radiation in everyday life

8/10/2019 Radiation in Everyday Life

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Radiation in Everyday LifeTeo Jim Yang 3O3(26)


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Contents

Basics Definition Ionizing and Non-ionizing radiation Electromagnetic Radiation Natural Background Radiation Man-Made Radiation

Radiation in Our Environment

Effects of Radiation Sources of radiation in everyday life

Significance of Radiation Exposure People who are at higher risk

Radiation Protection


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What is radiation?

Energy that travels through space inthe from of particles or waves

Two different types of radiation:ionizing and non-ionizing

Radiation can be found all around us


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Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation

Ionizing Radiation Has a lot of energy that

gives it the ability tocause changes inatoms Enough to damage DNA

Overexposure cancause: Mutations in your genes,

which causes birth

defects, Raised risk of cancer,

burns Radiation sickness

Non-ionizing Radiation Relatively low-energy

radiation that doesn'thave enough energyto ionize atoms ormolecules

Although consideredless dangerous thanionizing radiation,overexposure to non-

ionizing radiation cancause health issues


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Summary of Radiation


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Natural Background Radiation

Refers to the naturally derived, widespreadradiation present everywhere in the environment

Usually not detrimental to life

3 Main sources: Cosmic Radiation

Cosmic rays from outer space which bombard the earth

Terrestrial Radiation Radioactive substances in the earth's crust

Soil

Water Vegetation

Emanation of radioactive gas from the earth (radon gas)

Internal Radiation Trace amounts of radioactivity in the body


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Man-Made Radiation

Two distinct groups of people exposedto man-made radiation sources:

Members of the public

Occupationally exposed individuals


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Man-Made radiation

Sources that results in exposure to public: Tobacco (thorium)

Television (EM radiation)

Medical Procedures Diagnostic X-rays

Nuclear medicine

Smoke detectors (Americium)

Building materials (Radon)

Occupational sources

Radiography X-ray technicians

Workers in Nuclear power plant

Nuclear medicine technicians


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Light is made up of different components:

Gamma Rays

X-Rays

Ultraviolet Rays Visible Light

Infrared Rays

Microwaves

Radio Waves

They make up the

electromagnetic spectrum

They emit radiation

Electromagnetic (EM) Radiation

DecreasinginWavelength

DecreasinginWavelength


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Effects Of Radiation

"Harmful Effects of Radiation" Video

Increased blood pressure

Lesions

Damage to foetus (in pregnant women)

Mental retardation Miscarriage

Cancers: Salivary gland cancer Lymphatic cancer Bone marrow cancer (leukemia) Brain cancer Breast cancer

Heart Disease

Headaches

And much more
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjS0bTGCcJQ&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjS0bTGCcJQ&feature=related


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Effects of Radiation

Why does radiation cause harm? DNA Damage

Our cells have mechanisms to repair DNA damage to alimited extent but radiation can overwhelm thesemechanisms.

Damaged DNA is implicated in several disease processes,including various types of cancer.

Interference with Melatonin production Low melatonin levels have already been linked to several

diseases, including cancers

Interference with Cellular Communication Our body cells communicate internally and externally by

means of electrical signals. These signals can be altered by EMF radiation which

generates electrical currents within the body causingchanges in both cellular activity and cellular structures


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Effects of Radiation

Factors affecting the effect of radiation: Intensity of radiation

Exposure to strong radiation may cause damage, eventhough the exposure is of short duration

Cumulative Exposure

The combination of the different frequencies a person isexposed to may overwhelm the body defenses and repairmechanisms.

Duration of Exposure Many studies have indicated that various health effects

are only noticed after many years of exposure

to electromagnetic pollution, for example high voltagepower lines, or cell phones.

Radiation Transience More biologically stressful to be exposed to fluctuating

radiation which arises from an electrical appliance whichcycles on and off than from a similar appliance thatremains steadily on all day.


