homeland security forum post and responses (212)

Radiation effects on cells and tissue

Radiation can change the structure of the cells, sometimes creating potentially harmful effects that are more likely to cause changes in the tissue. These changes an interfere with cellular processes so cells might not be able to divide or they might divide to much. Radiation has the potential to damage structures inside the cell, The structure of most concern is DNA. DNA contains the genetic information that allows each cell to function,grow and reproduce. If dna is damaged from radiation or some other agents, it has the capability to repair minor damage. If the damage cant be repaired or is not repaired correctly harmful affects may occur. If the cells are not very important to the body operation it may not matter that they have been damaged or killed. However if cells are in critical organs ( one's that keep us alive) and a large number of cells have been damaged or killed that organ might not be able to function normally. Some effects may occur immediately (days or months) while others might take tens of years or even get passed to the next generation. Effects of interest for the person being exposed to radiation are called Somatic effects and effects of interest that effect children are called genetic affects.

Protection from radiation

The best way to be prepared for radiation is to have understanding about the radiation protection principles of time, distance, and shielding.

Time: for people who are exposed to radiation in addition to natural background radiation, limiting or minimizing the exposure time frame reduces the dose from radiation source.

Distance:Just as the heat from a fire reduces as you move further away, the dose of radiation decreases dramatically as you increase your distance from the source.

Shielding: Barriers of lead, concrete, or water provide protection from penetrating gamma rays Helpgamma raysA form of ionizing radiation that is made up of weightless packets of energy called photons. Gamma rays can pass completely through the human body; as they pass through, they can cause damage to tissue and DNA.and x-raysHelpx-raysA form of ionizing radiation made up of photons. X-rays are capable of passing completely through the human body. Medical x-rays are the single largest source of man-made radiation exposure.. This is why certain radioactive materials are stored under water or in concrete or lead-lined rooms, and why dentists place a lead blanket on patients receiving x-rays of their teeth. Therefore, inserting the proper shield between you and a radiation source will greatly reduce or eliminate the dose you receive.​

https://www.epa.gov/radiation/protecting-yourself-radiation

http://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-introduction/radiation-exposure.html