thousands of workers and engineers received a dose of 1.8 - 2.7 SV. But a high rise in diseases among the Mayakovites was not recorded. So it's not the radiation? What then? One of the versions is radiophobia, as well as a general deterioration in the environmental situation. Are we threatened by radiation sickness? Radiation sickness is a serious, often fatal illness. But it doesn't threaten many. Why? Radiation sickness occurs at very high doses of radiation. Irradiation doses are usually divided into 3 groups: large, medium, small. Large doses are received, as a rule, in case of serious accidents that get out of control (the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Mayak software, the Bikini Island story, nuclear weapons tests). A person can receive a large dose of radiation not only in an accident, but also in the treatment of oncological diseases. Irradiation in this case occurs with the help of special devices. Irradiation on these devices kills cancer cells.

After the Chernobyl accident, many were afraid of the "ghost" of radiation, the "ghost" of radiation sickness, and did not follow the doctors' orders. Today, irradiation of a person with dangerous (large) doses is impossible, and even more so it is impossible to hide radiation sickness. But the fears of oncological diseases are justified, since, unfortunately, no one is immune from them.

And all diseases, including cancer, arise due to the action of free radicals. This theory was put forward by the American scientist D. Harmer. During the decay of substances, the so-called "fragments of molecules and atoms" are formed - free radicals (for example, O, H, OH). These are the ones that can cause many serious diseases. And when receiving a dose of radiation, the number of free radicals increases and, consequently, the risk of oncological diseases increases. If we add to this the chemical pollution of the environment (the water that a person drinks, food) and radiophobia, which is a great stress for the body, then the number of free radicals gets out of control, and that's when their frenzied attack on the body begins. These three factors (radiation, psychological and emotional stress, chemical pollution) led to an increase in the incidence rate among the liquidators.

Hence the conclusion follows: it is not the radiation that should be feared (it is better to never receive it), but stress, chemical pollution and, of course, one must know the truth, and not read the "yellow" press. And if a person was able to cope with these factors, then he would defeat the disease from radiation.

Having received any dose of radiation, a person will surely die, and the radiation will be inherited by children

Not all irradiated die, and not even the majority, but a small part of them. After the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, American researchers and scientists monitored the exposed residents of these cities. As a result, one feature was noticed that affected their health. People began to get sick and die more often from leukemia, and then from other forms of cancer. Thus, if the dose was not too large, there is no question of any fatal threat and instant death from "cancer". Smoking, for example, is much more dangerous. But radioactive radiation can lead to other undesirable consequences for human health. For example, an irradiated man is threatened with impotence, and a woman with infertility. This is true, but only when it comes to exposure to high doses.

Mutant children are born to irradiated parents, is this true? This is not true. How many excess births of handicapped children were recorded in hibakusi (victims of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki)? No one! Similarly, with the accident at the Mayak plant, and with the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. And again, the phenomenon of radiophobia worked: a huge number of abortions were done through the fault of journalists, since a very large number of people believed them.

Are all liquidators doomed to death or severe illness? Of course, if we talk about those liquidators who were the first to eliminate the consequences of the explosion (fire brigades, soldiers, etc.), then they will receive a very large dose. Many liquidators were found to have cases of leukemia, but according to the results of medical studies, out of 55 cases of diseases, only 12 were attributed to the effects of radiation, because medicine in most cases is not able to establish an objective diagnosis when it comes to low doses of radiation (less than 0.138 SV). The bulk of the liquidators still experienced enormous psychological pressure from the mass media (media). This is a serious disease that can be caused by frequent and prolonged stress. The world-famous Professor Bole conducted a study, the results of which led him to the conclusion that the constant expectation of trouble leads to trouble, any situation is fixable with a serious approach to it and timely treatment. Conclusion: it means that having received a dose of radiation, overcoming stress and applying the necessary treatment, one can avoid the disease, this is also mentioned in the previous myth. And oncological diseases are not inherited, just as ionizing radiation is not inherited. Modern medicine can give an exact answer to this question, and cases when irradiated women gave birth to children with "cancer" have not yet been registered.

Most people receive radiation in closed cities”, when working at nuclear power plants and even in medical research

There is an opinion among people that a person can get radiation during radon treatment, and in any home, when working at a nuclear power plant, and even just being in a “closed” city.