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Sources of Radiation in Everyday

Life

1. Cell-phones

2. Tobacco Smoke from smoking

3. Medical Use of Radiation4. Radiation from AppliancesI. Televisions and Computers

II. Microwave OvensIII. Heating Appliances

IV. Personal Grooming Appliances


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1. Cell Phone Radiation

Radiation in cell

phones is generated in

the transmitter and

emitted through theantenna

In the form of radiowaves

These waves picked upby a receiver in the cell-phone tower


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When talking on a cell phone, most users place thephone against the head Some of the radiation might be absorbed by human tissue

Radio frequency (RF) radiation has the ability toheat human tissue Damage to tissue can be caused by exposure to RF

radiation because the body is not equipped to dissipateexcessive amounts of heat

The eyes are particularly vulnerable due to the lack ofblood flow in that area

Use of cell phones may have potential links to: Cancer Brain tumors Alzheimer's disease Parkinson's disease Headaches


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Some precautions that can be madeto reduce RF radiation exposure fromcell phones:

Extend the antenna during use Use a phone that places the antenna as

far away from you as possible

Use a hands-free headset

Limit calls inside buildings

Use the phone in open spaces as often aspossible

Limit use by children


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2. Radiation from Smoking

Cigarette smoke contains radioactive lead-210 andpolonium-210 Each cigarette smoked can also be equated to one chest

x-ray

A non-smoker living with a smoker may receive theequivalent of 12 chest x-rays per year as a result of second-hand smoke

Lead-210 and polonium-210 are deposited in thebronchioles

Risk of cancers is increased with the presence ofother harmful substances in cigarette smoke Carbon monoxide

Tar

Nicotine


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3. Radiation In Medicine

Diagnostic radiology

Use of machines (e.g. X-ray) to obtain imagesof the inside of the patient's body X-rays can penetrate skin

Bone, fat, muscle, tumors and other masses all absorbX-rays at different levels

The image on the film reveals distinct structures in thebody because of the different levels of exposure onthe film

Even with the risks, X-ray scanning is still a saferoption than surgery

Other diagnoses using radiationinclude mammography and MRI scans


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3. Radiation In Medicine

Radiotherapy

Use of high energy x-rays and similar raysto treat disease (usually cancer)

Radiation destroys the cancer cells in thetreated area

Although normal cells can also bedamaged by the radiotherapy, they can

usually repair themselves Contributes to 40 per cent of all cured

cancers


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4. Radiation from Appliances

Televisions

TVs emit X-rays

LCD (flat screen) TVs produce much lessradiation

Computers

Computers emit radio and microwaves

Wireless equipment (e.g. mouse, keyboard)also emit some radiation

Sit at least: 1.9m away from TV 60 cm away from computer screens


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Microwave Ovens

Microwaves affect the food Structure of protein foods is changedso

that a beneficial protein molecule in thefood becomes a harmful one

Placing plastic containers into themicrowave may cause toxic plastic

molecules to leach into the food Microwaves also leak out of the oven

keep a distance of 1.5 meters


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Heating Appliances

Electric blankets generate EMradiation, even after switched off

Electrically heated carpets and rugs,under-carpet and under-floor heatingall produce substantial EM radiation

Electrical heaters also produce lot ofEM radiation


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Personal Grooming Appliances

Hairdryers, electric shavers, electrictoothbrushes and similar personalgrooming products emit radiation attheir normal operating distance

People at higher risk should refrainfrom using them


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Significance

Even though common sources ofradiation only deal it in minute doses

The frequency of which we areexposed to them are greater causesfor concern

The accumulation of these small doses

may greatly affect our health


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People at Higher Risk

Children Biologically more vulnerable

Thinner skulls Tissues not fully developed

May not be able to control how much they usecell phones, play on computers, watch TV etc,and how close they sit to the screen.

Pregnant Women Any cellular damage in a developing embryo

may have magnified consequences for the child At risk of miscarriage if they are subjected to high

intensity EM radiation during pregnancy Lower EM radiation levels may still damage the

foetus while not causing an actual miscarriage.


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People At Higher Risk

People already suffering from chronic

degenerative conditions

The body is already using all its available energy

to heal itself Does not have much energy to spare for

repairing the damage done by radiation

Workers in close proximity to electrical

machinery Exposed to strong electromagnetic fields and

radiation


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People At Higher Risk

Frequent users of appliances that emitradiation Spend more than a few minutes a day

talking on a cell phone pressed to theirear etc

Table of Radiation-emitting Appliances

Especially vulnerable if they done every

day for years In other words, most of us are at risk
http://www.emwatch.com/Typical_mG.htmhttp://www.emwatch.com/Typical_mG.htmhttp://www.emwatch.com/Typical_mG.htmhttp://www.emwatch.com/Typical_mG.htm


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Increase distance from source The intensity of radiation decreases with distance

from its source.

