Radiation in Everyday Radiation in Everyday LifeLife

Teo Jim Yang 3O3(26)Teo Jim Yang 3O3(26)

ContentsContents BasicsBasics

DefinitionDefinition Ionizing and Non-ionizing radiationIonizing and Non-ionizing radiation Electromagnetic RadiationElectromagnetic Radiation Natural Background RadiationNatural Background Radiation Man-Made RadiationMan-Made Radiation

Radiation in Our EnvironmentRadiation in Our Environment Effects of RadiationEffects of Radiation Sources of radiation in everyday lifeSources of radiation in everyday life Significance of Radiation ExposureSignificance of Radiation Exposure People who are at higher riskPeople who are at higher risk Radiation ProtectionRadiation Protection

What is radiation?What is radiation?

Energy that travels through space in Energy that travels through space in the from of particles or wavesthe from of particles or waves

Two different types of radiation: Two different types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizingionizing and non-ionizing

Radiation can be found all around usRadiation can be found all around us

Ionizing and Non-ionizing Ionizing and Non-ionizing RadiationRadiation

Ionizing RadiationIonizing Radiation Has a lot of energy Has a lot of energy

that gives it the ability that gives it the ability to cause changes in to cause changes in atomsatoms Enough to damage DNAEnough to damage DNA

Overexposure can Overexposure can cause:cause: Mutations in your Mutations in your

genes, which causes genes, which causes birth defects, birth defects,

Raised risk of cancer, Raised risk of cancer, burnsburns

Radiation sickness Radiation sickness

Non-ionizing RadiationNon-ionizing Radiation Relatively low-energyRelatively low-energy

radiation that doesn't radiation that doesn't have enough energy have enough energy to ionize atoms or to ionize atoms or moleculesmolecules

Although considered Although considered less dangerous than less dangerous than ionizing radiation, ionizing radiation, overexposure to non-overexposure to non-ionizing radiation can ionizing radiation can cause health issues cause health issues

Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Ionizing and Non-Ionizing RadiationRadiation

Summary of RadiationSummary of Radiation

Natural Background RadiationNatural Background Radiation

Refers to the naturally derived, widespread Refers to the naturally derived, widespread radiation present everywhere in the environmentradiation present everywhere in the environment

Usually not detrimental to lifeUsually not detrimental to life 3 Main sources:3 Main sources:

Cosmic RadiationCosmic Radiation Cosmic rays from outer space which bombard the earthCosmic rays from outer space which bombard the earth

Terrestrial RadiationTerrestrial Radiation Radioactive substances in the earth's crustRadioactive substances in the earth's crust

SoilSoil WaterWater VegetationVegetation

Emanation of radioactive gas from the earth (radon gas)Emanation of radioactive gas from the earth (radon gas) Internal RadiationInternal Radiation

Trace amounts of radioactivity in the bodyTrace amounts of radioactivity in the body

Man-Made RadiationMan-Made Radiation

Two distinct groups of people Two distinct groups of people exposed to man-made radiation exposed to man-made radiation sources:sources: Members of the publicMembers of the public Occupationally exposed individualsOccupationally exposed individuals

Man-Made radiationMan-Made radiation Sources that results in exposure to public:Sources that results in exposure to public:

Tobacco (thorium)Tobacco (thorium) Television (EM radiation)Television (EM radiation) Medical ProceduresMedical Procedures

Diagnostic X-raysDiagnostic X-rays Nuclear medicineNuclear medicine

Smoke detectors (Americium)Smoke detectors (Americium) Building materials (Radon)Building materials (Radon)

Occupational sourcesOccupational sources RadiographyRadiography X-ray techniciansX-ray technicians Workers in Nuclear power plantWorkers in Nuclear power plant Nuclear medicine techniciansNuclear medicine technicians

Light is made up of different components:Light is made up of different components: Gamma RaysGamma Rays X-RaysX-Rays Ultraviolet RaysUltraviolet Rays Visible LightVisible Light Infrared RaysInfrared Rays MicrowavesMicrowaves Radio WavesRadio Waves

They make up the They make up the electromagnetic spectrumelectromagnetic spectrum

They emit radiationThey emit radiation

Electromagnetic (EM) RadiationElectromagnetic (EM) Radiation

Decreasing in Wavelength

Decreasing in Wavelength

Effects Of RadiationEffects Of Radiation "Harmful Effects of Radiation" Video"Harmful Effects of Radiation" Video

