Radiation and occupational health

Assistant Prof. Dr. Laith A. Alrudainy

MBChB, MSc, PhD

Radiation having a wide range of energies forms the electromagnetic spectrum .

The spectrum has two major divisions : -ionizing radiation and -non-ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiation

U.S. radiation sources: medical X-ray and agents use in nuclear medicine, nuclear generators, and nuclear weapons explosions.

There are several common forms of ionizing radiation :

-alpha particles , -beta particles ,

-gamma rays, and -x-rays

-Gamma rays and x-rays easily penetrate body tissues and deposit their energy deep in the body.

-Beta particles can penetrate to a depth of a few centimetres.

-Alpha-emitting radionuclides are hazardous only when they are inhaled, ingested, or deposited in an open wound, because alpha particles penetrate less than 0.1 mm in tissue.

The sensitivity of tissues to radiation, from most to least, are :lymphoid ,gastrointestinal ,reproductive ,dermal ,bone marrow, and nervous system .

- Skin cancer in physicist, radiologists, dermatologist

- lung cancer in uranium workers

- Bone tumors in radium dial painters

- leukemia in radiologist

Carcinogenic effects of ionizing radiation

Any question???