Diseases caused by Nuclear Radiation (and how to protect yourself)

The diseases caused by nuclear radiation can be immediate, such as burns and vomiting, or appear over time, such as infertility or leukemia, for example. This kind of consequences happen mainly due to a specific type of radiation, known as ionizing radiation, which has the capacity to affect the cells of the body and alter their DNA.

Although in most cases, the body is able to repair itself and eliminate the modified cells, when exposure to radiation is very high, as in the case of atomic bomb or nuclear plant disaster situations, the renewal rate it is not enough and, therefore, several types of problems can arise.

The severity of the consequences of excess radiation in the body depends on the type of radiation, the amount and the time of exposure to radiation, because the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of developing serious diseases.

Main consequences of excess radiation

The first consequences of exposure to excessive radiation usually appear in the first few hours, and include nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea and a feeling of weakness.

After this period, it is common for symptoms to improve, but after a few days or hours, these symptoms may return and become more severe. Over time, consequences such as:

• Burns on the skin;
• Waterfalls;
• Brain syndrome, caused by inflammation of brain tissue, and which often leads to death. The main symptoms are usually drowsiness, convulsions, inability to walk and coma;
• Blood disorders, with leukemia being the most common disease;
• Infertility, lack of menstruation and decreased sexual appetite;
• Cancer, due to the cellular changes that radiation causes in the body.

Whenever there is a suspicion of having been exposed to a high level of ionizing radiation, it is recommended to go to the hospital to start the appropriate treatment.

How to protect yourself from radiation

To protect yourself from exposure to nuclear radiation and its effects in the event of a nuclear accident, you need to:

• Limit the time of exposure to the radiation source;
• Go as far as possible from the radiation source. In the case of a nuclear accident, it is necessary to evacuate the area affected by the radiation, which must be larger according to the amount of radiation emitted;
• Wear proper clothing that makes it difficult for the radiation to contact the skin and lungs, such as gloves and masks;
• Avoid eating or drinking water that comes from the contaminated site, as this leads to radiation directly into the body, causing more serious damage to the body.

Gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea and vomiting can be immediately noticed after eating contaminated food, especially in babies and children.

Food contaminated with nuclear radiation

The consumption of food and water contaminated with nuclear radiation can lead to the emergence of several diseases and particularly affects babies and children. Gastrointestinal disorders and diseases that affect the blood can be immediately noticed after eating these foods, which can lead to dehydration. A serious condition particularly for babies and young children.

To avoid contamination of the population, consumption of tap water and food from the affected region should be avoided. The ideal is to drink mineral water that has come from another region, far from the contaminated places and to eat industrialized products.

According to research, if an individual eats about 100 grams of food contaminated with nuclear radiation for 1 week, it is estimated that he has been exposed to the same radiation that would be acceptable in 1 year of exposure, which is highly harmful to health.

In a region that has been exposed to nuclear radiation, one should not live or produce anything until further analysis is carried out to show that the radiation levels are already acceptable. And it can take months or years to happen.

Can X-ray exams affect health?

The radiation used in X-rays and other medical tests, such as computed tomography, can, in fact, affect the cells of the body and cause damage to health. However, it is necessary to carry out several tests in a row for this radiation to reach a level capable of producing these effects.

The type of radiation that can cause serious and immediate consequences is not caused by this type of apparatus, but by nuclear accidents, such as explosion of atomic bombs, an accident in a nuclear factory or detonation of any other type of nuclear weapon.

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Bibliography

• MAYO CLINIC. Radiation sickness. Available in: . Accessed on 24 Jul 2019
• NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE-NIH. Cancer causes and prevention: Radiation. Available in: . Accessed on 24 Jul 2019
• EPA. Radiation Health Effects. Available in: . Accessed on 24 Jul 2019