Increased blood pressureIncreased blood pressure LesionsLesions Damage to foetus (in pregnant women)Damage to foetus (in pregnant women)

Mental retardationMental retardation MiscarriageMiscarriage

Cancers:Cancers: Salivary gland cancerSalivary gland cancer Lymphatic cancerLymphatic cancer Bone marrow cancer (leukemia)Bone marrow cancer (leukemia) Brain cancerBrain cancer Breast cancerBreast cancer

Heart DiseaseHeart Disease HeadachesHeadaches

And much more…And much more…

Effects of RadiationEffects of Radiation

Why does radiation cause harm?Why does radiation cause harm? DNA DamageDNA Damage

Our cells have mechanisms to repair DNA damage to a Our cells have mechanisms to repair DNA damage to a limited extent but radiation can overwhelm these limited extent but radiation can overwhelm these mechanisms.mechanisms.

Damaged DNA is implicated in several disease processes, Damaged DNA is implicated in several disease processes, including various types of cancer. including various types of cancer.

Interference with Melatonin productionInterference with Melatonin production Low melatonin levels have already been linked to several Low melatonin levels have already been linked to several

diseases, including cancersdiseases, including cancers Interference with Cellular CommunicationInterference with Cellular Communication

Our body cells communicate internally and externally by Our body cells communicate internally and externally by means of electrical signals. means of electrical signals. 

These signals can be altered by EMF radiation which These signals can be altered by EMF radiation which generates electrical currents within the body causing generates electrical currents within the body causing changes in both cellular activity and cellular structures changes in both cellular activity and cellular structures

Effects of Radiation Effects of Radiation Factors affecting the effect of radiation:Factors affecting the effect of radiation: Intensity of radiationIntensity of radiation

Exposure to strong radiation may cause damage, even Exposure to strong radiation may cause damage, even though the exposure is of short duration though the exposure is of short duration

Cumulative ExposureCumulative Exposure The combination of the different frequencies a person is The combination of the different frequencies a person is

exposed to may overwhelm the body defenses and exposed to may overwhelm the body defenses and repair mechanisms. repair mechanisms.

Duration of ExposureDuration of Exposure Many studies have indicated that various health effects Many studies have indicated that various health effects

are only noticed after many years of exposure to are only noticed after many years of exposure to  electromagnetic pollution, for example high voltage  electromagnetic pollution, for example high voltage power lines, or cell phones.power lines, or cell phones.

Radiation TransienceRadiation Transience More biologically stressful to be exposed to fluctuating More biologically stressful to be exposed to fluctuating

radiation which arises from an electrical appliance which radiation which arises from an electrical appliance which cycles on and off than from a similar appliance that cycles on and off than from a similar appliance that remains steadily on all day.  remains steadily on all day. 

Sources of Radiation in Sources of Radiation in Everyday LifeEveryday Life

1.1. Cell-phonesCell-phones

2.2. Tobacco Smoke from smokingTobacco Smoke from smoking

3.3. Medical Use of RadiationMedical Use of Radiation

4.4. Radiation from AppliancesRadiation from AppliancesI.I. Televisions and ComputersTelevisions and Computers

II.II. Microwave OvensMicrowave Ovens

III.III. Heating AppliancesHeating Appliances

IV.IV. Personal Grooming AppliancesPersonal Grooming Appliances

1. Cell Phone Radiation1. Cell Phone Radiation

Radiation in cell Radiation in cell phones is generated in phones is generated in the transmitter and the transmitter and emitted through the emitted through the antennaantenna In the form of radio In the form of radio

waveswaves These waves These waves picked up picked up

by a receiver in the by a receiver in the cell-phone towercell-phone tower

1. Cell Phone Radiation1. Cell Phone Radiation When talking on a cell phone, most users place When talking on a cell phone, most users place

the phone against the headthe phone against the head Some of the radiation might be absorbed by human Some of the radiation might be absorbed by human

tissuetissue Radio frequency (RF) radiation has the ability to Radio frequency (RF) radiation has the ability to

heat human tissueheat human tissue Damage to tissue can be caused by exposure to RF Damage to tissue can be caused by exposure to RF

radiation because the body is not equipped to dissipate radiation because the body is not equipped to dissipate excessive amounts of heatexcessive amounts of heat

The eyes are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of The eyes are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of blood flow in that areablood flow in that area

