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Uses of Artificial Radiation

Radiation is a naturally occurring phenomenon. However, advancements in technology have allowed people to harness it. As a result, artificial radiation plays a role in fields such as cosmetics, medicine and energy production. This technology does carry certain risks, however. If you think you may become exposed to radiation in some form, learn as much as you can about the benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately, a physician will be your best source of information.

  1. Tanning

    • Tans are appealing, and many people turn to tanning salons for a quick procedure. To this end, salons use ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Keep in mind, however, that sunbeds use a highly concentrated amount of UVA and UVB rays to simulate the sun's effects and speed up tanning. While exposure to this radiation has the benefit of helping your body absorb vitamin D, natural sunlight is more than enough. If lack of vitamin D is a concern, tanning salons are not a good alternative to simple supplements such as nutrition pills. Artificial tanning increases the chance of skin cancer, and exposure to excessive UV rays can also lead to problems such as skin aging and eye damage.

    Radiation Therapy

    • Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment. It uses powerful beams of high-intensity radiation to attack and destroy cancerous cells. The procedure destroys cells' DNA, reducing or eliminating their ability to reproduce. Cancer cells are more susceptible because they are not as organized as regular cells, making reproduction more difficult. The procedure occurs in two ways: A machine called a linear accelerator bombards the body with external radiation, or the subject can ingest seeds or pellets that deliver radiation internally. Either way, the approach works extremely effectively. For breast cancer, the condition has a 60 percent greater chance of recurring in patients who do not receive treatment. Physicians use radiation therapy on a variety of tissues, including the breasts and lymph nodes. Despite its benefits, the treatment comes with unpleasant side effects, such as skin changes, fatigue, diarrhea or loss of appetite.

    X-Rays

    • Doctors have used X-rays for more than a century to find afflictions such as fractures, cancer and pneumonia. The actual procedure will vary, depending on the area scanned. However, it always involves a machine that emits X-ray radiation that penetrates the skin and bounces off of dense structures, such as bones. Bones appear brightly on the image, but tissues and organs are not as dense. As a result, softer body parts show up darker but still visible. Luckily, the procedure involves too little radiation to cause harm. However, X-rays can damage a fetus, so pregnant women should consult a doctor.

    Nuclear Energy

    • The energy industry uses nuclear radiation to produce electricity. Through a process known as fission, uranium atoms split, causing heat. In turn, the heat produces steam used by a turbine to produce electricity. The staff working in nuclear power plants are generally not exposed to much radiation. A nuclear disaster, such as a meltdown, poses the biggest threat.

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