Radiation of life. What did women see in Stephen Hawking? Radiation: life without fear Maximum permissible doses of radiation

Recently, terrible news arrived from the Land of the Rising Sun on the wings of a radiation cloud: there is a new leak in Fukushima that even robots cannot patch. After two hours they fail, let alone people.

After such statements, I want to put on a zinc suit and go somewhere where there is no radiation. But it is everywhere - that’s how space works, people have nothing to do with it. We know a lot about radiation: we know that it causes mutations, kills, and this, in general, is where our knowledge ends. But the more you learn about her, the calmer you live.

1. Everything comes from space

Culture and Chernobyl have taught us to panic at the mere mention of the word “radiation.” But it's like being afraid of your skin or fluids, since radiation is all around us. She is among us, she is inseparable from us. Every day you come into contact with radioactive material, and it’s not at all about nuclear power plants, nuclear submarines and modern gadgets. We simply live in a radioactive environment. 85% of the annual radiation dose is so-called natural radiation. Part of it is formed due to cosmic radiation. But throughout history there have been no idiots walking around with lead umbrellas, but there are people who live more than a hundred years and do not get sick. For that matter, the largest release of radiation in history occurred in 2004, and neither Chernobyl nor Fukushima had anything to do with it. The culprit is a neutron star located 50 thousand light years from our planet.
Why, in the next few thousand years the double star system WR 104 should turn into a supernova. This release of radiation can cause on Earth mass extinction, or may not call. In any case, these are the doses you need to be afraid of.

2. Radiation - life?

Scientific facts show that the higher you go up the mountain, the more cosmic radiation your body is exposed to. That is, we get less protection from harmful radiation as we rise further from the ground. It would seem that everything is very bad, but despite the high level of radiation, science has revealed one interesting feature: residents of mountainous areas have a much longer life expectancy. It’s hard to say what the reason is, maybe radiation is the reason for their excellent health. Unfortunately, there is no clear answer. But recently another plus was discovered in the radiation treasury. It turns out that radioactive iodine can detect and destroy sick cells in the body thyroid gland, even if they managed to affect other organs. That is, in the future, radiation can be used in the treatment of hated cancer.

3. Not everything is so good

However, not everything is so smooth. At the dawn of the era of radiation, it was used in both the tail and mane, even in medicine. For example, one quack doctor sold radium-irradiated water, which was advertised as a cure for arthritis, rheumatism, mental illness, stomach cancer and impotence. As a result, the creator himself suffered from his brainchild: from radium water, the jaw and teeth of the would-be businessman literally fell into pieces.

In addition, radiation can make a man sterile, like a Witcher. Different human organs react to radioactive radiation in different ways. But, as it turned out, the germ cells are the most vulnerable. Before sending their astronauts to the moon, American scientists tested the miraculous effects of radiation on 63 prisoners. Some were luckier, and they simply became sterile impotent, while others had more serious illnesses, with fatal consequences

4. Your home is your source

The biggest dose of radiation you receive right now is sitting at home, since cement, sand and crushed stone contain natural radionuclides. Therefore, these building materials are divided by law into classes depending on their “radioactivity”. Before the house is put into operation, an inspection is carried out to find out whether safe materials were actually used in its construction. But it’s hard to say how thorough and incorruptible she is.

5. Not all problems come from nuclear power plants

So, to have close contact with radiation, it is not at all necessary to go to work at a nuclear power plant or go into space without a spacesuit. It’s enough to just go to work in civil aviation and get a decent dose of radiation. Therefore, they are officially classified as “working in radiation conditions” - after all, the proximity to space makes itself felt. That is, flying under the dome of heaven, we receive a background dose that is 4 times higher than the daily dose.

This is even more than after a chest x-ray, although many treat this procedure as a kind of suicide.

And speaking of professions, people living near coal-fired power plants receive a higher dose of radiation than those who live near nuclear power plants. There are simply a lot of radioactive isotopes in coal, just like in cigarette smoke.