Use of cell phones may have potential links to:Use of cell phones may have potential links to: CancerCancer Brain tumorsBrain tumors Alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's disease Parkinson's diseaseParkinson's disease HeadachesHeadaches

1. Cell Phone Radiation1. Cell Phone Radiation

Some precautions that can be made Some precautions that can be made to reduce RF radiation exposure from to reduce RF radiation exposure from cell phones:cell phones: Extend the antenna during useExtend the antenna during use Use a phone that places the antenna as Use a phone that places the antenna as

far away from you as possiblefar away from you as possible Use a hands-free headsetUse a hands-free headset Limit calls inside buildingsLimit calls inside buildings Use the phone in open spaces as often Use the phone in open spaces as often

as possibleas possible Limit use by childrenLimit use by children

2. Radiation from Smoking2. Radiation from Smoking

Cigarette smoke contains radioactive lead-210 Cigarette smoke contains radioactive lead-210 and polonium-210and polonium-210   Each cigarette smoked can also be equated to one Each cigarette smoked can also be equated to one

chest x-raychest x-ray A non-smoker living with a smoker may receive the A non-smoker living with a smoker may receive the

equivalent of 12 chest x-rays per year as a result of equivalent of 12 chest x-rays per year as a result of second-hand smokesecond-hand smoke

Lead-210 and polonium-210 are deposited in the Lead-210 and polonium-210 are deposited in the bronchiolesbronchioles

Risk of cancers is increased with the presence of Risk of cancers is increased with the presence of other harmful substances in cigarette smokeother harmful substances in cigarette smoke Carbon monoxideCarbon monoxide TarTar NicotineNicotine

3. Radiation In Medicine3. Radiation In Medicine

Diagnostic radiologyDiagnostic radiology Use of machines (e.g. X-ray) to obtain images of Use of machines (e.g. X-ray) to obtain images of

the inside of the patient's bodythe inside of the patient's body X-rays can penetrate skinX-rays can penetrate skin Bone, fat, muscle, tumors and other masses all absorb Bone, fat, muscle, tumors and other masses all absorb

X-rays at different levelsX-rays at different levels The image on the film reveals distinct structures in the The image on the film reveals distinct structures in the

body because of the different levels of exposure on the body because of the different levels of exposure on the filmfilm

Even with the risks, X-ray scanning is still a safer Even with the risks, X-ray scanning is still a safer option than surgeryoption than surgery

Other diagnoses using radiation include Other diagnoses using radiation include mammography and MRI scansmammography and MRI scans

3. Radiation In Medicine3. Radiation In Medicine

RadiotherapyRadiotherapy Use of high energy x-rays and similar Use of high energy x-rays and similar

rays to treat disease (usually cancer)rays to treat disease (usually cancer) Radiation destroys the cancer cells in Radiation destroys the cancer cells in

the treated areathe treated area Although normal cells can also be Although normal cells can also be

damaged by the radiotherapy, they can damaged by the radiotherapy, they can usually repair themselvesusually repair themselves

Contributes to 40 per cent of all cured Contributes to 40 per cent of all cured cancers cancers

4. Radiation from Appliances4. Radiation from Appliances

TelevisionsTelevisions TVs emit X-raysTVs emit X-rays LCD (flat screen) TVs produce much less LCD (flat screen) TVs produce much less

radiation radiation ComputersComputers Computers emit radio and microwavesComputers emit radio and microwaves Wireless equipment (e.g. mouse, Wireless equipment (e.g. mouse,

keyboard) also emit some radiationkeyboard) also emit some radiation

Sit at least:Sit at least: 1.9m away from TV1.9m away from TV 60 cm away from computer screens60 cm away from computer screens

4. Radiation from Appliances4. Radiation from Appliances

Microwave OvensMicrowave Ovens Microwaves affect the foodMicrowaves affect the food

Structure of protein foods is changedStructure of protein foods is changedso so that a beneficial protein molecule in the that a beneficial protein molecule in the food becomes a harmful onefood becomes a harmful one

Placing plastic containers into the Placing plastic containers into the microwave may cause microwave may cause toxic plastic toxic plastic molecules to leach into the foodmolecules to leach into the food

Microwaves also leak out of the ovenMicrowaves also leak out of the oven keep a distance of 1.5 meters keep a distance of 1.5 meters

4. Radiation from Appliances4. Radiation from Appliances

Heating AppliancesHeating Appliances Electric blankets generate EM Electric blankets generate EM

radiation, even after switched offradiation, even after switched off Electrically heated carpets and rugs, Electrically heated carpets and rugs,

under-carpet and under-floor heating under-carpet and under-floor heating all produce substantial EM radiationall produce substantial EM radiation

