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Radiation exposure can have serious effects on the human body, especially without protective equipment. But what does radiation do to the human body?
What Does Radiation Do to the Body?
When radiation penetrates living tissue, it can damage cells, alter DNA, and increase the risk of cancer. The severity of these effects depends on the type and duration of exposure. In medical and industrial settings, proper shielding—such as lead aprons, thyroid collars, and lead glasses—is essential to minimizing radiation risks.
At Barrier Technologies, we specialize in protective solutions that safeguard individuals from radiation exposure. Understanding how radiation affects the body underscores the importance of wearing adequate protection.
What Happens When Cells Are Exposed to Radiation?
Radiation interacts with cells in two primary ways: directly and indirectly.
- Direct Damage: Radiation can ionize atoms within DNA, leading to mutations that may cause cell death or uncontrolled growth (cancer).
- Indirect Damage: Radiation can ionize water molecules in cells, creating free radicals that break down cell structures and lead to further damage.
How Does Radiation Affect the Body? It Depends on the Dose
The effects vary based on the radiation dose, which determines whether exposure results in minor cell damage, increased cancer risk, or acute radiation sickness.
Large Radiation Dose
A high dose of radiation received over a short period can lead to Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), commonly known as radiation poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, burns, organ failure, and even death. Individuals exposed to extreme radiation levels—such as nuclear plant workers during accidents—experience rapid cell destruction.
Small Radiation Dose
Even low-dose exposure accumulates over time, increasing long-term risks like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and genetic mutations. Healthcare professionals who frequently work with X-rays and CT scans may be at risk if proper radiation shielding, such as lead aprons and thyroid shields, is not used consistently.
Understanding the Facts
Radiation exposure is often misunderstood. While some exposure is inevitable (such as background radiation from the environment), chronic and high-dose exposure is preventable with proper protective measures. Medical staff, radiologic technologists, and dental professionals must wear lead glasses, thyroid collars, and radiation aprons to reduce exposure.
Exposure Pathways
Radiation enters the body through different pathways:
- External Exposure: Direct contact with radiation sources, such as X-ray machines or radioactive material.
- Internal Exposure: Ingestion or inhalation of radioactive particles, which continue emitting radiation inside the body.
The type of exposure determines the level of damage, with internal exposure posing long-term health risks due to continuous radiation emission.
Acute Radiation Syndrome from Large Exposures
When radiation exposure is extreme, ARS symptoms develop within hours or days. These include:
- Hematopoietic Syndrome: Damage to bone marrow, leading to immune system failure.
- Gastrointestinal Syndrome: Intestinal cell destruction, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
- Neurological Syndrome: High-dose exposure affecting the brain, often resulting in coma or death.
Radiation Exposure and Cancer Risk
One of the greatest concerns with radiation exposure is its role in cancer development. Even small doses can accumulate over time, increasing mutation rates in cells. Studies show that medical professionals without proper shielding have a higher likelihood of developing leukemia, thyroid cancer, and skin cancer.
Limiting Cancer Risk from Radiation in the Environment
Reducing radiation risks requires a combination of protective measures to minimize exposure and ensure long-term safety. One of the most effective ways to limit radiation absorption is by wearing radiation protective apparel, such as lead aprons and lead glasses, which provide a physical barrier against harmful radiation.
Additionally, medical professionals should take precautions to minimize unnecessary exposure by standing behind protective barriers whenever X-ray machines are in operation. These barriers, whether stationary or mobile, help shield individuals from scatter radiation.
Another crucial safety measure is the regular monitoring of radiation exposure levels using dosimeters. These devices track cumulative exposure, allowing professionals to ensure they remain within safe limits and adjust their protective strategies accordingly. By integrating these precautions into daily routines, healthcare workers and other radiation-exposed professionals can significantly reduce the risks associated with prolonged exposure.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Radiation exposure is a concern for various professionals and individuals who work in environments where ionizing radiation is frequently present. Certain groups are at a significantly higher risk due to prolonged or repeated exposure, making protective measures essential.
Radiologists and X-ray Technicians
Medical professionals working in radiology and diagnostic imaging are among those most exposed to ionizing radiation. X-ray technicians, radiologists, and medical imaging specialists frequently operate X-ray machines, fluoroscopy equipment, and CT scanners, all of which emit ionizing radiation.
Dentists and Dental Assistants
Dental professionals, including dentists, orthodontists, and dental assistants, frequently perform dental X-rays, which expose both patients and operators to low doses of radiation. While individual exposure from a single dental X-ray is minimal, repeated exposure over a career can pose a long-term risk. To mitigate this, dental professionals should use protective barriers, such as lead shields and aprons, and maintain proper distance when operating imaging equipment.
Airline Pilots and Crew
Airline professionals, including pilots and flight attendants, experience increased exposure to cosmic radiation due to their high-altitude work environments. At higher altitudes, Earth’s atmosphere provides less protection from cosmic rays, leading to higher radiation doses per flight compared to those experienced at sea level.
These high-risk groups must prioritize radiation safety measures, including protective apparel, radiation monitoring devices, and workplace shielding, to minimize long-term health risks associated with cumulative exposure.
What Long-Term Effects Can Be Expected from Radiation Exposure?
Radiation exposure has cumulative effects, meaning even low doses can lead to long-term consequences. Some of the most concerning risks include:
- Cancer – Increased risk of leukemia, thyroid cancer, and other radiation-related cancers.
- Cardiovascular Disease – Damage to blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of heart disease.
- Genetic Mutations – Radiation can alter DNA, potentially affecting future generations.
- Cognitive Decline – High radiation doses can impact brain function over time.
By ensuring proper shielding, healthcare professionals and industry workers can significantly reduce these long-term risks.
How to Protect Yourself From Radiation
Preventing radiation-related health risks involves proactive safety measures, including:
- Wearing the right protective equipment – Lead-based shields block harmful radiation.
- Reducing exposure time – Limit the duration of radiation-related procedures.
- Maintaining distance from radiation sources – Maximize space between the individual and the radiation-emitting device.
Protect Yourself from Radiation With Barrier Technologies’ Radiation Protective Apparel
Radiation exposure, whether in medical imaging, dentistry, or industrial settings, poses serious health risks. Understanding what radiation does to the human body is crucial for implementing effective protective measures.
At Barrier Technologies, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality radiation protection gear, including lead aprons, lead glasses, and thyroid collars.
To learn more about our industry-leading radiation protective solutions, contact us today.
