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RADIATION HAZARDS
Radiation is caused by disintegration of radioactive substances.
Radioactive substances are mostly heavy unstable metals which breakup into small particles that are more stable.
Disintegration process usually will give out energy which is part of the electromagnetic spectrum i.e. Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible light, UV light, X-ray and Gamma rays.
Radiation’s induces changes in genetic makeup (mutation) and can cause cancer. Radiation hazards can be acute or chronic, immediate or long term.
Types of radiation
(a) Alpha radiation
These are radiations associated with a loss of streams of helium atoms, which are normally positive, charged. Alpha particles are heavy particles with low penetrating power. Nevertheless, they are able to destroy by causing ionization of other atoms and cells that they pass through.
- b) Beta radiation
Beta particles are associated loss of with streams of electrons emitted from nuclei of radioactive isotope.These negatively charged electrons have moderate penetrating power and can destroy ells, tissues and organs by ionizing them.
- c) Gamma radiation These are radiation without charge; they are very light and therefore have high penetrating power through cells, tissues and organs, which they destroy by ionizing them.
Prevention of radiation hazards
- Radiation hazards can best be prevented by staying away from radioactive substances.
- Alternatively, the use of radioactive materials should be carefully controlled.
- They can also be prevented by using proper protective clothing and radiation indicators e.g. pocket dosimeters or special film badges .These gadgets are usually placed in pockets or attached to the lab coat and they measures the amounts of radiation one have taken,
- The gadgets shall then take for analysis in special laboratories to determine the amount of radiation one has taken in from the laboratory.
- Only well trained laboratory personnel should be allowed to work in such radiation laboratories and should use protective clothing. They must regularly undergo routine medical examination.
- Radioactive materials must be stored in a restricted access conditions in a block of lead that is surrounded by a thick wood or concrete block and be clearly labeled.
- There should be radiation warning signs placed on the lab coats