Radiation
Just how "Rad" is it?
How Detrimental is Radiation to Our Health? In what ways does Radiation Affect us?
Terms to Know
Rem: (not just a band): a unit of radiation dosage as it affects humans
Chernobyl: A nuclear meltdown in Russia (Ukraine now) that leaked mass doses of radiation to the nearby population
Radiation at Different Levels
How is Radiation Measured?
-Typically measured in "rem" or "sievert"
Effects of Radiation at Different Rem
- 0-5: safe; no observable impacts
- 5-10: no observable impacts
- 10-50: slightly increased cancer risk, blood cell decreases (with quick exposure), if locally exposed in the face, eye cataracts
- 100-200: nausea, fatigue, significantly higher cancer risk, skin reddening like a sunburn
- 200-300: nausea, vomiting within 24-48 hours, seek medical attention
- 300-500: diarrhea within hours, hair loss, appetite loss within the week, medical attention required for survival, 1/2 exposed die without prompt medical attention
- 500-1,200: death within days, breakdown of intestinal lining, internal bleeding
- >10,000: death within hours
We are Constantly Exposed to Radiation
Why Aren't we all getting Sick?
The Other 4%
Other Cases of Radiation from Non-medical sources
Chernobyl
Saturday, Apr 26, 1986, 01:15 AM
Moscow
It's Not all Bad
Radiation Therapy
- used to fight cancer
- usually has "tolerable" effects
- adverse effects are typically limited to site of treatment
- highly effective and targeted
Radiation and Different People
US Fallout Radiation Exposure
Age and Cancer Change
->64: 2.6-fold increase
short term
ARS- high dose penetrating internal organs
nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea
start within minutes
after symptoms alleived, person gets worse again
loss of appetite, bone marrow issues,fatigue, fever, skin damage: swelling itchiness, redness
treatment: reduce and treat infection, maintaining hydration, treat burns and injuries, bone marrow treatments
bone marrow destruction= CoD for most ARS patients
CRI-certain types of radiation
itchiness, tingling, erythema (skin redness) swelling (edema), other symptoms depending on the case
seek medical attention- while waiting, gently rinse with water- keep clean, dry, covered until proper treatment
What NY Times Says to Do
For Help
Nearby: Albany Med, St. Rose, Samaritan
For more information:
CDC public response hotline at 800-CDC-INFO or 888-232-6348 (TTY).
Radiationanswers.org tel:703-790-1745
To Conclude
It targets cells and targeted tissue, and can lead to cancer, ARS, CRI, and more
However, it can be useful in medical procedures and cancer treatment
Health Block 3