Radiation - in accessible language. Radiation - basic definitions How to explain to a child what radiation is

Radiation is the flow of particles produced during nuclear reactions or radioactive decay. We have all heard about the danger of radioactive radiation for the human body and we know that it can cause a huge number of pathological conditions. But often most people do not know what exactly the dangers of radiation are and how they can protect themselves from it. In this article we looked at what radiation is, what its danger is to humans, and what diseases it can cause.

What is radiation

The definition of this term is not very clear to a person not connected with physics or, for example, medicine. The term “radiation” refers to the release of particles produced during nuclear reactions or radioactive decay. That is, this is radiation that comes out of certain substances.

Radioactive particles have different abilities to penetrate and pass through different substances. Some of them can pass through glass, the human body, and concrete.

Radiation protection rules are based on knowledge of the ability of specific radioactive waves to pass through materials. For example, the walls of X-ray rooms are made of lead, through which radioactive radiation cannot pass.

Radiation happens:

• natural. It forms the natural radiation background to which we are all accustomed. The sun, soil, stones emit radiation. They are not dangerous to the human body.
• technogenic, that is, one that was created as a result of human activity. This includes the extraction of radioactive substances from the depths of the Earth, the use of nuclear fuels, reactors, etc.

How radiation enters the human body

Radiation is dangerous for humans. When its level increases above the permissible norm, various diseases and damage to internal organs and systems develop. Against the background of radiation exposure, malignant oncological pathologies can develop. Radiation is also used in medicine. It is used to diagnose and treat many diseases.

Many people associate radiation with inevitable diseases that are difficult to treat. And this is partly true. The most terrible and deadly weapon is called nuclear. Therefore, it is not without reason that radiation is considered one of the greatest disasters on earth. What is radiation and what are its consequences? Let's look at these questions in this article.

Radioactivity is the nuclei of some atoms, which are unstable. As a result of this property, the nucleus decays, which is caused by ionizing radiation. This radiation is called radiation. She has great energy. consists in changing the composition of cells.

There are several types of radiation depending on the level of its influence on

The last two types are neutrons and With this type radiation exposure we meet at Everyday life. It is the safest for the human body.

Therefore, when talking about what radiation is, we need to take into account the level of its radiation and the harm caused to living organisms.

Radioactive particles have enormous energy power. They penetrate the body and collide with its molecules and atoms. As a result of this process, they are destroyed. The peculiarity of the human body is that it mostly consists of water. Therefore, the molecules of this particular substance are exposed to radioactive particles. As a result, compounds that are very harmful to the human body arise. They become part of all chemical processes occurring in a living organism. All this leads to the destruction and destruction of cells.

Knowing what radiation is, you also need to know what harm it causes to the body.

The effects of radiation on humans fall into three main categories.

The main damage is caused to the genetic background. That is, as a result of infection, the germ cells and their structure change and are destroyed. This is reflected in the offspring. A lot of children are born with disabilities and deformities. This mainly happens in those areas that are susceptible to radiation contamination, that is, they are located next to other enterprises of this level.

The second type of disease that occurs under the influence of radiation is hereditary diseases at the genetic level, which appear after some time.

The third type is immune diseases. The body under the influence of radioactive radiation becomes susceptible to viruses and diseases. That is, immunity decreases.

The salvation from radiation is distance. The permissible level of radiation for humans is 20 microroentgens. In this case, it has no effect on the human body.

Knowing what radiation is, you can protect yourself to a certain extent from its effects.

What is radiation?
The term "radiation" comes from Lat. radius is a ray, and in the broadest sense it covers all types of radiation in general. Visible light and radio waves are also, strictly speaking, radiation, but by radiation we usually mean only ionizing radiation, that is, those whose interaction with matter leads to the formation of ions in it.
There are several types of ionizing radiation:
- alpha radiation – is a stream of helium nuclei
- beta radiation - a flow of electrons or positrons
- gamma radiation – electromagnetic radiation with a frequency of about 10^20 Hz.
- X-ray radiation is also electromagnetic radiation with a frequency of the order of 10^18 Hz.
- neutron radiation – neutron flux.

What is alpha radiation?
These are heavy positively charged particles consisting of two protons and two neutrons tightly bound together. In nature, alpha particles arise from the decay of atoms of heavy elements such as uranium, radium and thorium. In the air, alpha radiation travels no more than five centimeters and, as a rule, is completely blocked by a sheet of paper or the outer dead layer of skin. However, if a substance that emits alpha particles enters the body through food or inhaled air, it irradiates internal organs and becomes potentially dangerous.

What is beta radiation?
Electrons or positrons, which are much smaller than alpha particles and can penetrate several centimeters deep into the body. You can protect yourself from it with a thin sheet of metal, window glass, and even ordinary clothing. When beta radiation reaches unprotected areas of the body, it usually affects the upper layers of the skin. If a substance that emits beta particles enters the body, it will irradiate internal tissues.

What is neutron radiation?
Flow of neutrons, neutrally charged particles. Neutron radiation is produced during the fission of an atomic nucleus and has a high penetrating ability. Neutrons can be stopped by a thick concrete, water or paraffin barrier. Fortunately, in peaceful life, there is practically no neutron radiation anywhere except in the immediate vicinity of nuclear reactors.

What is gamma radiation?
An electromagnetic wave that carries energy. In the air it can travel long distances, gradually losing energy as a result of collisions with atoms of the medium. Intense gamma radiation, if not protected from it, can damage not only the skin, but also internal tissues.

