Radiation Sickness

Radiation occurs when the nuclei within an atom attempts to maintain stability by releasing energy. Our bodies were not meant to induct large amounts of radiation at any given time, so when exposed, physical, chemical, or even genetic changes, or side effects are more than likely to occur. When exposed to high levels of radiation, subjects are prone to a type of illness known as radiation sickness. Radiation sickness is a result of overexposure to a radioactive compounds or solutions.

It is important to understand the two types of radiation: Ionizing and Nonionizing. Ionizing is the more dangerous of the two, It consists of: X-rays, Gamma rays, protons and mesons. This type of radiation causes immediate chemical effects to the tissue. “This may cause changes in the molecular structures which then affect the function and metabolism of the cells. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that ionizing radiation can cause breakage of the DNA chain or can deter cell replications”(Hong kong Observatory).

Unlike ionizing, nonionizing is the least dangerous of the two. It consists of: light, radio waves, UV waves, and microwaves, etc. This type causes little to no chemical effects on the Human tissue. On the other hand, too much of these waves can leave minor or major effects on the Human tissue for prolonged exposure. For example: too much UV exposure can result in a sun burn.

Depending on how much exposure the Human tissue may have had, sickness may vary. One way to determine the amount of exposure is with the formal unit rad. Another way to measure the amount of exposure is the SI unit gray (Gy) (Emergency.CDC.gov). These units work together to determine the amount of radiation the Human tissue has absorbed. If the Human tissue has been exposed to Ionized radiation, depending on the amount, the outcome could conclude in death. For this type of illness, there isn’t a cure, but there are treatments to subdue the side effects.

Now, although this type of radiation is the most deadly of the two, it is used for “medical testing and treatment, industrial and manufacturing purposes, weapons development, and more”(What is radiation sickness, Sy Kraft). One common way individuals may receive exposure is through Radiotherapy. This is a treatment for cancers, blood disorders