The mechanism of action of ionizing radiation on the human body. Consequences of exposure to ionizing radiation on the human body during external and internal exposure, surface contamination with radioactive substances

10.10.2019

Nuclear energy is actively used with peaceful purposes, for example, in the work of the X-ray machine, the accelerator, which made it possible to distribute ionizing radiation in the national economy. Given that a person is exposed to it on a daily basis, it is necessary to find out what the consequences of dangerous contact can be and how to protect yourself.

Main characteristic

Ionizing radiation is a kind of radiant energy that enters a specific environment, causing the process of ionization in the body. Similar characteristic ionizing radiation suitable for x-rays, radioactive and high energies, and more.

Ionizing radiation has a direct effect on the human body. Despite the fact that ionizing radiation can be used in medicine, it is extremely dangerous, as evidenced by its characteristics and properties.

Known varieties are radioactive irradiations, which appear due to the arbitrary splitting of the atomic nucleus, which causes the transformation of chemical and physical properties. Substances that can decay are considered radioactive.

They are artificial (seven hundred elements), natural (fifty elements) - thorium, uranium, radium. It should be noted that they have carcinogenic properties, toxins are released as a result of exposure to humans can cause cancer, radiation sickness.

It is necessary to note the following types of ionizing radiation that affect the human body:

Alpha

They are considered positively charged helium ions, which appear in the case of the decay of the nuclei of heavy elements. Protection from ionizing radiation is carried out using a paper sheet, cloth.

Beta

- a stream of negatively charged electrons that appear in the event of the decay of radioactive elements: artificial, natural. The damaging factor much higher than the previous species. As protection, you need a thick screen, more durable. These radiations include positrons.

Gamma

- a hard electromagnetic oscillation that appears after the decay of the nuclei of radioactive substances. There is a high penetrating factor, which is the most dangerous radiation of the three listed for the human body. To shield the rays, you need to use special devices. This will require good and durable materials: water, lead and concrete.

x-ray

Ionizing radiation is formed in the process of working with a tube, complex installations. The characteristic resembles gamma rays. The difference lies in the origin, wavelength. There is a penetrating factor.

Neutron

Neutron radiation is a stream of uncharged neutrons, which are part of nuclei, except for hydrogen. As a result of irradiation, substances receive a portion of radioactivity. There is the largest penetrating factor. All these types of ionizing radiation are very dangerous.

Main sources of radiation

Sources of ionizing radiation are artificial, natural. Basically, the human body receives radiation from natural sources, these include:

terrestrial radiation;
internal irradiation.

As for the sources of terrestrial radiation, many of them are carcinogenic. These include:

Uranus;
potassium;
thorium;
polonium;
lead;
rubidium;
radon.

The danger is that they are carcinogenic. Radon is a gas that has no smell, color, taste. It is seven and a half times heavier than air. Its decay products are much more dangerous than gas, so the impact on the human body is extremely tragic.

Artificial sources include:

nuclear power;
enrichment factories;
uranium mines;
burial grounds with radioactive waste;
x-ray machines;
nuclear explosion;
scientific laboratories;
radionuclides that are actively used in modern medicine;
lighting devices;
computers and telephones;
Appliances.

In the presence of these sources nearby, there is a factor of the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation, the unit of which depends on the duration of exposure to the human body.

The operation of sources of ionizing radiation occurs daily, for example: when you work at a computer, watch a TV show or speak on mobile phone, smartphone. All of these sources are to some extent carcinogenic, they can cause severe and fatal diseases.

The placement of sources of ionizing radiation includes a list of important, responsible work related to the development of a project for the location of irradiating installations. All radiation sources contain a certain unit of radiation, each of which has a certain effect on the human body. This includes manipulations carried out for installation, commissioning of these installations.

It should be pointed out that the disposal of sources of ionizing radiation is mandatory.

It is a process that helps to decommission generating sources. This procedure consists of technical, administrative measures that are aimed at ensuring the safety of personnel, the public, and there is also a factor in protecting the environment. Carcinogenic sources and equipment are a huge danger to the human body, so they must be disposed of.