Many people, including workers at nuclear power plants and plants that produce nuclear energy, believe that they receive a gigantic dose of radiation. There is some truth in this: people who work directly with the atom (main production shops) are, of course, irradiated. The rest of the workers receive a dose of radiation less than, for example, patients during X-ray examination.

In total, there are several types of radiation: natural, medical, man-made.

Humans have been exposed to natural radiation since ancient times:

• natural radiation background;
• exposure from building materials;
• exposure to mineral fertilizers.

Medical exposure - primarily when using X-ray diagnostic procedures. They include not only fluorography, but also various types of X-ray diagnostics, radiation therapy for cancer, and even radon baths. For each case, patients are provided with complete information about the amount of the planned and actual dose they receive during examination and treatment. In order to get harm to your health, you need to get x-rayed at least 100 times in a row, which has not been and cannot be in medical practice.

Technogenic exposure - includes several different types exposure, such as:

• operation of nuclear power plants;
• the presence of a nuclear weapons complex and radioactive waste disposal sites;
• operation of nuclear fuel cycle enterprises and emergencies at these facilities.

If these enterprises operate without emergency situations, then in environment a tiny amount of radionuclides.

Closed cities - naturally, in such cities, residents receive certain doses of radiation. IN last years among the population of these cities, the frequency of oncological diseases has increased, but this figure generally remains below the average for the Russian Federation. What are the reasons for this:

• deterioration of the social and ecological situation on Earth;
• a sharp increase in the number of road transport (there are a lot of them in closed cities, such cities are not adapted to mass motorization), that is, the proportion of chemical elements in the composition of the air has increased;
• in closed cities, there is a different level of per capita income between workers in the nuclear industry and all other residents (people lived better in these cities, but now living conditions have worsened and therefore such stress worsens the situation).

Conclusion: people began to get sick more often, but not from exposure, but from the deterioration of the socio-political situation in the country and in the world, as well as from environmental pollution.

Thus, in our age of global environmental degradation, the age of stress and chemicals, people get sick and die more often and before they reach old age, although they have never been in closed cities and have not received ionizing radiation.

Radiation is ionizing radiation that causes irreparable harm to everything around. People, animals and plants suffer. The biggest danger lies in the fact that it is not visible to the human eye, so it is important to know about its main properties and effects in order to protect yourself.

Radiation accompanies people throughout their lives. It is found in the environment as well as within each of us. External sources have a huge impact. Many have heard about the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the consequences of which are still encountered in our lives. People were not ready for such a meeting. This once again confirms that there are events in the world beyond the control of humanity.

Types of radiation

Not all chemicals are stable. In nature, there are certain elements, the nuclei of which are transformed, breaking up into separate particles with the release of a huge amount of energy. This property is called radioactivity. As a result of research, scientists discovered several types of radiation:

1. Alpha radiation is a stream of heavy radioactive particles in the form of helium nuclei that can cause the greatest harm surrounding. Fortunately, they are characterized by low penetrating power. IN airspace they extend only a couple of centimeters. In tissue, their range is fractions of a millimeter. Thus, external radiation does not pose a danger. You can protect yourself by using thick clothing or a sheet of paper. But internal exposure is a formidable threat.
2. Beta radiation is a stream of light particles moving in the air for a couple of meters. These are electrons and positrons penetrating two centimeters into the tissue. It is harmful in contact with human skin. However, it gives a greater danger when exposed from the inside, but less than alpha. To protect against the influence of these particles, special containers, protective screens, a certain distance are used.
3. Gamma and X-rays are electromagnetic radiations penetrating the body through and through. Protective measures against such exposure include the creation of lead screens, the construction of concrete structures. The most dangerous of irradiations with external damage, as it affects the entire body.
4. Neutron radiation consists of a stream of neutrons that have a higher penetrating power than gamma. Formed as a result nuclear reactions flowing in reactors and special research facilities. Appears during nuclear explosions and is found in waste fuel from nuclear reactors. Armor from such an impact is created from lead, iron, concrete.