6. Dangerous stone

But if radiation were so dangerous, then, probably, everyone who climbs the granite steps, descends into the Moscow metro or walks along the granite St. Petersburg embankment would die from radiation sickness, since the level of radiation in this stone exceeds even the norms permissible at nuclear power plants . But so far, no one’s eyes have burned out, hair has fallen out, or mucus has come off in layers.

7. Radioactive food

Brazil nuts are not only one of the most expensive, but also one of the most radioactive foods in the world. Experts have found that after eating even a small portion of Brazil nuts, a person's urine and feces become extremely radioactive.

And all because the roots of the nut go so deep into the ground that they absorb huge amount radium, which is a natural source of radiation.

Bananas are no better than nuts. They also produce large amounts of radiation, the only difference being that in bananas, radioactivity is present in their genetic code to begin with. But don’t panic, put on a jumpsuit and go bury it somewhere else. For you to experience even the slightest symptoms of radiation sickness, you need to eat at least 5 million fruits. So there is no need to panic when someone once again says that a handful of uranium is almost as radioactive as 10 bananas.

8. It's not contagious

As a result, a reasonable question arises: is it even possible to have contact with irradiated people? You never know how life will turn out, suddenly another nuclear power plant will be covered with a copper basin.

Contrary to what many people believe, radiation is not contagious. You can communicate openly with patients suffering from radiation sickness and other diseases caused by exposure to radiation, without personal protective equipment. That is, the person himself, exposed to radiation, does not become an automatic emitter of radioactive substances. But his clothes, stained with radioactive materials (liquid, dust), create some danger for others. The source of radiation can only be called a patient in whose body there are radioactive drugs administered by doctors. But they disintegrate quickly, so there is no serious danger in this case.

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Introduction

Radiation. This word is perceived with extreme hostility by many people. Radiation sickness, thyroid cancer, leukemia - all this is very scary. Large doses of radiation have the most negative effect on the human body. But not everything is so simple. Radiation continuously affects a person throughout his life, which means there are safe doses of radiation?! What is the permissible level of radiation? How to save a person’s life from the point of view of this problem?

The relevance of the topic “The role of radiation in human life” is growing due to the increasing use of radioactive radiation sources in human economic activities. On the other hand, the question of the origin of background radiation and its components is of interest.

For ourselves, we identified the problem as follows: is the role of radiation in human life more positive or negative? The purpose of our work was this: to find out the role of radioactive radiation in human life. We were given the following tasks:

    find the area of ​​application of radioactive radiation;

    establish the danger of radiation to humans;

    get acquainted with the principle of operation of the dosimeter;

    investigate the level of radiation on our school grounds.

To solve the problems, we used the search method of obtaining information, worked with literature recommended by the teacher, and also studied electronic sources of information. When analyzing theoretical information, we did not forget about practical work- with a dosimeter "Bullfinch". Having studied the structure and principle of operation of the dosimeter, we measured background radiation in our school on different floors, in classrooms, in the gym and on the football field. While still working, we visited the MEDCI clinic in our city, where the medical staff of the x-ray room told us a lot of interesting things about their work.

    1. Theoretical information about ionizing radiation.
  1. Main part

Throughout the history of the Earth different types radiation falls on the Earth's surface from space and comes from radioactive substances located in the earth's crust.

The chemical element uranium, discovered in 1840 by the chemist Peligot Eugene Melchior, showed its ability to spontaneously emit thanks to the French scientist Henri Becquerel. This ability was later discovered in other chemical elements and was called radioactivity. This kind of research was carried out by E. Rutherford, P. Curie, M. Sklodowska-Curie and others. They did not immediately understand the danger posed by these radiations. Many of them subsequently died from radiation sickness.

Even before Becquerel's discovery, physics professor V. Roentgen discovered X-rays that penetrated a book, glass, and even a hand, making it possible to see the bones of a skeleton on a special screen. What if you mount this image on a photographic plate? This is how the first one was obtained x-ray».

N. Tesla also experimented with these rays, and it was he who proposed using them to detect tumors human organs. He managed to get pictures of animals, birds and himself. At first he was sure that these rays were harmless and sometimes he even fell asleep under them. But after one of the experiments, the scientist received a severe burn and realized the danger of these rays. Now everyone knows well: X-ray radiation is ionizing.

