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Radiation HazardsTamanna Hooda Roll no. 89

Tamanna Hooda89RADIATIONRadiation is a part of mans environment.The sources of radiation to which man is exposed are divided into two groups-

NaturalMan madeCosmic raysMedical and dental x rays and radioisotopes2. Environmental :Terrestrialb. Atmospheric2.occupational-exposure3. Internalpotassium-40Carbon-143.Nuclear radioactive fall out

Type of radiationType of radiationApproximate penetrating ability into tissueAlpha particles0.05mmBeta particles0.06-40mmGamma rays50 cmX ray15-30 cmCosmic raysSome components very highHow is radiation used?For the medical treatments the radiation are used in two forms: 1. external beam radiation therapy 2. internal beam radiation therapy External beam radiation therapyIt is a local treatment, meaning that the radiation is aimed only at a specific part of your body e.g. if you have lung cancer, you will get radiation to your chest only and not rest of your body.Time between first and last radiation therapy is called course of treatment.Internal Radiation Therapy It is a form of treatment where a source of radiation is put inside your body called a brachytherapy.It is used in form of ribbons or capsule, liquid form.Used in high dose of radiations to a smaller part of body.By drinking, swallowing a pill or through IV, catheter.Indications: patient with cancer of head, neck, breast , uterus, cervix, prostrate, gall bladder, esophagus, eye, lungs.Liquid form is most commonly used in thyroid cancer.There are short term side effects and subsides after radiation therapy.Common side effects Side effects are problem that can happen as a result of treatment,they may be of radiation therapy such as high dose of radiation use to kill cancer cells can also damage healthy cells in the treatment area.Skin problem such as dryness, itching and peeling.Fatigueness : it is different from normal fatigue ,it does not improve with rest.Theses are short term side effects and subside after radiation therapy.Site Specific Side EffectsHead & Neck: dry mouth , difficulty in swallowing, mouth & gum sores, stiffness in jaw, nausea.Chest: shortness of breath, breast or nipple soreness, shoulder stiffness.Some patients feel fever, cough & fullness of chest (Radiation Pneumonitis)Stomach & abdomen: vomitting, diarrhoea.Pelvis: rectal bleeding, incontinence, bladder irritation, sexual problems in both men and women. Reproductive system may affect. Women may have mentsrual stoppage (menopause). Infertility.

Side effects cntd

MAXIMUM PERMISSABLE DOSEThe persons who are exposed to radiation should not have the dose greater than upper limit and this limit is called maximum permissible dose (MPD)or simply the dose limit. The MPD is different for occupationally exposed persons and general public. MPD include contributions from radiation source both inside and outside the body but excludes contributions from medical exposure and background radiations.An area where a yearly whole body dose of 1.5 rem or more should be considered as a controlled area. Persons working in a controlled area should carry personal monitors such as TLD, pocket ionisation chamber etc. PREVENTION Although it is difficult to eradicate the total effects of radiation, it can be minimized by employing some prevention schemies. These are helpful to control the radiation hazards. Following are the methods for the control of radiation hazards.1)For the control of radiation hazards form external sources of radiation, it can be done by: Structural shielding design Radiation protection survey Nuclear Regulatory commision regulation2) Hazards associated with radioactive nuclides deposited internally are controlled by minimising the absorption, inhalation and injection of radioactive material into the body.

3)Building of aircraft provide little protection from the cosmic rays

4)Applying basic safety standard (BSS) principle.

Prevention cntd5)Minimising unjustified particles such as addition of radioactive materials to food, beverages or cosmetics. Use radioactive materials in toys and jewellery

6) Reducing nuclear weapons testing and radioactive waste from nuclear power station

7)Minimising the burning of coal

8)Reducing nuclear power industry in number if possible. If not keeping them at separate place from the public area.

9)By personal monitoring and performing equipment survey in hospitals, power stations DiscussionThe question of risk from radiation exposure is a much debated topic of discussion.The predominant risk is getting cancer.The conservative approach is that there is a linear no-threshold relationship between exposure and risk. Meaning there is no amount of radiation exposure that is considered absent of risk & greater the exposure, the greater the increase in risk.Discussion cntdIt is important to note that radiation exposure doesnt create a unique cancer risk situation, nor is the risk directly measurable or distinguishable from the risk caused by other sources. (environmental, chemical, biological, etc.)Many agents of benefits of humanity have associated risk. e.g. aspirin Likewise with radiation, the risk of harm from radiation is largely dependent upon factor such as size of dose.Discussion cntdAll cancers are not caused by radiations. There are also many other chemicals & biological agents present in minute quantities.Most data that exists today regarding the risk of cancer( or other effects) from radiation is based on very high dose of radiation e.g. victim of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima & Nagasaki.ConclusionRadiation therapy plays an important role in medical sciences. It is useful in treatment of many diseases. But still there are some things which force us to think about its use & limitations.A medical procedure involving radiation should be done only when there is a appropriate medical reason . E.g. X-ray, C.T. scan, etc.X- ray should be only of the affected area & using the most dose-effective settings on the equipment.The decision to have a medical test that involves radiation must be made collectively between patient and his/her physician. THANK YOU