All radioactivity on Earth can be divided into two main types: natural and artificial. The first includes radiation from space, soil, gases. Artificial, on the other hand, appeared thanks to man when using nuclear power plants, various equipment in medicine, and nuclear enterprises.

natural sources

Radioactivity of natural origin has always been on the planet. Radiation is present in everything that surrounds humanity: animals, plants, soil, air, water. This small level of radiation is believed to have no harmful effects. However, some scholars are of a different opinion. Since people do not have the opportunity to influence this danger, circumstances that increase the allowable values ​​should be avoided.

Varieties of sources of natural origin

1. Cosmic radiation and solar radiation are the most powerful sources capable of eliminating all life on Earth. Fortunately, the planet is protected from this impact by the atmosphere. However, people have tried to correct this situation by developing activities that lead to the formation of ozone holes. Do not stay in direct sunlight for a long time.
2. The radiation of the earth's crust is dangerous near deposits of various minerals. By burning coal or using phosphorus fertilizers, radionuclides actively seep into a person with the inhaled air and the food he eats.
3. Radon is a radioactive chemical element found in building materials. It is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. This element actively accumulates in soils and goes outside along with mining. It enters apartments along with household gas, as well as with tap water. Fortunately, its concentration can be easily reduced by constantly ventilating the premises.

artificial sources

This species appeared thanks to people. Its effect is increased and spread with their help. During the start nuclear war the strength and power of weapons are not so terrible as the consequences of radioactive radiation after explosions. Even if you are not hooked by a blast wave or physical factors, radiation will finish you.

Artificial sources include:

• Nuclear weapon;
• Medical equipment;
• Waste from enterprises;
• Certain gems;
• Some vintage items removed from hazardous areas. Including from Chernobyl.

The norm of radioactive radiation

Scientists were able to establish that radiation affects individual organs and the whole organism in different ways. In order to assess the damage arising from chronic exposure, the concept of equivalent dose was introduced. It is calculated according to the formula and is equal to the product of the received dose, absorbed by the body and averaged over a specific organ or the entire human body, by a weight factor.

The unit of equivalent dose is the ratio of joules to kilograms, which is called sievert (Sv). With its use, a scale was created that allows you to understand the specific danger of radiation for humanity:

• 100 Sound Instant death. The victim has a few hours, a maximum of a couple of days.
• From 10 to 50 Sv. Those who have received injuries of this nature will die in a few weeks from severe internal bleeding.
• 4-5 Sound When this amount is ingested, the body copes in 50% of cases. Otherwise, the sad consequences lead to death after a couple of months due to damage to the bone marrow and circulatory disorders.
• 1 Sound With the absorption of such a dose, radiation sickness is inevitable.
• 0.75 Sound Changes in the circulatory system for a short period of time.
• 0.5 Sv. This amount is enough for the patient to develop cancer. The rest of the symptoms are absent.
• 0.3 Sv. This value is inherent in the apparatus for conducting x-rays of the stomach.
• 0.2 Sv. Permissible level for work with radioactive materials.
• 0.1 Sv. With this amount, uranium is mined.
• 0.05 Sound This value is the norm for irradiation of medical devices.
• 0.0005 Sv. Permissible amount of radiation level near the nuclear power plant. Also, this is the value of the annual exposure of the population, which is equated to the norm.

The safe dose of radiation for humans includes values ​​up to 0.0003-0.0005 Sv per hour. The maximum permissible exposure is 0.01 Sv per hour, if such exposure is short-lived.

The effect of radiation on humans

Radioactivity has a huge impact on the population. harmful effects not only people who are faced with danger are exposed, but also the next generation. Such circumstances are caused by the action of radiation at the genetic level. There are two types of influence:

• Somatic. Diseases occur in a victim who has received a dose of radiation. Leads to the appearance of radiation sickness, leukemia, tumors of various organs, local radiation injuries.
• Genetic. Associated with a defect in the genetic apparatus. Shows up in later generations. Children, grandchildren and more distant descendants suffer. Gene mutations and chromosomal changes occur

In addition to the negative impact, there is also a favorable moment. Thanks to the study of radiation, scientists have managed to create on its basis a medical examination that can save lives.

Mutation after radiation

Consequences of irradiation

Upon receipt of chronic irradiation, recovery measures take place in the body. This leads to the fact that the victim acquires a lower load than he would receive with a single penetration of the same amount of radiation. Radionuclides are distributed unevenly inside a person. Most often affected: the respiratory system, digestive organs, liver, thyroid gland.

