Ionising Radiation Gamma/X-rays

Alexander Litvinenko Mr Litvinenko, was an ex-KGB officer and vocal opponent of Mr Putin. A large dose of alpha radiation from the isotope polonium 210 was found in his urine. Dying Spy Slams Putin On His Deathbed 12:23pm UK, Friday November 24, 2006 A former Russian spy who was mysteriously poisoned has attacked President

Bottled radium drinks also appeared in the market place! Radium Cures High blood pressure...cancer...goitre...stomach trouble...arthritis...neuritis...female trouble...rheumatism...kidney trouble...constipation...excema...piles...and more! Radium cures, which reached their pinnacle of popularity in the U.S. during the 1920's, promised to remedy these diseases, restore youthful vigor, and revitalize an ailing sex life.

Radium watches were manufactured into the 1950’s. Modern luminescent watches do not use radioactive material.

Radium Girls

This woman, like thousands of others, suffered from burns, scarring, and cancer after undergoing X-Ray "beauty treatments". Early protective suits made of heavy aprons and metal helmets X-Ray technicians fell victim to the horrible side-effects of radiation. Dangers of X-rays

Shoe-Fitting Fluoroscope The shoe fitting fluoroscope was a common fixture in shoe stores during the 1940s and 1950s. It consisted of a vertical wooden cabinet with an opening near the bottom into which the feet were placed. When you looked through the viewing port on the top of the cabinet you would see a fluorescent image of the bones of the feet and the outline of the shoes. When you put your feet in a shoe fitting fluoroscope, you were effectively standing on top of the x-ray tube.

Is ionising radiation harmful? Ionising radiation can damage DNA. This could cause… 1. Cancer 2. Inflammation 3. Cell death 4. Damage to genes can lead to mutations in offspring Cells are more sensitive to radiation during cell division than at other times. Cells which divide frequently (e.g. the gut walls) are more sensitive than those which rarely divide (e.g. nervous tissue).

Radiation is used in hospitals every day. Staff who work with these sources have to wear special badges that monitor their exposure. They will also leave the room or go behind a lead or thick concrete shield whilst a patient is being given radiation treatment.

Radiotherapy  The tumour is exposed to gamma or X-ray radiation at different angles.  However, levels have to be carefully monitored so that healthy cells are not damaged as well.  This gives normal cells a low dose of radiation, while the tumour receives a high dose. In some patients radiation treatment may not be able to destroy the cancer. Sometimes it is used only to reduce suffering (palliative care). tumour Rotating gamma or X-ray source

Ionising Radiation Ultra-violet

Brigitte Bardot Exposure to too much ultraviolet light during sun bathing can lead to premature aging of the skin

There are two forms of UV light in sunlight - UVA and UVB. Both are potentially harmful to humans. UVA and UVB both cause cancers and age the skin. It is UVA that can cause melanoma - a potentially lethal form of skin cancer and ages the skin the most. Ultraviolet - UVA and UVB

On sunny days, well fitting sunglasses should also be worn to protect your eyes from UV radiation. Skin protection creams, lotions and oils have been developed to absorb the harmful UV waves.

Non-ionising Radiation microwaves

When considering the effects of radiation it is necessary to consider two different types of radiation separately. These are: Mobile phones and brain tumours  non ionising (radio waves)  ionising (gamma waves) No clear links have been identified between non ionising radiation and health problems. However, many people have concerns over possible links such as:

Microwaves - Mobile Phones Microwaves are used to transmit mobile phone calls. The UK’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) warns against excessive use of mobile phones. CMO advises that children under sixteen should only make essential calls (one or two calls a week). The problem with this technology is that we do not know the long term effects. By the time we do know the long term effects, it may be too late for people who have used mobiles all their life. Sending a text message is considered safer than phoning, as it uses less power and the handset is held away from the head. A recent Swedish study has shown that heavy use of mobile phones (for more than 10 years) significantly increases the risk of developing non-malignant tumours in the ear and brain.

Microwaves Microwaves can be dangerous, as they are absorbed by living tissue. The resultant heating effect can damage or even kill cells. For these reasons many people believe it is wrong to place mobile masts near to schools and houses, until we know more about the level of risk they pose.

Non-ionising Radiation infra-red

Infra red radiation can be used for heat treatment and to keep young chicks warm. However, over exposure to infra red radiation can cause damage to cells and burn the skin. Relieves back pains