Everything you need to know about radiation to protect yourself

Radiation is a scary word that causes panic. The whole world first spoke about it after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. And since then, the excitement around this topic has not subsided. It is important to understand why it is dangerous, in what situations, and most importantly, what needs to be done to protect yourself.

Radiation is not a very precise concept. A similar term refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation. But in our case we are talking about ionizing radiation, as it is called in scientific circles. It changes the state of nuclei and atoms, turning them into charged ions and products of nuclear reactions. There are several types of radiation. And, as the Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the KNU. Taras Shevchenko Igor Kadenko, the shorter the wavelength, the easier the radiation penetrates through the protection or obstacle. ^[1] This illustrates why the five types of radiation have different degrees of danger to humans:

• alpha radiation – a stream of positively charged particles, the speed of which is 20 thousand km / s. They are absorbed by paper, but practically do not penetrate human skin. This type of radiation is dangerous only when it enters the body, for example, with air, food or through an open wound;
• beta radiation – a stream of negatively charged particles with a speed at the level of light. They can penetrate to a depth of up to two centimeters, so clothing will become protection;
• gamma – short-wave electromagnetic radiation, similar in quality to x-rays, but with greater speed and energy. It has the highest penetrating power. Only metal structures or walls of the house can “weaken” it; ^[2]
• x-ray – somewhat similar to gamma radiation, but differs in that it is generated by equipment. Used for diagnosis and treatment. The lead screen is able to protect a person from the negative effects of x-rays;
• neutrons – are also present in space, but in the majority they are the product of nuclear decay, which occurs in a nuclear reactor. This is the most dangerous type of radiation, because neutrons can travel long distances, polluting water, soil, air, and body tissues. To stop them, you need to use materials that contain carbon and water – concrete, paraffin. ^[3]

Radiation around us – myth or reality

Marie Curie received the Nobel Prize in 1903 for her discovery of radioactivity. But this event did not become so famous among the public. Even more: a newly discovered chemical element – radium began to be widely used. They painted clock faces that glowed in the dark. And the girls did it by hand, wetting the brushes in their mouths. The results were not long in coming. Absorbed by muscle and bone tissue, radium “burned” everything around, causing malignant neoplasms. ^[4]

Today, there is no such irresponsible attitude towards a radioactive element, but many believe that radiation is dangerous only in case of accidents at nuclear power plants or as a result of the use of nuclear weapons. In fact, there are two types of sources of ionizing radiation: natural and artificial (technogenic).

Natural sources of radioactivity

Every person on the planet is exposed to radiation from natural sources, and it is impossible to avoid it. But natural radiation is mainly presented in low doses, because the radiation background is formed from:

• cosmic rays. There is no place where they would not reach the surface of the Earth. But there is more radiation at the North and South Poles than at the equator. Altitude above sea level also affects the level of radiation. The higher this indicator, the less air that takes on the role of a protective screen from cosmic rays. ^[5];
• solar radiation, from which the ozone layer protects us. But given the constant destruction of this part of the stratosphere, one should be careful with sunbathing. ^[6];
• terrestrial radiation, which is released by some rocks, mineral formations, for example, phosphate ore.

Sources of artificial radionuclides

Man-made sources of ionizing radiation are all those that are created by man. At the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century, the energy of the atom was “conquered” and began to be used for a variety of purposes: from military to medicine, to energy production. There are many areas in which artificial ionizing radiation is used:

• nuclear energy – the production of electricity at nuclear power plants and power plants;
• food industry: sterilization and pasteurization of products;
• heavy industry and construction – to control the quality of products;
• nuclear logging;
• chemistry and physics, where radiation is used to study the molecular structure of matter;
• medicine, both as a diagnosis and treatment;
• Scientific research. ^[7]

Man can control artificial sources of radiation, but sometimes unforeseen situations may arise. In such cases, there is a danger of exposure to radiation with possible negative consequences. The accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant has become one of those cases, the fruits of which humanity will reap for a long time to come. A repetition of such a tragedy is possible, because Ukraine alone has four nuclear power plants. Today, there is also the possibility of using nuclear weapons, so everyone should know as much information as possible about the effects of radiation, the consequences of radiation and how to protect against it.

What effect does radiation have on the human body?

The effect of ionizing radiation on a person depends on several indicators at once: dose, time and frequency of exposure. It can be both instantaneous and permanent. From the point of view of the consequences, it is precisely large doses of radiation that are dangerous, because they kill and destroy cells.