The enemy does not sleep even 4-10 years after exposure. Blood cancer can develop inside a person. It is especially dangerous for teenagers under the age of 15. It has been observed that the mortality of people working with x-ray equipment is increased due to leukemia.

The most frequent result of irradiation is radiation sickness, which occurs both with a single dose and with a long one. With a large number of radionuclides leads to death. Breast and thyroid cancer is common.

A huge number of organs suffer. Violated vision and mental state of the victim. Lung cancer is common among uranium miners. External irradiation causes terrible burns of the skin and mucous membranes.

Mutations

After exposure to radionuclides, two types of mutations are possible: dominant and recessive. The first occurs immediately after irradiation. The second type is found after a long period of time not in the victim, but in his next generation. Violations caused by mutation lead to deviations in the development of internal organs in the fetus, external deformities and changes in the psyche.

Unfortunately, mutations are poorly understood, as they usually do not appear immediately. After a while, it is difficult to understand what exactly had a dominant influence on its occurrence.

Radiation acute or chronic poisoning, the cause of which is the action of ionizing electromagnetic radiation, is called radioactive exposure. Under its influence, free radicals, radionuclides are formed in the human body, which change biological and metabolic processes. As a result of radiation exposure, the integrity of protein structures and nucleic acids is destroyed, the DNA sequence changes, mutations, malignant neoplasms appear, and the annual number of oncological diseases increases by 9%.

Sources of radioactive radiation

The spread of radiation is not limited to modern nuclear power plants, nuclear power facilities and power lines. Radiation is found in all without exception natural resources. Even the human body already contains the radioactive elements potassium and rubidium. Where else is found natural radiation:

1. secondary cosmic radiation. In the form of rays, it is part of the background radiation in the atmosphere and reaches the Earth's surface;
2. solar radiation. Directed flow of electrons, protons and nuclei in interplanetary space. Appear after strong solar flares;
3. radon. colorless inert radioactive gas;
4. natural isotopes. Uranium, radium, lead, thorium;
5. internal exposure. The most common radionuclides found in food are strontium, cesium, radium, plutonium, and tritium.

The activity of people is constantly aimed at finding sources of powerful energy, durable and reliable materials, methods for accurate early diagnosis and intensive effective treatment serious illnesses. The result of long scientific research and human impact on the environment has become artificial radiation:

1. nuclear power;
2. the medicine;
3. nuclear tests;
4. Construction Materials;
5. radiation from household appliances.

The widespread use of radioactive substances and chemical reactions has led to a new problem of radiation exposure, which annually becomes the cause of cancer, leukemia, hereditary and genetic mutations, a decrease in life expectancy of the population and a source of environmental disasters.

Doses of hazardous radiation exposure

To prevent the occurrence of consequences caused by radiation, it is necessary to constantly monitor the background radiation and its level at work, in residential premises, as part of food and water. In order to assess the degree of possible damage to living organisms, the impact on people of radiation exposure, the following quantities are used:

• exposure dose. Exposure to ionizing gamma and X-ray radiation with air. It has the designation cells / kg (coulomb divided by kilogram);
• absorbed dose. The degree of exposure to radiation on physiochemical properties substances. The value is expressed in the unit of measurement - gray (Gy). At the same time, 1 C/kg = 3876 R;
• equivalent, biological dose. The penetrating effect on living organisms is calculated as a sievert (Sv). 1 Sv \u003d 100 rem \u003d 100 R, 1 rem \u003d 0.01 Sv;
• effective dose. The level of radiation damage, taking into account radiosensitivity, is determined using the sievert (Sv) or rem (rem);
• group dose. Collective, total unit in Sv, rem.

Using these conditional indicators, one can easily determine the level and degree of danger to human health and life, select the appropriate treatment for radiation exposure and restore the functions of the organism affected by radiation.