Features of registration of radiation

The characteristic of ionizing radiation shows that they are invisible, they have no smell and color, so they are difficult to notice.

For this, there are methods for registering ionizing radiation. As for the methods of detection, measurement, everything is carried out indirectly, some property is taken as the basis.

The following methods for detecting ionizing radiation are used:

Physical: ionization, proportional counter, gas-discharge Geiger-Muller counter, ionization chamber, semiconductor counter.
Calorimetric detection method: biological, clinical, photographic, hematological, cytogenetic.
Fluorescent: Fluorescent and scintillation counters.
Biophysical method: radiometry, calculated.

Dosimetry of ionizing radiation is carried out with the help of devices that are able to determine the dose of radiation. The device includes three main parts - pulse counter, sensor, power supply. Radiation dosimetry is possible thanks to a dosimeter, a radiometer.

Influences on a person

The effect of ionizing radiation on the human body is especially dangerous. The following consequences are possible:

there is a factor of very deep biological change;
there is a cumulative effect of a unit of absorbed radiation;
the effect manifests itself over time, since a latent period is noted;
all internal organs, systems have different sensitivity to a unit of absorbed radiation;
radiation affects all offspring;
the effect depends on the unit of absorbed radiation, radiation dose, duration.

Despite the use of radiation devices in medicine, their effects can be detrimental. The biological effect of ionizing radiation in the process of uniform irradiation of the body, in the calculation of 100% of the dose, is the following:

bone marrow - a unit of absorbed radiation 12%;
lungs - at least 12%;
bones - 3%;
testicles, ovaries– the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation is about 25%;
thyroid gland– unit of absorbed dose is about 3%;
mammary glands - approximately 15%;
other tissues - the unit of absorbed radiation dose is 30%.

As a result, there may be various diseases up to oncology, paralysis and radiation sickness. It is extremely dangerous for children and pregnant women, as there is an abnormal development of organs and tissues. Toxins, radiation - sources of dangerous diseases.

ionizing radiation is any radiation that causes ionization of the medium , those. the flow of electric currents in this environment, including in the human body, which often leads to cell destruction, changes in blood composition, burns and other serious consequences.

Sources of ionizing radiation

Sources of ionizing radiation are radioactive elements and their isotopes, nuclear reactors, charged particle accelerators, etc. X-ray installations and high-voltage direct current sources are sources of x-ray radiation. It should be noted here that in the normal mode of their operation, the radiation hazard is negligible. It occurs when an emergency occurs and can manifest itself for a long time in the event of radioactive contamination of the area.

The population receives a significant part of the exposure from natural sources of radiation: from space and from radioactive substances located in the earth's crust. The most significant of this group is the radioactive gas radon, which occurs in almost all soils and is constantly released to the surface, and most importantly, penetrating into industrial and residential premises. It almost does not manifest itself, as it is odorless and colorless, which makes it difficult to detect.

Ionizing radiation is divided into two types: electromagnetic (gamma radiation and X-ray radiation) and corpuscular, which is a- and β-particles, neutrons, etc.

Types of ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiation is called radiation, the interaction of which with the medium leads to the formation of ions of various signs. The sources of these radiations are widely used in nuclear power engineering, engineering, chemistry, medicine, agriculture etc. Working with radioactive substances and sources of ionizing radiation poses a potential threat to the health and life of people involved in their use.

There are two types of ionizing radiation:

1) corpuscular (α- and β-radiation, neutron radiation);

2) electromagnetic (γ-radiation and X-ray).

alpha radiation- this is the flow of nuclei of helium atoms emitted by matter during the radioactive decay of matter or during nuclear reactions. A significant mass of α-particles limits their speed and increases the number of collisions in matter, so α-particles have a high ionizing ability and low penetrating power. The range of α-particles in air reaches 8÷9 cm, and in living tissue - several tens of micrometers. This radiation poses no danger as long as the radioactive substances emitting a- particles will not enter the body through a wound, with food or inhaled air; then they become extremely dangerous.