Reduce time exposed to source

If exposure cannot be avoided, try to spend aslittle time near it as possible

If it doesn't need to be turned on, switch itoff Radiation comes from many devices which are

left on unnecessarily, e.g. charger units forbatteries, cell-phones, laptops etc, computersand printers


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Shielding Barriers of lead, concrete or water give good

protection from high levels of penetratingradiation such as gamma rays

Intensely radioactive materials are often storedor handled under water, or by remote control inrooms constructed of thick concrete or lined withlead

Containment

Highly radioactive materials are confined andkept out of the workplace and environment Nuclear reactors operate within closed systems

with multiple barriers which keep the radioactivematerials contained


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References

http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf05.html

http://www.world-nuclear.org/education/ral.htm

http://science.howstuffworks.com/radiation.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-electromagnetic-

radiation.htm http://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-

radiation.htm

http://www.hps.org/publicinformation/ate/q824.html

http://www.uraniumsa.org/about/radiation.htm

http://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-introduction/types-of-radiation.html
http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf05.htmlhttp://www.world-nuclear.org/education/ral.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/radiation.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-electromagnetic-radiation.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-electromagnetic-radiation.htmhttp://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-radiation.htmhttp://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-radiation.htmhttp://www.hps.org/publicinformation/ate/q824.htmlhttp://www.uraniumsa.org/about/radiation.htmhttp://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-introduction/types-of-radiation.htmlhttp://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-introduction/types-of-radiation.htmlhttp://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-introduction/types-of-radiation.htmlhttp://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-introduction/types-of-radiation.htmlhttp://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-introduction/types-of-radiation.htmlhttp://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-introduction/types-of-radiation.htmlhttp://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-introduction/types-of-radiation.htmlhttp://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-introduction/types-of-radiation.htmlhttp://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-introduction/types-of-radiation.htmlhttp://www.uraniumsa.org/about/radiation.htmhttp://www.hps.org/publicinformation/ate/q824.htmlhttp://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-radiation.htmhttp://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-radiation.htmhttp://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-radiation.htmhttp://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-radiation.htmhttp://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-radiation.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-electromagnetic-radiation.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-electromagnetic-radiation.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-electromagnetic-radiation.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-electromagnetic-radiation.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-electromagnetic-radiation.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-electromagnetic-radiation.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-electromagnetic-radiation.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/radiation.htmhttp://www.world-nuclear.org/education/ral.htmhttp://www.world-nuclear.org/education/ral.htmhttp://www.world-nuclear.org/education/ral.htmhttp://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf05.htmlhttp://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf05.htmlhttp://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf05.html


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References

http://orise.orau.gov/reacts/guide/define.htm

http://www.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/nuclear/exposure.html

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-

Made-Radiation-Sources http://www.emwatch.com/index.html

http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/cancercenter/prevention/preventionradiation.html

http://www.epa.gov/radiation/sources/tobacco.html

http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/Radiation/UnderstandingRadiation/UnderstandingRadiationTopics/MedicalRadiation/

http://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern/nuclear-medicine.htm
http://orise.orau.gov/reacts/guide/define.htmhttp://www.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/nuclear/exposure.htmlhttp://www.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/nuclear/exposure.htmlhttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.emwatch.com/index.htmlhttp://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/cancercenter/prevention/preventionradiation.htmlhttp://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/cancercenter/prevention/preventionradiation.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/radiation/sources/tobacco.htmlhttp://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/Radiation/UnderstandingRadiation/UnderstandingRadiationTopics/MedicalRadiation/http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/Radiation/UnderstandingRadiation/UnderstandingRadiationTopics/MedicalRadiation/http://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern/nuclear-medicine.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern/nuclear-medicine.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern/nuclear-medicine.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern/nuclear-medicine.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern/nuclear-medicine.htmhttp://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/Radiation/UnderstandingRadiation/UnderstandingRadiationTopics/MedicalRadiation/http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/Radiation/UnderstandingRadiation/UnderstandingRadiationTopics/MedicalRadiation/http://www.epa.gov/radiation/sources/tobacco.htmlhttp://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/cancercenter/prevention/preventionradiation.htmlhttp://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/cancercenter/prevention/preventionradiation.htmlhttp://www.emwatch.com/index.htmlhttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.docstoc.com/docs/23411087/Natural-and-Man-Made-Radiation-Sourceshttp://www.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/nuclear/exposure.htmlhttp://www.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/nuclear/exposure.htmlhttp://orise.orau.gov/reacts/guide/define.htm

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