Radiation(although experts say ionizing radiation) is a stream of particles capable of ionizing a medium, that is, transforming neutral atoms and molecules of the medium into particles with a positive or negative charge (ions).

2.2. The use of radioactive radiation (the positive role of radiation).

Application of radioactive radiation:

    To study metabolism in the human body

In terms of chemical properties, radioactive atoms do not differ from ordinary atoms. They can be detected by their radiation. This is a kind of mark with which you can monitor the behavior of a given chemical element.

In this way, it was proven that in a relatively short time the body undergoes almost complete renewal. Only iron, which is part of hemoglobin, enters the blood when its reserves in the body are depleted and it begins to be absorbed by the body.

Here's another example. The well-known Lego company adds barium sulfate to its products in order to detect a toy that has entered a child’s esophagus, because barium sulfate is clearly visible in X-rays.

(Barium sulfateBaSO 4 is a means for carrying out X-ray studies human esophagus, stomach and intestines. It is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and does not enter the systemic circulation. Commercially, barium sulfate is obtained from heavy spar, which is a naturally occurring mineral.)

    For the treatment of oncological diseases, x-ray diagnostics, x-ray therapy

A course of radiation is prescribed ( radiation therapy) to suppress cancer cells on different stages course of the disease (cobalt gun), as well as for diagnosis and examination of a person.

    In industry: monitoring wear of piston rings in internal combustion engines; monitoring processes in blast furnaces; study of the structure of metal castings in order to detect defects.

    In agriculture: increasing yield when plant seeds are irradiated; monitoring the absorption of fertilizers by plants during growth and maturation.

    In archaeology: determining age organic compounds, organisms using the radioactive carbon method.

    1. Danger of radiation to humans ( negative role radiation).

Periodically, the population of our country undergoes medical examination. When performing a fluorographic examination of a person, they use x-rays, which relate to penetrating radiation. When the human body is exposed to radiation, the ionization process occurs directly in the cells of tissues and organs. And if the radiation source has high power, this can lead to unpleasant consequences. Under the influence of ionizing radiation, foreign chemically aggressive compounds appear in a living cell. If too many of these compounds accumulate, the cell dies. The danger of radiation is complicated by the fact that it does not cause any pain even at lethal doses.

It should be noted that all medical measures related to human irradiation are prescribed when the expected beneficial effect greatly exceeds possible harm from exposure to radiation.

A CT scan produces more radiation than an X-ray, but can detect malignant tumors and other diseases on the early stages. Treatment is prescribed before the disease develops, and the chances of a successful outcome increase significantly.

Modern digital devices for fluorographic examination can reduce the dose by 10 times compared to outdated equipment. This is exactly what the radiologist at the MEDSI clinic, V.G. Shustova, told us about. and x-ray laboratory assistant Kharitonova M.I.

Unfortunately, on our planet there have been more than once cases leading to irreversible processes in living organisms. On August 6, 1945, the Americans dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. From 1949 to 1963, tests were carried out in the Semipalatinsk region (now in Kazakhstan) nuclear weapons. The total power of all explosions was 2500 times higher than the power of the explosion in Japanese cities. Residents actively advocated for a ban on nuclear explosions and the closure of the test site. Since 2001, the “Stronger than Death” memorial has been erected in Semipalatinsk as a reminder of the terrible consequences of the tests! On April 26, 1986, an explosion occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Radioactive fallout fell on the territory of many countries. More than 30 years have passed since those terrible events, but no people live there, the territory continues to be abandoned and dangerous... And it is not known how long it will take for people to settle there...

Radioactive isotopes formed during the activities of nuclear energy enterprises (without explosions or hazardous emissions) are called artificial or man-made. At the same time, every thing, every object that surrounds us, including drinking water and the air itself, contains natural or natural radioactive isotopes.

(Isotopes- these are varieties of a given chemical element that have the same chemical properties, but differing in the mass of atomic nuclei and their radioactivity).

