How does radiation affect human health?
Excessive exposure to radiation may damage living tissues and organs, depending on the amount of radiation received (i.e. the dose). The extent of the potential damage depends on several factors, including:
- the type of radiation;
- the sensitivity of the affected tissues and organs;
- the route and duration of exposure;
- the radioactive isotopes involved; and
- the individual characteristics of the exposed person (such as age, gender and underlying health condition).
The risk of developing adverse health effects depends on the radiation dose. The higher the dose, the higher the risk of adverse effects.
If the radiation dose is low or is delivered over a long period of time, the risk is substantially lower because the damage to cells and molecules will be repaired by the body.
What is radiation and how are people exposed to it?
Radiation is the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or moving subatomic particles. Natural radiation comes from many naturally occurring radioactive materials found in soil, water, air and in the body.
Every day, people inhale and ingest forms of radiation from air, food and water.
Today, the most common artificial sources of human exposure to radiation are X-ray machines and radiopharmaceuticals used for diagnostic or radiotherapy and other medical devices.
Exposure to radiation can result from natural sources (e.g. radon in homes), planned (medical, occupational) or accidental situations. Exposure may be external (with or without contamination of skin, hair, clothes), internal (inhalation, ingestion or via a contaminated wound), or a combination of both
Are children at greater risk of being harmed from radiation exposure
Yes, children are more likely to develop adverse health effects from radiation exposure.
Younger people's bodies are still growing and developing. As compared to adults, they have more cells that are dividing rapidly.
Dividing cells are more sensitive to radiation and vulnerable to damage, which may lead to development of cancer in the future.
Children also have a longer lifespan ahead of them, therefore there is more time for cancers to develop and manifest.
It is especially important for children to follow instructions for protective measures and to seek medical attention after a radiation emergency as soon as emergency officials say it is safe to do so.
FAQs
How does radiation affect human health?
Excessive exposure to radiation may damage living tissues and organs, depending on the amount of radiation received (i.e. the dose). The extent of the potential damage depends on several factors, including: • the type of radiation; • the sensitivity of the affected tissues and organs; • the route and duration of exposure; • the radioactive isotopes involved; and • the individual characteristics of the exposed person (such as age, gender and underlying health condition).
How much radiation can a human handle?
About 500 rem of radiation