Beta radiation- This is the flow of electrons or positrons arising from the radioactive decay of nuclei. Compared to α-particles, β-particles have a much smaller mass and a lower charge, therefore, β-particles have a higher penetrating power than α-particles, and the ionizing power is lower. The range of β-particles in air is 18 m, in living tissue - 2.5 cm.

neutron radiation- this is a stream of nuclear particles that do not have a charge, emitted from the nuclei of atoms during some nuclear reactions, in particular during the fission of uranium and plutonium nuclei. Depending on the energy, there are slow neutrons(with energy less than 1 keV), intermediate energy neutrons(from 1 to 500 keV) and fast neutrons(from 500 keV to 20 MeV). During the inelastic interaction of neutrons with the nuclei of atoms of the medium, secondary radiation arises, consisting of both charged particles and γ-quanta. The penetrating power of neutrons depends on their energy, but it is much higher than that of α-particles or β-particles. For fast neutrons, the path length in air is up to 120 m, and in biological tissue - 10 cm.

Gamma radiation is an electromagnetic radiation emitted during nuclear transformations or interaction of particles (10 20 ÷10 22 Hz). Gamma radiation has a low ionizing effect, but a high penetrating power and propagates at the speed of light. It freely passes through the human body and other materials. This radiation can only be blocked by a thick lead or concrete slab.

x-ray radiation also represents the electromagnetic radiation arising from the deceleration of fast electrons in matter (10 17 ÷10 20 Hz).

The concept of nuclides and radionuclides

Nuclei of all isotopes chemical elements form a group of "nuclides". Most nuclides are unstable, i.e. they turn into other nuclides all the time. For example, an atom of uranium-238 occasionally emits two protons and two neutrons (a-particles). Uranium turns into thorium-234, but thorium is also unstable. Ultimately, this chain of transformations ends with a stable lead nuclide.

The spontaneous decay of an unstable nuclide is called radioactive decay, and such a nuclide itself is called a radionuclide.

With each decay, energy is released, which is transmitted further in the form of radiation. Therefore, it can be said that, to a certain extent, the emission of a particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons by the nucleus is a-radiation, the emission of an electron is β-radiation, and, in some cases, g-radiation occurs.

The formation and dispersion of radionuclides leads to radioactive contamination of air, soil, water, which requires constant monitoring of their content and the adoption of measures to neutralize them.

Effect of ionizing radiation on the body

The main effect of all ionizing radiation on the body is to ionize the tissues of those organs and systems that are exposed to them. The charges acquired as a result of this cause the occurrence of oxidative reactions unusual for the normal state in cells, which, in turn, cause a number of responses. Thus, in the irradiated tissues of a living organism, a series of chain reactions occur that disrupt the normal functional state of individual organs, systems, and the organism as a whole. There is an assumption that as a result of such reactions in the tissues of the body, harmful products are formed - toxins, which have an adverse effect.

When working with products that have ionizing radiation, the ways of exposure to the latter can be twofold: through external and internal radiation. External exposure can occur when working on accelerators, X-ray machines and other installations that emit neutrons and X-rays, as well as when working with sealed radioactive sources, that is, radioactive elements sealed in glass or other blind ampoules, if the latter remain intact. Sources of beta and gamma radiation can pose a risk of both external and internal exposure. alpha radiation practically poses a danger only with internal irradiation, since due to the very low penetrating power and small range of alpha particles in air environment a small distance from the source of radiation or a small shielding eliminates the danger of external radiation.

With external irradiation with rays with a significant penetrating power, ionization occurs not only on the irradiated surface of the skin and other integuments, but also in deeper tissues, organs and systems. The period of direct external exposure to ionizing radiation - exposure - is determined by the exposure time.

Internal exposure occurs when radioactive substances enter the body, which can occur when inhaling vapors, gases and aerosols of radioactive substances, entering them into the digestive tract or entering the bloodstream (in cases of contamination of damaged skin and mucous membranes). Internal irradiation is more dangerous, because, firstly, in direct contact with tissues, even radiation of low energies and with minimal penetrating power still have an effect on these tissues; secondly, when a radioactive substance is in the body, the duration of its exposure (exposure) is not limited to the time of direct work with sources, but continues uninterrupted until its complete decay or removal from the body. In addition, when ingested, some radioactive substances, having certain toxic properties, in addition to ionization, have a local or general toxic effect (see "Harmful chemicals").

