Radiation Is a general term used to describe variety of rays to which life on earth may be exposed.

These can include ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, cosmic rays and rays from radioactive materials. It produces biological effects as the energy is transferred to a living organism. Radiation causes normal and harmful effects.

Three types of radiation Alpha radiation Alpha particles have twoo proton and two neutrons. They have the largest of all forms of radiation. They are positively charged. They can travel only few centimeters in the air.

Beta radiation Beta particles are negatively charged particles emitted from nuclei.they are lighter than alpha particles and they are capable of penetrating a one-millimeter lead plate.they can travel up to 8 meters in the air.

Gamma radiation Gamma is a high energy form of radiation. Gamma rays do not have mass and charge. They are emitted by nuclei after a nucleus has ejected an alpha or beta particle. Gamma rays can travel about hundreds of meters in the air.

Sources of radiation Natural include rocks , air water, sun, and even distant stars.

Antrophogenic Includes medical theraphy such as x-ray treatment for cancer and for bone fractures, detonation of nuclear weapons, nuclear energy , television sets, luminous watches, and air travel.

Effects of radiation Wilhelm konrad roentgen discovered the x-ray in 1895, and the attention of the people was focused on the medical applications of radiation. It was only 1986 that the harful effects was observed. Some of the observasions Elihu Thomson- exposed one of his fingers to x-rays and observed burns inflicted on them . Thomas Edison- observed another effect of x-ray exposure on his assistant. It was observed that x-rays can cause hair fall, flammation of the scalp, and ulcers. Pierre curie- observed the hrmful effects of radioactive materials. He sadi that parts of our body can be burned because of radiation. This table gives the probable effects of different doses of radiation.

Human beings may be exposed to radiation by any of the following pathways: Direct irradiation a. Nuclear power plant b. Fuel transportation Inhalation and skin absorption Ingestion a. b. c. d. Water ingestion Crop ingestion Aquatic food ingestion Milk ingestion

Exposure to deposited materials a. Crop deposition uptake b. Deposition to the ground

How to measure radiation Radiation can be measured using the following units: Curie Rad Is more defined measure of local exposure to all types of radiation. It is the dose of radiation absorbed by humans and animal tissue. A RAD is equal to 100 ergs/ gram. Is a unit equivalent to 3.7 x 1010 disintegration/ second of any radioactive nuclide.

Rem (Roentgen Equivalent Man) It is the unit used to describe the biological effects of radiation on the body. It also refers to the dose from any radiation that produces biological effects in man equivalent to one rad of x-ray.

Roentgen Unit (R) It is the quantity of gamma or x-ray radiation thet produces electrostatic unit of + or electricity in one cubic centimeter of air at normal temperature and pressure.

Instruments in measuring radiation: a. b. c. d. Survey meter Geiger counter Pen dosimeter Scintillation counter

Minimizing the hazards caused by radiation Some suggestions to reduce the dangers posed in x-ray radiation: 1. Consult a doctor about the possibility of using your previous x-ray to provide information needed. 2. Avoid x-ray exposure when you are pregnant. 3. Request for a lead apron to be placed on your chest and lap during dental x-rays. 4. Inquire if the x-ray machine and facilities have been inspected and set to minimize excess exposure. 5. Do not breathe or move when your x-ray is being taken to get the best results and to avoid repetition. 6. Only those parts of the body that are necessary for the examination should be exposed. 7. Reduce exposure of children to x-rays.