It is natural isotopes that make the greatest contribution to the annual human radiation dose. They become dangerous at high concentrations in various technological processes(extraction and transportation of oil and natural gas, combustion of coal and fuel oil at thermal power plants).

Soil and building materials always contain a certain amount of radium Ra-226 (a radioactive element), from which the radioactive noble gas radon (Rn-222) is formed. Radon gas is not retained in building structures, but freely escapes into the air. It can accumulate in closed, poorly ventilated rooms, and with the air it enters the human lungs and is carried by the blood to organs and tissues, which leads to internal irradiation of the body.

The largest amount of radon can accumulate in the shower; water vapor contributes to the influx of radon.

That is why in construction it is necessary to use clean materials that have passed radiation-hygienic control. And in the premises it is necessary to carry out wet cleaning (after all, dust particles may contain radon decay products), regularly ventilate them, there must be an exhaust hood above the stove, and drinking water It's better to boil. All this will significantly reduce the radon “dose”.

So where is the line between a safe and dangerous dose of radiation? The impact of radiation on living organisms is characterized by radiation dose.Absorbed dose radiation is the ratio of the absorbed energy of ionizing radiation to the mass of the irradiated substance. It is measured in grays (Gy). The natural background radiation per person per year is 0.002 Gy. According to the standards established by the International Commission on Radiation Protection, for persons working with radiation, the maximum permissible absorbed dose per year is 0.05 Gy.

To assess the effect of radiation on living organisms, a special quantity was introduced - equivalent dose of absorbed radiation. This value is measured in sieverts (Sv)- in honor of the Swedish scientist - radiophysicist Rolf Sievert. It received its name in 1979.

1 Sv- equivalent dose at which the dose of absorbed radiation is 1 Gy.

The maximum equivalent dose that causes damage to the body, resulting in impaired cell division, is 0.5 Sv.

The average equivalent dose of absorbed radiation due to natural background radiation is 2 mSv per year per person.

For ordinary person, not working with radiation sources, the permissible annual dose from man-made radiation (excluding medical exposure) is 1 mSv, and for employees working with radiation sources - 20 mSv.

According to the Decree of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation G. G. Onishchenko No. 11 of April 21. 2006 “On limiting exposure of the population during X-ray radiological medical research", clause 3.2, it is necessary to "ensure compliance with the annual effective dose of 1 mSv when conducting preventive medical X-ray examinations, including during medical examinations."

During a visit to the MEDSI clinic, doctor V.G. Shustova said that doctors and employees servicing the X-ray machine and computed tomograph use personal dosimeters. (However, they did not allow us to photograph the tomograph and dosimeter.)

    1. Results of a study of radiation levels on the school grounds.

The practical part of our work consisted of studying the level of background radiation on the territory of our school. Having understood the principle of operation of the Bullfinch dosimeter, we took measurements on the first floor of the school, where the physics room is located, in the dining room, where students eat delicious food, on the second floor, where the teachers’ room is located, and also on the third floor of our school, in the computer science room, history, in a large gym. The results are:

1st floor - 0.11 mSv; 2nd floor - 0.1 mSv; dining room - 0.09 mSv;

3rd floor - 0.1 mSv; history room - 0.13 mSv;

computer science room - 0.14 mSv; gym - 0.12 mSv;

on the football field - 0.07 mSv.

These studies showed that the level of background radiation on the territory of our school was not exceeded.

  1. Conclusion

So, we have learned a lot about radiation, we have found out that its effects on humans are often negative, negative. But also positive action in a person’s life, as it turns out, there is also enough. We got acquainted with a previously unknown measuring device (dosimeter) and now we know how to use it. Thanks to the Snegir dosimeter, we are now confident that the environment around us is safe.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the future may soon come when the role of radiation (and nuclear energy in general) will be only positive, and fantastic ideas will become reality.

“In the near future, portable nuclear engines may be installed on cars, and they will be refueled with the necessary nuclear fuel once - during the manufacture of cars at the factory... Airplanes will fly in the stratosphere, where the air is very rarefied. The nuclear engine will give the aircraft colossal capabilities that it does not currently have.”