In the body, radioactive substances, like all other products, are carried by the bloodstream to all organs and systems, after which they are partially excreted from the body through the excretory systems (gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, sweat and mammary glands, etc.), and some of them are deposited in certain organs and systems, exerting a predominant, more pronounced effect on them. Some radioactive substances (for example, sodium - Na 24) are distributed throughout the body relatively evenly. predominant deposit various substances in certain organs and systems is determined by their physicochemical properties and the functions of these organs and systems.

The complex of persistent changes in the body under the influence of ionizing radiation is called radiation sickness. Radiation sickness can develop both as a result of chronic exposure to ionizing radiation, and with short-term exposure to significant doses. It is characterized mainly by changes in the central nervous system (depression, dizziness, nausea, general weakness, etc.), blood and hematopoietic organs, blood vessels (bruising due to vascular fragility), endocrine glands.

ionizing radiation- a type of radiation that everyone associates exclusively with explosions of atomic bombs and accidents at nuclear power plants.

However, in reality, ionizing radiation surrounds a person and is a natural radiation background: it is formed in household appliances, on electrical towers, etc. When exposed to sources, a person is exposed to this radiation.

Should we be afraid of serious consequences - radiation sickness or organ damage?

The strength of the radiation depends on the duration of contact with the source and its radioactivity. Household appliances that create a slight "noise" are not dangerous to humans.

But some types of sources can cause serious harm to the body. To prevent negative impact, you need to know the basic information: what is ionizing radiation and where it comes from, as well as how it affects a person.

Nature of ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiation occurs when radioactive isotopes decay.

There are many such isotopes, they are used in electronics, the nuclear industry, energy production:

uranium-238;
thorium-234;
uranium-235, etc.

Radioactive isotopes naturally decay over time. The decay rate depends on the type of isotope and is calculated in the half-life.

After a certain period of time (for some elements this may be a few seconds, for others hundreds of years), the number of radioactive atoms decreases exactly by half.

The energy that is released during the decay and destruction of nuclei is released in the form of ionizing radiation. It penetrates into various structures, knocking out ions from them.

Ionizing waves are based on gamma radiation, measured in gamma quanta. During the transfer of energy, no particles are released: atoms, molecules, neutrons, protons, electrons or nuclei. The impact of ionizing radiation is purely wave.

Penetrating power of radiation

All species differ in penetrating ability, that is, the ability to quickly overcome distances and pass through various physical obstacles.

The smallest indicator is alpha radiation, and ionizing radiation is based on gamma rays - the most penetrating of the three types of waves. In this case, alpha radiation has the most negative effect.

What distinguishes gamma radiation?

It is dangerous due to the following characteristics:

propagates at the speed of light;
passes through soft tissues, wood, paper, drywall;
stops only with a thick layer of concrete and a metal sheet.

To delay the waves that propagate this radiation, special boxes are installed at nuclear power plants. Thanks to them, radiation cannot ionize living organisms, that is, disrupt the molecular structure of people.

Outside, the boxes are made of thick concrete, inner part upholstered in a sheet of pure lead. Lead and concrete reflect the rays or trap them in their structure, preventing them from spreading and harming the living environment.

Types of radiation sources

The opinion that radiation occurs only as a result of human activity is erroneous. Almost all living objects and the planet itself have a weak radiation background, respectively. Therefore, avoiding ionizing radiation is very difficult.

Based on the nature of occurrence, all sources are divided into natural and anthropogenic. The most dangerous are anthropogenic, such as the release of waste into the atmosphere and water bodies, emergency situation or the operation of an electrical appliance.

The danger of the latter source is debatable: it is believed that small emitting devices do not pose a serious threat to humans.

The action is individual: someone may feel a deterioration in well-being against the background of weak radiation, while the other individual will be completely unaffected by the natural background.