Signs of exposure to radiation

The damaging ability of invisible ionizing radiation is associated with human exposure to alpha, beta and gamma particles, X-rays and protons. Due to the latent, intermediate stage of radiation exposure, it is not always possible to determine in time the onset of radiation sickness. Symptoms of radioactive poisoning appear gradually:

1. radiation injury. The effect of radiation is short-term, the dose of radiation does not exceed 1 Gy;
2. typical bone marrow shape. Irradiation index - 1-6 Gy. Death from radiation occurs in 50% of people. In the first minutes there is malaise, lowering blood pressure, vomiting. Replaced by a visible improvement after 3 days. Lasts up to 1 month. After 3-4 weeks, the condition deteriorates sharply;
3. gastrointestinal stage. The degree of irradiation reaches 10-20 Gy. Complications in the form of sepsis, enteritis;
4. vascular phase. Violation of blood circulation, changes in the speed of blood flow and the structure of blood vessels. Jumps in blood pressure. The dose of received radiation is 20-80 Gy;
5. cerebral form. Severe radiation poisoning at a dose of more than 80 Gy causes cerebral edema and death. The patient dies from 1 to 3 days from the moment of infection.

The most common forms of radioactive poisoning are bone marrow and gastrointestinal lesions, the consequences of which are severe changes in the body. There are also characteristic symptoms after exposure to radiation:

• body temperature from 37 ° C to 38 ° C, in severe form, the indicators are higher;
• arterial hypotension. The source of low blood pressure is a violation of vascular tone and heart function;
• radiation dermatitis or hyperemia. Skin lesions. Expressed by redness and allergic rash;
• diarrhea. Frequent loose or watery stools;
• baldness. Hair loss is a characteristic sign of radiation exposure;
• anemia. The lack of hemoglobin in the blood is associated with a decrease in red blood cells, oxygen cellular starvation;
• hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver. Destruction of the structure of the gland and changes in the functions of the biliary system;
• stomatitis. The reaction of the immune system to the appearance of foreign bodies in the body in the form of a lesion of the oral mucosa;
• cataract. Partial or complete loss of vision associated with clouding of the lens;
• leukemia. Malignant disease of the hematopoietic system, blood cancer;
• agranulocytosis. Decrease in the level of leukocytes.

Exhaustion of the body also affects the central nervous system. In most patients after radiation injury, asthenia or pathological fatigue syndrome is noted. Accompanied by sleep disturbance, confusion, emotional instability and neuroses.

Chronic radiation sickness: degrees and symptoms

The course of the disease is long. Complicates the diagnosis and mild nature of slowly emerging pathologies. In some cases, the development of changes and disorders in the body manifests itself from 1 year to 3 years. Chronic radiation injuries cannot be characterized by one sign. Symptoms of intense radiation exposure form a number of complications depending on the degree of exposure:

• light. The work of the gallbladder and biliary tract is disrupted, in women menstrual cycle, men suffer from sexual impotence. Emotional changes and disorders are observed. Accompanying symptoms are lack of appetite, gastritis. Can be treated with timely access to specialists;
• average. People exposed to radiation poisoning suffer from vegetative-vascular diseases, which are expressed by persistent low blood pressure and periodic bleeding from the nose and gums, and are prone to asthenic syndrome. The average degree is accompanied by tachycardia, dermatitis, hair loss and brittle nails. The number of platelets and leukocytes decreases, problems with blood clotting begin, the bone marrow is damaged;
• heavy. Progressive changes in the human body, such as intoxication, infection, sepsis, loss of teeth and hair, necrosis and multiple hemorrhages, result in death.

A long process of irradiation in a daily dose of up to 0.5 Gy, a total quantitative indicator of more than 1 Gy, provokes chronic radiation injury. Leads to death from severe radioactive poisoning of the nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, dystrophy and organ dysfunction.

Radioactive impact on humans

To protect yourself and your loved ones from serious complications and negative consequences of radiation exposure, it is necessary to avoid the penetration of a high amount of ionizing radiation. To this end, it is better to remember where radiation is most often found in Everyday life and how large its impact on the body in one year in mSv:

1. air - 2;
2. food consumed - 0.02;
3. water - 0.1;
4. natural sources (cosmic and solar rays, natural isotopes) - 0.27 - 0.39;
5. inert gas radon - 2;
6. living quarters - 0.3;
7. watching TV - 0.005;
8. consumer goods - 0.1;
9. radiography - 0.39;
10. computed tomography - from 1 to 11;
11. fluorography - 0.03 - 0.25;
12. air travel - 0.2;
13. smoking - 13.