I. K. Tsatsouline “Atomic Fortress.”

  1. List of sources and literature used

    Akatov A.A., Koryakovsky Yu.S. Radiation: from cosmic rays to computed tomography - M. Atomic Energy Information Center, 2014

    Blagodarov V.S., Ravutskaya Zh.I. Physics grades 7-11. Organization of extracurricular activities - Volgograd. : Teacher, 2011

    Vorontsov-Velyaminov B.A.Essays on the Universe - M.: Nauka, 1980

    Translation from English by Bannikov Yu.A.: Radiation. Doses, effects, risk - M.: Mir, 1990

    https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sievert,_Rolf

    http://rudoctor.net/medicine2009/bz-qw/med-pmpur.htm

    http://thelib.ru/books/caculin_ivan_k/atomnaya_krepost.html


The word “radiation” has long been entrenched in the minds of many people as something extremely dangerous, bringing chaos and destruction: invisible, without taste or smell, and therefore even more frightening. Considering what consequences, for example, an accident at a nuclear power plant or an explosion can lead to atomic bomb, it’s hard to disagree with this opinion - after all, high dose Radiation is truly deadly.

IN everyday life We are constantly exposed to radiation in small doses. And this, in general, does not cause concern or fear to anyone.

Scanners at airports

Over the past few years, many major airports have acquired security scanners. They differ from conventional metal detector frames in that they “create” a complete image of a person on the screen using Backscatter X-ray technology. In this case, the rays do not pass through - they are reflected. As a result, the passenger undergoing screening receives a small dose of X-ray radiation. During scanning, objects of different densities are painted on the screen in different colors. For example, metal items will appear as a black spot.

There is another type of scanner, it uses millimeter waves. It is a transparent capsule with rotating antennas.

Unlike metal detector frames, such devices are considered more effective in searching for prohibited items. Manufacturers of scanners claim that they are absolutely safe for the health of passengers. However, large-scale studies on this matter have not yet been carried out in the world. Therefore, the opinions of experts are divided: some support the manufacturers, others believe that such devices still cause some harm.

For example, biochemist from the University of California David Agard believes that an X-ray scanner is still harmful. According to the scientist, a person undergoing inspection on this device receives 20 times more radiation than stated by the manufacturers.

X-ray

Another source of so-called “household radiation” is x-ray examination. For example, one photograph of a tooth produces from 1 to 5 μSv (microsievert is a unit of measurement for the effective dose of ionizing radiation). And the photo chest- from 30?300 μSv. A radiation dose of approximately 1 sievert is considered lethal.

According to a study by doctors, 27 percent of all radiation that a person receives during his life comes from medical examinations.

Cigarettes

In 2008, there was active talk in the world that, in addition to other “harmful things,” tobacco also contained the toxic agent polonium-210.

According to the World Health Organization, toxic properties This radioactive element is much higher than that of any known cyanide. According to the management of the British American Tobacco company, a moderate smoker (no more than 1 pack per day) receives only 1/5 of the daily dose of the isotope.

Bananas and other food

Some natural foods contain the naturally occurring radioactive isotope carbon-14 as well as potassium-40. These include potatoes, beans, sunflower seeds, nuts, and also bananas.

By the way, potassium-40, according to scientists, has the longest half-life - more than a billion years. Another interesting point: in the “body” of an average-sized banana, about 15 acts of decomposition of potassium-40 occur every second. In this regard, the scientific world even came up with a comic value called “banana equivalent.” This is how they began to call the radiation dose comparable to eating one banana.

It is worth noting that bananas, despite their potassium-40 content, do not pose any danger to human health. By the way, every year a person receives a radiation dose of about 400 μSv through food and water.

Air travel and space radiation

Radiation from space is partially blocked by the Earth's atmosphere. The further into the sky, the higher the radiation level. That is why when traveling by plane a person receives a slightly higher dose. On average it is 5 μSv per hour of flight. At the same time, experts do not recommend flying more than 72 hours a month.