Natural sources of radiation

Mineral rocks are the main danger to humans. accumulates in their cavities the largest number invisible to human receptors of a radioactive gas - radon.

It is naturally released from the earth's crust and is poorly recorded by testing instruments. Upon delivery building materials possible contact with radioactive rocks, and as a result - the process of ionization of the body.

You should be afraid:

granite;
pumice;
marble;
phosphogypsum;
alumina.

These are the most porous materials that retain radon best of all. This gas is emitted from building materials or soil.

It is lighter than air, so it rises great height. If instead open skies an obstacle is found above the ground (canopy, roof of the room), gas will accumulate.

The high saturation of the air with its elements leads to the exposure of people, which can only be compensated by removing radon from residential areas.

To get rid of radon, you need to start a simple airing. You should try not to inhale the air in the room where the infection occurred.

Registration of the occurrence of accumulated radon is carried out only with the help of specialized symptoms. Without them, it is possible to draw a conclusion about the accumulation of radon only on the basis of non-specific reactions of the human body ( headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, darkening of the eyes, weakness and burning).

When radon is detected, a team of the Ministry of Emergency Situations is called, which eliminates radiation and checks the effectiveness of the procedures performed.

Sources of anthropogenic origin

Another name for man-made sources is technogenic. The main source of radiation is nuclear power plants located around the world. Being in the zones of stations without protective clothing entails the onset of serious illness and death.

At a distance of several kilometers from the nuclear power plant, the risk is reduced to zero. With proper isolation, all ionizing radiation remains inside the station, and it is possible to be in close proximity to working area without receiving any dose of radiation.

In all spheres of life, you can encounter a source of radiation, even without living in a city near a nuclear power plant.

Artificial ionizing radiation is widely used in various industries:

medicine;
industry;
agriculture;
knowledge-intensive industries.

However, it is impossible to receive radiation from devices that are manufactured for these industries.

The only thing that is acceptable is the minimum penetration of ion waves, which does not cause harm for a short duration of exposure.

Fallout

A serious problem of our time, associated with recent tragedies at nuclear power plants, is the spread of radioactive rain. Emissions of radiation into the atmosphere end with the accumulation of isotopes in the atmospheric liquid - clouds. With an excess of liquid, precipitation begins, which poses a serious threat to crops and humans.

The liquid is absorbed into the agricultural land, where rice, tea, corn, and cane grow. These cultures are typical for the eastern part of the planet, where the problem of radioactive rain is most urgent.

Ion radiation has less impact on other parts of the world because precipitation does not reach Europe and the island nations in the UK area. However, in the US and Australia, rains sometimes exhibit radiative properties, so you need to be careful when buying vegetables and fruits from there.

Radioactive fallout can fall over bodies of water, and then the liquid can get into residential buildings through water treatment channels and water supply systems. Wastewater treatment plant do not have sufficient equipment to reduce radiation. There is always a risk that the water received is ionic.

How to protect yourself from radiation

A device that measures whether there is ion radiation in the background of a product is freely available. It can be purchased for little money and used to verify purchases. The name of the verification device is a dosimeter.

It is unlikely that a housewife will check purchases right in the store. Usually shyness in front of outsiders interferes. But at least at home, those products that came from areas prone to radioactive rain need to be checked. It is enough to bring the counter to the object, and it will show the level of emission of dangerous waves.

The effect of ionizing radiation on the human body

It has been scientifically proven that radiation has a negative effect on a person. This was also found out in real experience: unfortunately, accidents at Chernobyl nuclear power plant, in Hiroshima, etc. proved biological and radiation.

The effect of radiation is based on the received "dose" - the amount of energy transferred. A radionuclide (wave-emitting elements) can have an effect both from the inside and outside of the body.

The dose received is measured in conventional units- Grays. It should be borne in mind that the dose may be equal, but the effect of radiation may be different. This is due to the fact that different radiations cause reactions of different strength (the most pronounced in alpha particles).

Also, the strength of the impact is also affected by which part of the body the waves hit. The most susceptible to structural changes are the genitals and lungs, less - the thyroid gland.