The permissible safe dose of radiation, which will not cause radioactive poisoning, is 0.03 mSv in one year. If a single dose of ionizing radiation exceeds 0.2 mSv, the level of radiation becomes dangerous for humans and can cause cancer, genetic mutations of subsequent generations, disruption of the organs of the endocrine, cardiovascular, central nervous system, provoke an upset stomach and intestines.

Radiation is radiation invisible to the human eye, which nevertheless has a powerful effect on the body. Unfortunately, the consequences of radiation exposure for humans are extremely negative.

Initially, radiation affects the body from the outside. It comes from natural radioactive elements that are in the earth, and also enters the planet from space. Also, external exposure comes in microdoses from building materials, medical X-ray machines. Large doses of radiation can be found in nuclear power plants, special physical laboratories and uranium mines. Nuclear weapons testing sites and radioactive waste disposal sites are also extremely dangerous.

To a certain extent, our skin, clothes and even houses protect against the above sources of radiation. But the main danger of radiation is that radiation can be not only external, but also internal.

Radioactive elements can enter through air and water, through cuts in the skin, and even through body tissues. In this case, the radiation source acts much longer - until it is removed from the human body. It is impossible to protect yourself from it with a lead plate and it is impossible to go far away, which makes the situation even more dangerous.

Irradiation dosage

In order to determine the power of exposure and the degree of exposure to radiation on living organisms, several measurement scales were invented. First of all, the power of the radiation source is measured in Grays and Rads. Everything is quite simple here. 1 Gy=100R. This is how the level of exposure is determined using a Geiger counter. The X-ray scale is also used.

But do not assume that these indications reliably indicate the degree of danger to health. It is not enough to know the radiation power. The effect of radiation on the human body also varies depending on the type of radiation. There are 3 in total:

1. Alpha. These are heavy radioactive particles - neutrons and protons, which are the most harmful to humans. But they have low penetrating power and are not able to penetrate even through the upper layers of the skin. But in the presence of wounds or suspension of particles in the air,
2. Beta. These are radioactive electrons. Their penetrating ability is 2 cm of skin.
3. Gamma. These are photons. They freely penetrate the human body, and it is possible to protect oneself only with the help of lead or a thick layer of concrete.

The radiation effect occurs on molecular level. Irradiation leads to the formation of free radicals in the cells of the body, which begin to destroy the surrounding substances. But, given the uniqueness of each organism and the uneven sensitivity of organs to the effects of radiation on humans, scientists had to introduce the concept of an equivalent dose.

To determine how dangerous radiation is in a given dose, the radiation power in Rads, Roentgens and Grays is multiplied by the quality factor.

For Alpha radiation it is 20, and for Beta and Gamma it is 1. X-rays also have a factor of 1. The result is measured in Rems and Sieverts. With a coefficient equal to one, 1 Rem is equal to one Rad or Roentgen, and 1 Sievert is equal to one Gray or 100 Rem.

To determine the degree of impact of the equivalent dose on the human body, another risk factor had to be introduced. For each organ, it is different, depending on how radiation affects individual tissues of the body. For the organism as a whole, it is equal to one. Thanks to this, it was possible to draw up a scale of the danger of radiation and its effect on a person with a single exposure:

• 100 Sievert. This is a quick death. In a few hours, and at best days nervous system organism ceases to function.
• 10-50 is a lethal dose, as a result of which a person will die from numerous internal hemorrhages after several weeks of torment.
• 4-5 Sievert - - mortality is about 50%. Due to damage to the bone marrow and disruption of the hematopoietic process, the body dies after a couple of months or less.
• 1 Sievert. It is with this dose that radiation sickness begins.
• 0.75 sievert. Short-term changes in the composition of the blood.
• 0.5 - this dose is considered sufficient to cause the development of cancer. But there are usually no other symptoms.
• 0.3 sievert. This is the power of the apparatus when obtaining an x-ray of the stomach.
• 0.2 sievert. This is the safe level of radiation allowed when working with radioactive materials.
• 0.1 - at a given radiation background uranium is mined.
• 0.05 sievert. Norm of background exposure to medical equipment.
• 0.005 sievert. Permissible level of radiation near the nuclear power plant. It is also the annual exposure rate for the civilian population.