Electrical heaters also produce lot of Electrical heaters also produce lot of EM radiationEM radiation

4. Radiation from Appliances4. Radiation from Appliances

Personal Grooming AppliancesPersonal Grooming Appliances Hairdryers, electric shavers, electric Hairdryers, electric shavers, electric

toothbrushes and similar personal toothbrushes and similar personal grooming products emit radiation at grooming products emit radiation at their normal operating distancetheir normal operating distance

People at higher risk should refrain People at higher risk should refrain from using themfrom using them

SignificanceSignificance

Even though common sources of Even though common sources of radiation only deal it in minute dosesradiation only deal it in minute doses

The frequency of which we are The frequency of which we are exposed to them are greater causes exposed to them are greater causes for concernfor concern The accumulation of these small doses The accumulation of these small doses

may greatly affect our healthmay greatly affect our health

People at Higher RiskPeople at Higher Risk

ChildrenChildren Biologically more vulnerableBiologically more vulnerable

Thinner skullsThinner skulls Tissues not fully developedTissues not fully developed

May not be able to control how much they use May not be able to control how much they use cell phones, play on computers, watch TV etc, cell phones, play on computers, watch TV etc, and how close they sit to the screen. and how close they sit to the screen.

Pregnant WomenPregnant Women Any cellular damage in a developing embryo Any cellular damage in a developing embryo

may have magnified consequences for the may have magnified consequences for the childchild

At risk of miscarriage if they are subjected to At risk of miscarriage if they are subjected to high intensity EM radiation during pregnancyhigh intensity EM radiation during pregnancy

Lower EM radiation levels may still damage the Lower EM radiation levels may still damage the foetus while not causing an actual miscarriage. foetus while not causing an actual miscarriage.

People At Higher RiskPeople At Higher Risk

People already suffering from chronic People already suffering from chronic degenerative conditionsdegenerative conditions The body is already using all its available The body is already using all its available

energy to heal itselfenergy to heal itself Does not have much energy to spare for Does not have much energy to spare for

repairing the damage done by radiationrepairing the damage done by radiation

Workers in close proximity to electrical Workers in close proximity to electrical machinerymachinery Exposed to strong electromagnetic fields and Exposed to strong electromagnetic fields and

radiation radiation

People At Higher RiskPeople At Higher Risk

Frequent users of appliances that Frequent users of appliances that emit radiationemit radiation Spend more than a few minutes a day Spend more than a few minutes a day

talking on a cell phone pressed to their talking on a cell phone pressed to their ear etcear etc

Table of Radiation-emitting AppliancesTable of Radiation-emitting Appliances Especially vulnerable if they done every Especially vulnerable if they done every

day for yearsday for years In other words, In other words, most of us are at riskmost of us are at risk

Radiation ProtectionRadiation Protection Increase distance from sourceIncrease distance from source

The intensity of radiation decreases with The intensity of radiation decreases with distance from its source. distance from its source.

Reduce time exposed to sourceReduce time exposed to source If exposure cannot be avoided, try to spend as If exposure cannot be avoided, try to spend as

little time near it as possiblelittle time near it as possible If it doesn't need to be turned on, switch it If it doesn't need to be turned on, switch it

offoff Radiation comes from many devices which are Radiation comes from many devices which are

left on unnecessarily, e.g. charger units for left on unnecessarily, e.g. charger units for batteries, cell-phones, laptops etc, computers batteries, cell-phones, laptops etc, computers and printersand printers

Radiation ProtectionRadiation Protection ShieldingShielding

Barriers of lead, concrete or water give good Barriers of lead, concrete or water give good protection from high levels of penetrating protection from high levels of penetrating radiation such as gamma raysradiation such as gamma rays

Intensely radioactive materials are often stored Intensely radioactive materials are often stored or handled under water, or by remote control or handled under water, or by remote control in rooms constructed of thick concrete or lined in rooms constructed of thick concrete or lined with leadwith lead

ContainmentContainment Highly radioactive materials are confined and Highly radioactive materials are confined and

kept out of the workplace and environmentkept out of the workplace and environment Nuclear reactors operate within closed systems Nuclear reactors operate within closed systems

with multiple barriers which keep the with multiple barriers which keep the radioactive materials containedradioactive materials contained

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