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Radiation Health Safety

Radiation can be defined as a form of energy and is either ionizing or non-ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation alludes to energy waves that are formed from electric and magnetic fields that travel at the speed of light. Such radiation might include ultraviolet radiation or even your microwave. Ionizing radiation refers to radiation that can be found in medical settings, which include X-rays. Acquiring too much radiation depends upon your exposure to radiation sources.

  1. Environmental Exposure

    • The sun emitS UV radiation.

      You're exposed to radiation naturally in the environment. Exposure to radiation in the environment can be due to UV radiation. According to RadiologyInfo.org, individuals within the United States receive 3 mSv (millisieverts) a year due to radiation that occurs within our environment. A sievert is the unit of ionizing radiation that has been measured as being a safe quantity of radiation to humans. A millisiervert calculates to one thousandth of a sievert.

    UV Safety

    • Stay out of the sun.

      UV radiation can be potentially dangerous. There are three forms of UV light: ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B and ultraviolet C. UVB radiation is particularly damaging to skin cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, UVA and UVB radiation can contribute to the development of cancer. To effectively prevent the development of skin cancer due to UV radiation, you must use sunscreen that contains the minimum of a SPF of 15, wear protective clothing when going outdoors and wear eyewear. Staying out of the sun during the hottest times of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) can also safely prevent exposure to environmental radiation.

    X-Rays

    • X-rays will expose you to radiation.

      X-rays are capable of penetrating through your body. When X-rays are performed by trained radiologists, your exposure to radiation is limited. However, if you undergo procedures such as a CT scan, your exposure to radiation increases. Frequent X-rays will also increase your exposure to radiation.

    Medical Radiation Exposure

    • X-rays expose you to small amounts of radiation.

      A radiologist will go to extreme measures to prevent accidental over-exposure to radiation during a medical procedure. When undergoing a medical procedure such as an X-ray, a technician WILL cover your body with a lead vest. This prevents your organs from being unnecessarily exposed to radiation.

    Safe Exposure

    • Low doses of radiation are deemed to be safe. For example, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, small doses of radiation can even be beneficial to your overall health. Low dosed radiation is known as hormesis. Hormesis can help in the development of enzymes that are beneficial to the restoration of proteins and cells within your body. Overall, extensive exposure or how you're exposed to radiation will determine the extent of radiation contamination and whether such exposure will eventually result in any health risks.

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