In this blog post, we will look at what risks radiation poses to the human body and how we can protect ourselves from it.
Introduction
In March 2011, the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident once again highlighted the dangers of radiation, drawing worldwide attention and concern. In Korea, which is geographically close to Japan, the risk of radiation is more likely to be a cause for concern due to the geographical proximity of the two countries separated by the sea. However, some excessive concerns about radiation are often caused by vague anxiety rather than rational judgment based on information, as was the case with the mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) incident in the past. It is becoming increasingly important to have a correct understanding of radiation and to take reasonable radiation protection measures based on that understanding.
What is radiation?
Radiation refers to electromagnetic waves with high energy, or light with strong power, and usually refers to ionizing radiation that has enough energy to ionize atoms. The terms “radiation,” “radioactivity,” and “radioactivity” can be confusing here. Radiation refers to the rays emitted from a light source, radioactivity refers to the property of emitting radiation, and radioactivity refers to the ability to emit radiation. Radioactive materials emit radiation as much as they have radioactivity, and the danger of radiation mainly lies in their high energy.
The energy of radiation can cause “ionization” in living organisms and structures. Ionization is the process by which atoms or molecules change into charged ions, which can break bonds and cause genetic deformities, infertility, and other damage from exposure to radiation in living organisms. On the other hand, these properties are also used for medical and industrial treatments such as gamma-ray sterilization and radiation cancer treatment.
Historical background of exposure and radiation protection
The concepts of radiation exposure and radiation protection began to emerge at the end of the 19th century. On November 8, 1895, Roentgen discovered X-rays, which led to research using them. As the characteristics of X-rays were studied, the need for radiation protection emerged. In 1902, efforts began to set exposure standards for people using X-rays, and in 1906, a basic policy on radiation protection was established. However, at the time, the need for radiation protection was not widely recognized, and there was a lack of research on the effects of radiation on the human body.
In 1921, the British Roentgen Society made public its official statement on the dangers of radiation exposure. In 1922, the American Roentgen Society issued recommendations on radiation exposure, and research on radiation protection continued in many countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, the Soviet Union, and Sweden, until the mid-1920s. Currently, the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and the ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection) set and manage radiation protection standards. The ICRP believes that radiation above natural levels is potentially harmful, but since the use of ionizing radiation is essential for human development, it is considered safe within appropriate standards.
Principles of Radiation Protection
The current radiation protection standards are based on the following three principles. First, radiation exposure should be avoided if possible. Second, all exposure should be minimized in consideration of economic and social conditions. Third, the radiation dose received by an individual should not exceed the level that would result in a non-probabilistic effect.
The radiation exposure standards are largely divided into radiation workers and the general public. The reference values for radiation workers have changed from the ICRP’s 1934 tolerance dose, the NCRP’s 1946 maximum permissible dose, and the FRC’s 1960 radiation protection guidelines to the current ICRP’s lowest reasonable achievable value. In the process, the reference values have gradually decreased. For the general public, standards are much lower than for radiation workers, and this is the result of not considering social benefits, unlike radiation workers.
The reality of radiation protection
Radiation protection aims to control the limited use of radiation. It focuses on preventing the leakage of radioactive materials, quickly dealing with any leaks that occur, and reducing damage. Monitoring of radioactive materials is divided into four categories: process monitoring, area monitoring, release monitoring, and environmental monitoring. This monitoring is focused on ensuring that radioactive materials do not exceed the specified range.
If a radioactive material is leaked or exposed to radiation, the following three methods can be used to reduce the damage. First, keep a sufficient distance from the radiation. Second, install shielding. Third, keep the exposure time as short as possible.
Internal exposure and decontamination
If internal exposure or environmental leakage occurs, the general radiation protection method cannot be used to solve it. At this point, radioactive materials are classified according to whether or not the source of contamination can be removed. In particular, removable sources of contamination, such as radioactive fallout, can enter the body directly, making them important. The process of removing these is called decontamination, and various decontamination methods are adopted depending on the physical and chemical characteristics of the source of contamination.
The decontamination process is based on the following principles: speed, prevention of spread, waste disposal, timeliness, and economy. The faster the decontamination process is carried out, the more effective it is, and soaking the contaminants in water prevents them from spreading in the air. Common decontamination methods include cutting off at least 8 mm of the surface of contaminated objects, washing clothes in a special washing machine, and washing hands, feet, and skin three or four times in two minutes with a neutral detergent or by scrubbing off the titanium oxide paste.
Post-exposure management and recovery
If you suspect that you have been exposed to radiation even after undergoing decontamination procedures, it is best to seek the help of a specialist. To reduce the damage caused by exposure and aid recovery, measures must be taken to prevent the radiation from being absorbed into the body and to ensure that the patient receives sufficient nutrition. Most radiation exposure naturally heals within a few days, and continuous monitoring and follow-up are essential during this process.
Conclusion
Radiation protection is an important task to protect lives from the dangers of radiation. Accurate understanding and effective protection against radiation can reduce unnecessary fear and lay the foundation for safely utilizing the benefits of radiation when necessary. As technology advances, the standards and methods of radiation protection are being further strengthened, and research and practice to improve the safety of radiation use will continue in the future.