Consequences of radiation exposure

The dangerous effect of radiation on the human body is caused by the action of free radicals. They are formed at the chemical level due to exposure to radiation and primarily affect rapidly dividing cells. Accordingly, the organs of hematopoiesis and the reproductive system suffer to a greater extent from radiation.

But the radiation effects of human exposure are not limited to this. In the case of delicate tissues of mucous and nerve cells, their destruction occurs. Because of this, a variety of mental disorders can develop.

Often, due to the effect of radiation on the human body, vision suffers. With a large dose of radiation, blindness due to radiation cataracts can occur.

Other body tissues undergo qualitative changes, which is no less dangerous. It is because of this that the risk of cancer increases many times over. First, the structure of tissues changes. And secondly, free radicals damage the DNA molecule. Due to this, cell mutations develop, which leads to cancer and tumors in various organs of the body.

The most dangerous thing is that these changes can persist in the offspring, due to damage to the genetic material of germ cells. On the other hand, the opposite effect of radiation on a person is possible - infertility. Also, in all cases, without exception, radiation exposure leads to rapid deterioration of cells, which accelerates the aging of the body.

Mutations

The plot of many fantastic stories begins with how radiation leads to the mutation of a person or animal. Usually, the mutagenic factor gives the main character a variety of superpowers. In reality, radiation affects a little differently - first of all, the genetic consequences of radiation affect future generations.

Due to disturbances in the DNA molecule chain caused by free radicals, the fetus may develop various abnormalities associated with problems of internal organs, external deformities or mental disorders. However, this violation may extend to future generations.

The DNA molecule is involved not only in human reproduction. Every cell in the body divides according to the program laid down in the genes. If this information damaged, cells begin to divide incorrectly. This leads to the formation of tumors. Usually it is contained by the immune system, which tries to limit the damaged tissue area, and ideally get rid of it. But due to radiation-induced immunosuppression, mutations can spread out of control. Because of this, tumors begin to metastasize, turning into cancer, or grow and put pressure on internal organs, such as the brain.

Leukemia and other types of cancer

Due to the fact that the effect of radiation on human health primarily extends to the hematopoietic organs and circulatory system The most common consequence of radiation sickness is leukemia. It is also called "blood cancer". Its manifestations affect the entire body:

1. A person loses weight, while there is no appetite. He is constantly accompanied by weakness in the muscles and chronic fatigue.
2. There are pains in the joints, they begin to react more strongly to the surrounding conditions.
3. Inflamed lymph nodes.
4. The liver and spleen are enlarged.
5. Difficulty breathing.
6. There are purple rashes on the skin. A person often and profusely sweats, bleeding may open.
7. There is immunodeficiency. Infections freely penetrate the body, which often raises the temperature.

Before the events in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, doctors did not consider leukemia to be a disease from radiation. But 109,000 surveyed Japanese confirmed the link between radiation and cancer. It also revealed the likelihood of damage to certain organs. Leukemia came first.

Then the radiation effects of human exposure most often lead to:

1. Mammary cancer. Every hundredth woman who has experienced severe radiation exposure is affected.
2. Thyroid cancer. It also affects 1% of those exposed.
3. Lungs' cancer. This variety is most pronounced in irradiated uranium miners.

Fortunately, modern medicine may well cope with oncological diseases in the early stages, if the effect of radiation on human health was short-lived and rather weak.

What affects the effects of radiation

The effect of radiation on living organisms varies greatly depending on the power and type of radiation: alpha, beta or gamma. Depending on this, the same dose of radiation can be practically safe or lead to sudden death.

It is also important to understand that the effects of radiation on the human body are rarely simultaneous. Getting a dose of 0.5 Sievert at a time is dangerous, and 5-6 is deadly. But by taking several x-rays of 0.3 Sievert for a certain time, a person allows the body to cleanse itself. That's why Negative consequences radiation exposure simply does not appear, since with a total dose of several Sieverts, only a small part of the exposure will act on the body at a time.

In addition, the various effects of radiation exposure on humans are highly dependent on individual features organism. A healthy body resists the damaging effects of radiation longer. But it is best to ensure the safety of radiation for humans, as little contact with radiation as possible to minimize damage.