The type of radionuclides is also important, since different elements are accumulated differently by organs and tissues. For example, the thyroid gland is sensitive to iodine isotopes, barium, radium, plutonium, strontium affect bone tissue, kidneys suffer the most from uranium, and hydrogen, carbon and sodium accumulate throughout the body. ^[8]

The radiation effects of human exposure are divided into two types: genetic and somatic. The former are associated with damage to the genetic apparatus, and can manifest themselves in the next generations – children, grandchildren, and even more. Somatic effects are consequences that occur directly in the human body, which has been affected by high doses of radiation, and manifests itself in the form of:

• radiation sickness;
• local radiation injuries;
• leukemia;
• tumors of various organs. ^[8]

Radiation sickness

Radiation sickness, as the most common consequence of exposure, begins after 1-2 Sv exposure (Sieverts – units of radiation). In this case, its first degree is fixed, and after 2 and up to 4 Sv – the second degree requiring treatment. Without proper care, the patient may die. The third degree of exposure is 4-6 Sv. A lethal dose is above 6 Sv (fourth degree): only 10% of patients can be saved. ^[9]

Radiation sickness is classified according to several indicators:

1. The nature of exposure: acute and chronic.
2. Form: radiation injury, bone marrow, gastrointestinal, cerebral, vascular.
3. Phases (refers to a typical bone marrow form): I – phase of primary general reactivity, II – latent phase, III – phase of developed symptoms, IV – recovery phase. ^[10]

The symptomatology of such a consequence of exposure depends on the degree of damage and the stage. First, a person experiences general malaise, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, headache, and vomiting. At high doses of radiation, fever, diarrhea, a sharp drop in blood pressure with loss of consciousness are also possible. In the second stage of the disease, the general condition may improve somewhat, but the pulse and blood pressure are unstable, reflexes are reduced. Hair loss is possible 2-3 weeks after irradiation. The third phase is characterized by nine clinical symptoms: agranulocytosis, anemic syndrome, oral syndrome (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis), hemorrhagic (bleeding) and intestinal syndromes, late radiation hepatitis, syndromes of infectious complications and radiation cachexia, as well as a syndrome of cardiovascular complications. ^[11] The fourth stage is the improvement of the condition, the partial restoration of the affected organs. But it is worth remembering: the consequences of radiation sickness can manifest themselves even after a few years.

Is it possible to protect yourself from radiation exposure in radiation emergencies

A large-scale release of radiation as a result of a terrorist act or an explosion at a nuclear power plant is a rather serious threat. But the opportunity to protect yourself even in such situations exists. It is important to strictly observe three main recommendations in a radiation accident:

1. Go to shelter.
2. Stay in cover.
3. Be in touch.

It is also important to stay as far away as possible from the epicenter of the explosion, so when you see a flash, fire or any other evidence of a disaster, you need to run in the opposite direction from it. Within 30 minutes you need to find a shelter, because it is during this time that the initial radiation disappears, and the main danger is radioactive small particles that settle around.

Shelter can be a residential building, retail or office space, in which doors and windows are hermetically closed. The more walls and obstacles in them, the stronger the protection.

It is advisable to be located in the center of the room, away from possible sources of ingress of products of a nuclear explosion. The underground basement, bookshelves in the library can reduce exposure to a greater extent than an apartment or an ordinary house.

If the shelter is not the most reliable by all criteria, you should not immediately go out into the open air to look for another. It is better to wait 30 minutes and only then go in search. It is critically important to ensure that there are no grains of radionuclides on the skin, hair and clothes, because others can also suffer from them. Radioactive fallout accumulates on the collar, sleeves, headgear. If possible, you need to remove everything on the street or wash it immediately, be sure to take a shower. ^[12] In extreme cases, you can wipe the exposed areas of the body with a clean, damp cloth, damp cloth.

When there is a threat of radioactive contamination, it is strictly prohibited:

• stay outdoors for a long time. It is possible to leave the shelter only when there is a serious need, using protective equipment – goggles, a second-class respirator that fits snugly to the face;
• drink water from open sources – wells, lakes. Can only be used filtered or from hermetically sealed containers;
• eat food without thorough washing. It is advisable to stock up on canned food, packaged food that can not get radioactive dust.