Actually, one of the main sources is the Earth. Radiation occurs due to radioactive substances contained in the soil, in particular uranium and thorium. The average background radiation is about 480 μSv per year. However, in some regions, for example, in the Indian state of Kerala, it is much higher due to the impressive thorium content in the soil.

What about mobile phones and WI-FI routers?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no “radiation threat” from these devices. The same cannot be said about televisions with cathode ray tubes and the same computer monitors (yes, they are still available). But even in this case, the radiation dose is negligible. In a year, only up to 10 μSv can be obtained from such a device.

The dose of radiation received by a person from natural and “household” sources is considered safe for the body. Experts believe that radiation accumulated over a lifetime should not exceed 700,000 μSv.

Radiation is ionizing radiation that causes irreparable harm to everything around us. People, animals and plants suffer. The biggest danger is that it is not visible to the human eye, so it is important to know about its main properties and effects in order to protect yourself.

Radiation accompanies people throughout their lives. She meets in environment, and also within each of us. The greatest impact comes from external sources. Many people have heard about the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the consequences of which are still encountered in our lives. People were not ready for such a meeting. This once again confirms that there are events in the world beyond the control of humanity.


Types of radiation

Not all chemicals stable. In nature, there are certain elements whose nuclei are transformed, breaking up into separate particles with the release of a huge amount of energy. This property is called radioactivity. As a result of research, scientists have discovered several types of radiation:

  1. Alpha radiation is a stream of heavy radioactive particles in the form of helium nuclei that can cause the greatest harm to others. Fortunately, they have low penetrating ability. In airspace they extend only a couple of centimeters. In fabric their range is a fraction of a millimeter. Thus, external radiation does not pose a danger. You can protect yourself by using thick clothing or a sheet of paper. But internal radiation is an impressive threat.
  2. Beta radiation is a stream of light particles moving a couple of meters in the air. These are electrons and positrons that penetrate two centimeters into the tissue. It is harmful if it comes into contact with human skin. However, it poses a greater danger when exposed from the inside, but less than alpha. To protect against the influence of these particles, special containers, protective screens, and a certain distance are used.
  3. Gamma and X-ray radiation are electromagnetic radiation, penetrating the body through and through. Protective measures against such exposure include the creation of lead screens and the construction of concrete structures. The most dangerous of irradiations for external damage, since it affects the entire body.
  4. Neutron radiation consists of a stream of neutrons, which have a higher penetrating power than gamma. It is formed as a result of nuclear reactions occurring in reactors and special research facilities. Appears during nuclear explosions and is found in waste fuel from nuclear reactors. Armor against such impact is created from lead, iron, and concrete.

All radioactivity on Earth can be divided into two main types: natural and artificial. The first includes radiation from space, soil, and gases. Artificial one appeared thanks to man using nuclear power plants, various equipment in medicine, and nuclear enterprises.


Natural sources

Naturally occurring radioactivity has always been present on the planet. Radiation is present in everything that surrounds humanity: animals, plants, soil, air, water. This low level of radiation is believed to have no harmful effects. Although, some scientists have a different opinion. Since people have no ability to influence this hazard, circumstances that increase the permissible values ​​should be avoided.

Varieties of natural sources

  1. Cosmic radiation and solar radiation- the most powerful sources capable of eliminating all life on Earth. Fortunately, the planet is protected from this impact by the atmosphere. However, people have tried to correct this situation by developing activities that lead to the formation of ozone holes. Avoid being exposed to direct sunlight for a long time.
  2. Radiation from the earth's crust is dangerous near deposits of various minerals. By burning coal or using phosphorus fertilizers, radionuclides actively seep inside a person with the air they inhale and the food they eat.
  3. Radon is a radioactive chemical element found in building materials. It is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. This element actively accumulates in soils and comes out along with mining. It enters apartments along with household gas, as well as tap water. Fortunately, its concentration can be easily reduced by constantly ventilating the premises.

Artificial sources

This species appeared thanks to people. Its effect increases and spreads with their help. During the outbreak of a nuclear war, the strength and power of weapons is not as terrible as the consequences of radioactive radiation after explosions. Even if you are not caught by a blast wave or physical factors, radiation will finish you off.


