Introduction
Ionizing radiation is the energy released in the form of electromagnetic particles that penetrate various surfaces such as soil, water, and the human body. The modern concept of ionizing radiation was discovered many years. In 1895, Wilhelm Rontgen conducted various experiments which applied current in different test containers (Cardarelli, 2017). While doing that, Wilhelm noticed that despite covering one of the test tubes to bar light, there was the penetration of rays that reacted with the barium solution. He had to undertake several similar experiments, which involved taking the first photo of the skeletal structure and hand of his wife. The new rays were named ‘X-rays’ since they were unknown to him. The discovery was unanticipated but raised his cognitive perception, which later transformed the world.
Other discoveries related to that followed to supplement the understanding of that matter. Henri Becquerel noted that Uranium salt produced similar rays without artificial disruption (Kraft & Howells, 2018). A doctoral student taught by Becquerel later named it radioactivity, where she discovered radioactive elements such as radium and thorium (Kraft & Howells, 2018). The knowledge advanced later, giving a chance to make atomic bombs used in wars. Since then, more innovation has been meant to develop radiation, and fields such as medicine dependdepend on the technique to perform some of its clinical duties.
Ionizing Radiation Risks
The energy released in ionizing radiation is in the form of electromagnetic waves. There is a risk of acute health impacts, such as skin burns, when a person comes across radiation beyond the optimum level (McGregor & Shultis, 2021). Additionally, cancerous diseases can be evident as a result of heavy radioactive elements in the body of human beings. High energy radiation experienced during X-ray in commutated tomography (CT) scans damages body cells, causing cancer (McGregor & Shultis, 2021). Brain damage is rampant when fetuses are exposed to ionizing radiation during prenatal stages. If one is exposed to radiation between 1000-5000 rems, the heart may be affected, where nerve cells are killed and blood vessels as well, leading to mortality. If a person is exposed to ionizing radiation for at least 100 rems, they might develop reduced lymphocytic cells in the blood, which creates immune problems (Çalişkan & Çalişkan, 2018). The above information means high radiation dosages may lead to damage in the internal organs, which makes the body weak all the time.
Early and Late Effects of Ionizing Radiation
Early Effects
If one receives a significant amount of radiation consistently, one starts developing some effects. The early effects include frequent nausea and vomiting depending on an individual’s immunity and health status (McGregor & Shultis, 2021). A person experiences headache, fever, hair loss which is often evident, fatigue and disorientation. Other people may have issues with low blood pressure before realizing they have been affected by ionizing radiation.
Late Effects
Side effects of adverse stages of radiation sickness can be noticed in humans. There is repetitive poor brain functioning, stroke-centric symptoms, and memory loss. Tumors start developing in affected organs which makes someone start experiencing pain and swelling of body parts (Çalişkan & Çalişkan, 2018). Common organs that develop these problems include the liver, brain, kidney, and intestinal walls. These late effects may be an indicator that one’s health is deteriorating.
Proper Protection from Ionizing Radiation
Someone needs to ensure they are protected from ionizing radiation. If it is a clinical procedure, it is advised that a physician keep the time of exposure to a minimum and maintain distance from where the rays are coming from (Yates, 2020). The use of personal protectives gears is recommended. The gears should have thick lead shielding, outer attire, a ventilator, goggles, and gloves. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guides individuals to always ensure a shield between the source of rays and themselves (Kraft & Howells, 2018). For example, concrete bunkers, leaded materials, and acrylic blocks are highly recommendable in shielding people from radiation. Any unnecessary body screening should be avoided by using alternative methods such as ultrasound scans during pregnancy. All these measures ensure that no person is at high risk of getting adverse effects from radiation.
Conclusion
Ionizing radiation is energy that removes electrons from atoms and molecules for materials that comprise air, water, and tissues for a living creature. The scientific discovery was made in 1895 by Wilhelm Rontgen, who conducted experiments in test tubes. The idea was developed further by Henri Becquerel and is commonly used today in healthcare and warfare. Risks associated with ionizing radiation include cancer since rays released damage key body cells allowing the tumor to grow in affected organs. Other risks include heart failure, evident after cells are killed due to excessive radiation exposure. Early effects include headache, hair loss, and nausea, while late effects comprise poor brain function and swelling of body parts. Proper protection includes wearing lead-covered gears, staying significant from the source of X-rays, and shielding away from exposure. Effective protection is recommended to protect people from the adverse effects of ionizing radiation in their bodies.
References
Cardarelli, J. (2017). Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Oxford Scholarship Online, 8(6), 33–37. Web.
Kraft, J. K., & Howells, P. (2018). Ionizing radiation and radiation protection. Oxford Medicine Online, 4(3), 25–29. Web.
McGregor, D. S., & Shultis, J. K. (2021). Radiation detection: Concepts, methods, and devices. CRC Press, Taylor et Francis Group.
Yates, W. D. (2020). Safety professional’s reference and study guide. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.
Çalişkan, B., & Çalişkan, A. C. (2018). Interaction with the matter of ionizing radiation and radiation damages (radicals). Ionizing Radiation Effects and Applications, 21(6), 1–3. Web.