You should also carry out wet cleaning 3-4 times a day and, if possible, filter the air in the shelter. ^[13] It is important to take into account that the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons or the explosion of a nuclear power plant are affected by remoteness from their epicenter. As experts in the field of nuclear and radiation safety predict, in the case of using weapons of this type, about 70% of the victims in the immediate vicinity of the place of its use will face mechanical damage and burns, 30% will receive radiation exposure. Within a radius of 2-2,5 km, three types of injuries are possible: mechanical, thermal and radiation-related. The probability of their occurrence is 50%. Being at a distance of 2,5-5 km, 75% will be able to avoid the consequences, only 25% will suffer. ^[14]

If an explosion as a result of using a bomb or missiles occurs at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, as experts say, radioactive dust may be released into the environment. First of all, the personnel of the nuclear power plant, as well as all workers in the exclusion zone, will suffer. Those who will be within a radius of 16 kilometers can receive a radiation dose of 100 mSv, which is a relatively safe indicator without serious consequences for the body.

But at the same time there is one serious threat – radioactive contamination of reservoirs. To avoid this, it will be necessary to build dams in the way of water and provide effective ways to filter it. If this is not thought through, agricultural land may also suffer. Grown crops contaminated with radioactive water would be dangerous to use. ^[15]

There can be many consequences from the use of nuclear weapons or an explosion at a nuclear power plant. I would like to believe that all this is just a hypothetical scenario, but it is necessary to remember how to act in the event of a man-made disaster.

Do I need to take iodine supplements

Another important question that interests many in the period of possible man-made disasters is whether it is necessary to stock up on iodine preparations. The answer to it is not entirely clear. It is possible to have potassium iodide tablets in the first aid kit, but you should not take it without the advice of emergency workers or the Ministry of Health. The fact is that this drug is needed only when radioactive iodine enters the environment. KI fills the thyroid gland with stable iodine, thereby preventing the absorption of radionuclides. Only in this case, the medicine is able to protect and reduce the risk of developing oncology of this particular organ. A single dose of potassium iodide is effective for 24 hours. ^[16]

Which remedy to choose and how to take it

To protect the thyroid gland in the event of a threat of environmental contamination with radioactive iodine isotopes, it is best to use potassium iodide tablets. In the pharmacy they can be found under the following trade names:

• Iodomarin;
• Iodofol;
• Iodine active;
• Iodine balance;
• Microiodide;
• Potassium Iodide.

Tablets based on potassium iodide are preferably presented in a dose of 100 or 200 mg. But the Ukrainian pharmaceutical factory “Darnitsa” began to produce 125 mg in 1 tablet. ^[17]. This dosage is optimal for radiation threat.

If it is not possible to buy pills or drugs are not available in the first-aid kit, a 5% aqueous-alcoholic solution of iodine is allowed. Lugol’s solution, which is used as an antiseptic for infectious diseases of the throat, is also suitable. With any of these funds, you should be careful, because they are not intended for ingestion, but can be used as an emergency measure.

The dosage of potassium iodide tablets for children from 2 years of age and adults is 125 mg 1 time per day. Children under 2 years of age should take 40 mg of the drug (approximately a third of a 125 mg tablet), crushed into powder and dissolved in sweet tea.

Doses of 5% water-alcohol solution of iodine:

• children under 5 years of age should not be taken orally. It is allowed to apply a diluted 1 to 1 water-alcohol solution of 5% iodine on the skin in the region of the lower leg or forearm. Dose – 20-22 drops;
• at the age of 5 to 12 years, the dosage of the drug is 20-22 drops 1 time or 10-11 drops 2 times a day;
• children over 12 and adults should take 44 drops diluted in half a glass of milk or water.

Acceptance of Lugol’s solution:

• children under 5 years of age are not prescribed;
• 5-12 years – 10-11 drops 1 time or 5-6 drops 2 times;
• from 12 years and adults – 22 drops.

All funds must be taken 1 time per day until the threat disappears. Water-alcohol solution of iodine and Lugol’s solution must be diluted with water or milk. In their pure form, they cannot be taken categorically. ^[18]

Is radiation so terrible if you know everything about it

Ionizing radiation is colorless, tasteless and odorless. Only a dosimeter can determine the level of radiation, which, as a rule, ordinary citizens do not have. But today is not 1986, so any information spreads quickly. Everyone can take timely steps to protect themselves, their family members, and pets. It is important to be prepared for this and not panic, because fear does not contribute to making the right decisions. In the case of radiation danger, we have a chance to protect ourselves.

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