Artificial sources include:

  • Nuclear weapons;
  • Medical equipment;
  • Waste from enterprises;
  • Certain gemstones;
  • Some antique items taken from dangerous areas. Including from Chernobyl.

Norm of radioactive radiation

Scientists have been able to establish that radiation has different effects on individual organs and the entire body as a whole. In order to assess the damage resulting from chronic exposure, the concept of equivalent dose was introduced. It is calculated by the formula and is equal to the product of the dose received, absorbed by the body and averaged over a specific organ or the entire human body, by a weight multiplier.

The unit of measurement for equivalent dose is the ratio of Joule to kilograms, which is called the sievert (Sv). Using it, a scale was created that allows us to understand the specific danger of radiation for humanity:

  • 100 Sv. Instant death. The victim has a few hours, a couple of days at most.
  • From 10 to 50 Sv. Anyone who receives injuries of this nature will die in a few weeks from severe internal bleeding.
  • 4-5 Sv. When this amount is ingested, the body copes in 50% of cases. Otherwise, the sad consequences lead to death a couple of months later due to bone marrow damage and circulatory disorders.
  • 1 Sv. When absorbing such a dose, radiation sickness is inevitable.
  • 0.75 Sv. Changes in the circulatory system for a short period of time.
  • 0.5 Sv. This amount is enough for the patient to develop cancer. There are no other symptoms.
  • 0.3 Sv. This value is inherent in the device for performing x-rays of the stomach.
  • 0.2 Sv. Permissible level for working with radioactive materials.
  • 0.1 Sv. With this amount, uranium is mined.
  • 0.05 Sv. This value is the radiation exposure rate for medical devices.
  • 0.0005 Sv. Permissible amount of radiation level near nuclear power plants. This is also the value of the annual exposure of the population, which is equal to the norm.

A safe dose of radiation for humans includes values ​​up to 0.0003-0.0005 Sv per hour. The maximum permissible exposure is 0.01 Sv per hour, if such exposure is short-lived.

The effect of radiation on humans

Radioactivity has a huge impact on the population. Not only the people who come face to face with the danger are exposed to harmful effects, but also the next generation. Such circumstances are caused by the effect of radiation at the genetic level. There are two types of influence:

  • Somatic. Diseases occur in a victim who has received a dose of radiation. Leads to the appearance of radiation sickness, leukemia, tumors of various organs, and local radiation injuries.
  • Genetic. Associated with a defect in the genetic apparatus. It appears in subsequent generations. Children, grandchildren and more distant descendants suffer. Gene mutations and chromosomal changes occur

In addition to the negative impact, there is also a favorable moment. Thanks to the study of radiation, scientists were able to create a medical examination based on it that allows them to save lives.


Mutation after radiation

Consequences of radiation

When receiving chronic radiation, restoration measures take place in the body. This leads to the fact that the victim acquires a smaller load than he would receive with a single penetration of the same amount of radiation. Radionuclides are distributed unevenly inside a person. Most often they suffer: respiratory system, digestive organs, liver, thyroid gland.

The enemy does not sleep even 4-10 years after irradiation. Blood cancer can develop inside a person. It poses a particular danger to adolescents under 15 years of age. It has been observed that the mortality rate of people working with x-ray equipment is increased due to leukemia.

The most common result of radiation exposure is radiation sickness, which occurs both with a single dose and with long-term exposure. If there is a large amount of radionuclides it leads to death. Breast and thyroid cancer are common.

A huge number of organs suffer. Vision is impaired and mental state victim. Lung cancer is common in uranium miners. External radiation causes terrible burns of the skin and mucous membranes.

Mutations

After exposure to radionuclides, two types of mutations can occur: dominant and recessive. The first occurs immediately after irradiation. The second type is discovered after a long period of time not in the victim, but in his subsequent generation. Disorders caused by the mutation lead to deviations in the development of internal organs in the fetus, external deformities and mental changes.

Unfortunately, mutations are poorly studied, since they usually do not appear immediately. After time, it is difficult to understand what exactly had the dominant influence on its occurrence.

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