The result of biochemical exposure

Radiation affects the structure of the cells of the body, causing biochemical changes: disturbances in the circulation of chemicals and in the functions of the body. The influence of waves appears gradually, and not immediately after irradiation.

If a person has fallen under the allowable dose (150 rem), then negative effects will not be expressed. With higher irradiation, the ionization effect increases.

Natural radiation is about 44 rem per year, maximum - 175. The maximum number is only slightly outside the norm and does not cause negative changes in the body, except for headaches or mild nausea in hypersensitive people.

Natural radiation is formed on the basis of the radiation background of the Earth, the use of contaminated products, the use of technology.

If the proportion is exceeded, the following diseases develop:

genetic changes in the body;
sexual dysfunction;
brain cancers;
thyroid dysfunction;
lung and respiratory system cancer;
radiation sickness.

Radiation sickness is the last stage of all diseases associated with radionuclides and manifests itself only in those who got into the accident zone.

Man is exposed to ionizing radiation everywhere. You don't have to be at the epicenter to do this. nuclear explosion, it is enough to be under the scorching sun or to conduct an X-ray examination of the lungs.

Ionizing radiation is a stream of radiation energy generated during the reactions of the decay of radioactive substances. Isotopes capable of increasing the radiation fund are found in the earth's crust, in the air, radionuclides can enter the human body through the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system and skin coverings.

The minimum indicators of the radiation background do not pose a threat to humans. The situation is different if the ionizing radiation exceeds allowable norms. The body will not instantly respond to harmful rays, but years later pathological changes will appear that can lead to disastrous consequences, even death.

What is ionizing radiation?

The release of harmful radiation is obtained after the chemical decay of radioactive elements. The most common are gamma, beta and alpha rays. Getting into the body, radiation has a destructive effect on a person. Everything biochemical processes are disturbed under the influence of ionization.

Types of radiation:

Alpha-type rays have increased ionization, but meager penetrating power. Alpha radiation hits the human skin, penetrating a distance of less than one millimeter. It is a beam of released helium nuclei.
Electrons or positrons move in beta rays, in an air stream they are able to overcome distances of up to several meters. If a person appears near the source, beta radiation will penetrate deeper than alpha radiation, but this species has much less ionizing abilities.
One of the highest frequency electromagnetic radiations is the gamma variety, which has a high penetrating power but very little ionizing effect.
characterized by short electromagnetic waves that occur when beta rays come into contact with matter.
Neutron - highly penetrating beams of rays, consisting of uncharged particles.

Where does radiation come from?

Sources of ionizing radiation can be air, water and food. Harmful rays occur naturally or are artificially created for medical or industrial purposes. IN environment Radiation is always present

comes from space and makes up a large part of the total percentage of radiation;
radiation isotopes are freely found in familiar natural conditions, contained in rocks;
radionuclides enter the body with food or through the air.

Artificial radiation was created in the conditions of developing science, scientists were able to discover the uniqueness of X-rays, with the help of which it is possible to accurately diagnose many dangerous pathologies, including infectious diseases.

On an industrial scale, ionizing radiation is used for diagnostic purposes. People working in such enterprises, despite all the security measures applied by sanitary requirements, are in harmful and hazardous conditions work that adversely affects health.

What happens to a person with ionizing radiation?

The destructive effect of ionizing radiation on the human body is explained by the ability of radioactive ions to react with the constituents of cells. It is well known that eighty percent of a person consists of water. When irradiated, water decomposes and in cells as a result chemical reactions hydrogen peroxide and hydrated oxide are formed.

Subsequently, oxidation occurs in the organic compounds of the body, as a result of which the cells begin to collapse. After a pathological interaction, a person's metabolism is disrupted at the cellular level. The effects may be reversible when exposure to radiation has been minor, and irreversible with prolonged exposure.

The effect on the body can manifest itself in the form of radiation sickness, when all organs are affected, radioactive rays can cause gene mutations that are inherited in the form of deformities or serious diseases. There are frequent cases of degeneration of healthy cells into cancer cells, followed by the growth of malignant tumors.

The consequences may appear not immediately after interaction with ionizing radiation, but after decades. The duration of the asymptomatic course directly depends on the degree and time during which the person received radioactive exposure.

