Radiation energy is used in a wide range of applications, but what are gamma rays exactly? Where do they come from? And, how can it help improve treatment for patients?
As with other types of radiation, gamma rays are extremely important for patients who receive imaging and certain types of treatment. But, it’s also essential to treat any devices as well as medications that utilize radiation with care to prevent long-term health damage.
In this article, we’ll go over the definition of gamma rays. We’ll also discuss what can block gamma rays, how this type of radiation is produced, and what you can do to protect patients in medical settings.
Gamma Rays Defined
Let’s start by answering the most common questions about this type of radiation: what are gamma rays? And, what are gamma rays used for in hospitals and other clinical settings?
In simple terms, gamma rays are a type of intense radiation that comes from a part of the electromagnetic spectrum. What are the characteristics of gamma rays? In simple terms, this type of energy has short wavelengths as well as photons that produce tens of thousands of electron volts.
Because of this, gamma rays can alter organic matter, influence cell behavior, and ultimately cause changes in living beings.
Where Do Gamma Rays Come From?
How are gamma rays produced? Before going any further, it’s important to note that there are two types of gamma rays: natural and artificial energy.
Natural gamma rays are always present in our surroundings and our bodies are used to this. The radiation levels are relatively low, so they don’t have any discernible effect on living things. This type of radiation can come from space, naturally occurring radioactive decay on Earth, and natural events like lightning.
Artificial sources like medical imaging and radiation treatment tend to be more concerning. The reason for this is that they occur seldomly and often blast the body with high radiation levels that require protection.
What Health Issues Can Gamma Ray Exposure Cause?
How are gamma rays harmful? Let’s take a closer look at the health impact of intense radiation.
Cell Damage and Elevated Cancer Risk
Gamma rays have the potential to cause significant cellular damage due to their high energy levels. When gamma rays penetrate the body, they can ionize atoms and molecules within cells, leading to the formation of free radicals.
These free radicals can, in turn, damage the DNA within your cells and potentially lead to mutations. Over time, these can accumulate, disrupting normal cellular functions and potentially leading to the development of cancer.
Acute Radiation Syndrome
Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), also known as radiation sickness, occurs when a person is exposed to a high dose of radiation over a short period. The symptoms of ARS can vary depending on the dose but generally include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and skin burns. In more severe cases, ARS can lead to internal organ damage, hemorrhaging, and other severe issues.
Reproductive and Hormonal Health Issues
Exposure to high levels of gamma rays can damage reproductive organs, leading to infertility or reduced fertility in both men and women. Additionally, radiation can affect the thyroid and disrupt the endocrine system, which is collectively responsible for hormone production and regulation.
How to Protect Against Gamma Rays
Protecting your patients and practitioners against gamma rays can help prevent radiation-related health issues down the line. That said, it’s important to follow sound best practices that safeguard your team members and patients from ionizing energy.
Here are a few approaches you should observe to protect patients and practitioners.
Limit Exposure Time
Humans are exposed to natural gamma radiation constantly, but our bodies are used to this. When exposed to abnormally high radiation, like during treatment or imaging, it’s important to limit the exposure time as much as possible.
The reason for this is that the amount of exposure time influences the effects of radiation. In other words, the longer you’re exposed to radiation, the more severe its side effects.
As such, you can help reduce the negative side effects of radiation exposure by limiting the amount of time that your staff spends operating radioactive equipment.
Rotating your team and establishing a protocol that limits the amount of time a practitioner spends operating radioactive equipment, as well as setting a rotation schedule based on this principle.
Create as Much Separation as Possible
Next, the distance between the source of radiation and the person exposed also impacts the intensity of the negative health effects. Some types of radiation travel very little, so standing a few feet away is enough to avoid these ionizing rays.
Gamma rays can travel hundreds of feet in the air. That said, it’s important to note that the further you are from the source, the less severe the health impact.
Follow Radiation Shielding Best Practices
Whether you manage an imaging center, small clinic, or full-treatment medical facility, it’s essential to follow shielding best practices. In simple terms, these steps help minimize the amount of radiation that reaches patients and practitioners, effectively eliminating potentially harmful rays.
You should provide lead shields and other protective equipment that successfully shield against gamma rays and other ionizing radiation. These include:
- Prescription radiation eyewear
- Lead aprons
- Thyroid shields
- Protective gloves
- Retractable drapes and curtains
Monitor, Label, and Store Radioactive Materials Properly
While it’s true that most radioactive devices only emit ionizing energy during use, it’s crucial to manage this type of equipment carefully at all times. If not, it’s possible to have an accident in your facility and accidentally expose staff members to powerful radioactive materials.
Some of the steps you want to follow include:
- Label all radioactive materials and equipment
- Transport materials in safe containers
- Monitor the top, chamber, floor, and other parts of your radioactive equipment
To Wrap Up
Gamma rays can come from a wide array of sources. However, patients and practitioners who are exposed to gamma rays regularly need to take precautions that help prevent serious health issues down the line.
Gamma rays can cause cell damage that leads to cancer as well as other issues like reproductive and hormonal health issues. That said, it’s possible to protect patients and staff within your facility by providing the right type of protective gear.
Interested in learning more about the best gamma ray protection equipment? Contact Barrier Technologies today and our team will be happy to help you choose the right equipment for your medical facility or imaging center.