Biological changes under the action of rays

Exposure to ionizing radiation entails significant changes in the body, depending on the extent of the area of the skin exposed to the introduction of radiation energy, the time during which the radiation remains active, as well as the state of organs and systems.

To denote the strength of radiation over a certain period of time, the unit of measurement is considered to be Rad. Depending on the size of the transmitted rays, a person may develop the following conditions:

up to 25 rad - general well-being does not change, the person feels good;
26 - 49 rad - the condition is generally satisfactory, with this dosage, the blood begins to change its composition;
50 - 99 rad - the victim begins to feel general malaise, fatigue, Bad mood, pathological changes appear in the blood;
100 - 199 rad - the irradiated person is in poor condition, most often a person cannot work due to deteriorating health;
200 - 399 rad - a large dose of radiation, which develops multiple complications, and sometimes leads to death;
400 - 499 rad - half of the people who fall into the zone with such radiation values \u200b\u200bare dying from frolicking pathologies;
exposure to more than 600 rad does not give a chance for a successful outcome, a fatal disease takes the lives of all victims;
a one-time receipt of a radiation dose that is thousands of times greater than the allowable figures - everyone perishes directly during the disaster.

The age of a person plays a big role: the most susceptible to negative influence ionizing energy children and young people under the age of twenty-five. Receiving large doses of radiation during pregnancy can be compared with exposure in early childhood.

Brain pathologies occur only from the middle of the first trimester, from the eighth week to the twenty-sixth inclusive. The risk of cancer in the fetus increases significantly with an unfavorable radiation background.

What threatens to get under the influence of ionizing rays?

A one-time or regular exposure to radiation in the body has the property of accumulation and subsequent reactions after a certain period of time from several months to decades:

the inability to conceive a child, this complication develops both in women and in the male half, making them sterile;
the development of autoimmune diseases of unknown etiology, in particular multiple sclerosis;
radiation cataract leading to loss of vision;
appearance cancerous tumor- one of the most common pathologies with tissue modification;
diseases of an immune nature that disrupt the usual work of all organs and systems;
a person exposed to radiation lives much less;
the development of mutating genes that will cause serious malformations, as well as the appearance of abnormal deformities during the development of the fetus.

Remote manifestations may develop directly in the exposed individual or be inherited and occur in subsequent generations. Directly at the diseased place through which the rays passed, changes occur in which the tissues atrophy and thicken with the appearance of multiple nodules.

This symptom can affect the skin, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, liver cells, cartilage and connective tissues. Groups of cells become inelastic, coarsen and lose the ability to fulfill their purpose in the human body with radiation sickness.

Radiation sickness

One of the most formidable complications, the different stages of development of which can lead to the death of the victim. The disease can have an acute course with a single exposure or a chronic process with a constant stay in the radiation zone. Pathology is characterized by a persistent change in all organs and cells and the accumulation of pathological energy in the patient's body.

The disease manifests itself with the following symptoms:

general intoxication of the body with vomiting, diarrhea and fever;
on the part of the cardiovascular system, the development of hypotension is noted;
a person gets tired quickly, collapses may occur;
at high doses of exposure, the skin turns red and becomes covered with blue spots in areas that lack oxygen supply, muscle tone decreases;
the second wave of symptoms is total hair loss, deterioration of health, consciousness remains slow, there is general nervousness, atony of muscle tissue, disorders in the brain that can cause clouding of consciousness and cerebral edema.

How to protect yourself from radiation?

Definition effective protection from harmful rays is the basis for the prevention of human damage in order to avoid the appearance of negative consequences. To save yourself from radiation, you must:

Reduce the time of exposure to isotope decay elements: a person should not be in the danger zone for a long period. For example, if a person works in hazardous production, the worker's stay in the place of energy flow should be reduced to a minimum.
Increase the distance from the source, this can be done using multiple tools and automation tools that allow you to work at a considerable distance from external sources with ionizing energy.
To reduce the area on which the rays fall, it is necessary with the help of protective equipment: suits, respirators.