What type of radiation is used in fluoroscopy?
X-ray radiation is electromagnetic radiation with a frequency of the order of 10^18 Hz.
Occurs when electrons moving at high speeds interact with matter. When electrons collide with atoms of any substance, they quickly lose their kinetic energy. In this case, most of it turns into heat, and a small fraction, usually less than 1%, is converted into x-ray energy.
In relation to X-ray and gamma radiation, the definitions “hard” and “soft” are often used. This is a relative characteristic of its energy and the associated penetrating power of radiation: “hard” - greater energy and penetrating power, “soft” - less. X-ray radiation is soft, gamma radiation is hard.

Is there a place without radiation at all?
Hardly ever. Radiation is an ancient environmental factor. There are many natural sources radiation: these are natural radionuclides contained in the earth’s crust, building materials, air, food and water, as well as cosmic rays. On average, they account for more than 80% of the annual effective dose received by the population, mainly due to internal exposure.

What is radioactivity?
Radioactivity is the property of atoms of an element to spontaneously transform into atoms of other elements. This process is accompanied by ionizing radiation, i.e. radiation.

How is radiation measured?
Given that “radiation” itself is not a measurable quantity, there are different units for measuring different types of radiation, as well as pollution.
The concepts of absorbed, exposure, equivalent and effective dose, as well as the concept of equivalent dose rate and background are used separately.
In addition, for each radionuclide ( radioactive isotope element) the activity of the radionuclide, the specific activity of the radionuclide and the half-life are measured.

What is absorbed dose and how is it measured?
Dose, absorbed dose (from Greek - share, portion) - determines the amount of ionizing radiation energy absorbed by the irradiated substance. Characterizes the physical effect of radiation in any environment, including biological tissue, and is often calculated per unit mass of this substance.
It is measured in units of energy that is released in a substance (absorbed by the substance) when ionizing radiation passes through it.
Units of measurement are rad, gray.
Rad (rad – short for radiation absorbed dose) is a non-systemic unit of absorbed dose. Corresponds to a radiation energy of 100 erg absorbed by a substance weighing 1 gram
1 rad = 100 erg/g = 0.01 J/kg = 0.01 Gy = 2.388 x 10-6 cal/g
With an exposure dose of 1 roentgen, the absorbed dose in air will be 0.85 rad (85 erg/g).
Gray (Gr.) is a unit of absorbed dose in the SI system of units. Corresponds to 1 J of radiation energy absorbed by 1 kg of substance.
1 Gr. = 1 J/kg = 104 erg/g = 100 rad.

What is exposure dose and how is it measured?
The exposure dose is determined by the ionization of air, that is, by the total charge of ions formed in the air when ionizing radiation passes through it.
Units of measurement are roentgen, pendant per kilogram.
X-ray (R) is a non-systemic unit of exposure dose. This is the amount of gamma or x-ray radiation that in 1 cm3 of dry air (which under normal conditions weighs 0.001293 g) forms 2.082 x 109 ion pairs. When converted to 1 g of air, this will be 1.610 x 1012 ion pairs or 85 erg/g of dry air. Thus, the physical energy equivalent of a roentgen is 85 erg/g for air.
1 C/kg is a unit of exposure dose in the SI system. This is the amount of gamma or x-ray radiation that in 1 kg of dry air forms 6.24 x 1018 pairs of ions that carry a charge of 1 coulomb of each sign. The physical equivalent of 1 C/kg is equal to 33 J/kg (for air).
The relationships between X-rays and C/kg are as follows:
1 P = 2.58 x 10-4 C/kg - exactly.
1 C/kg = 3.88 x 103 R - approximately.

What is an equivalent dose and how is it measured?
The equivalent dose is equal to the absorbed dose calculated for a person, taking into account factors that take into account different abilities different types radiation damage body tissues.
For example, for x-ray, gamma, beta radiation, this coefficient (it is called the radiation quality factor) is 1, and for alpha radiation - 20. That is, with the same absorbed dose, alpha radiation will cause 20 times more harm to the body than, for example, gamma radiation.
Units of measurement are rem and sievert.
The rem is the biological equivalent of a rad (formerly an x-ray). Non-systemic unit of measurement of equivalent dose. In general:
1 rem = 1 rad * K = 100 erg/g * ​​K = 0.01 Gy * K = 0.01 J/kg * K = 0.01 Sievert,
where K is the radiation quality factor, see the definition of equivalent dose
For x-rays, gamma-rays, beta radiation, electrons and positrons, 1 rem corresponds to an absorbed dose of 1 rad.
1 rem = 1 rad = 100 erg/g = 0.01 Gy = 0.01 J/kg = 0.01 Sievert
Considering that with an exposure dose of 1 roentgen, air absorbs approximately 85 erg/g (physical equivalent of a roentgen), and biological tissue absorbs approximately 94 erg/g (biological equivalent of a roentgen), we can assume with minimal error that an exposure dose of 1 roentgen for biological tissue corresponds to an absorbed dose of 1 rad and an equivalent dose of 1 rem (for x-rays, gamma, beta radiation, electrons and positrons), that is, roughly speaking, 1 roentgen, 1 rad and 1 rem are the same thing.
Sievert (Sv) is the SI unit of equivalent and effective dose equivalent. 1 Sv is equal to the equivalent dose at which the product of the absorbed dose in Grays (in biological tissue) by the coefficient K will be equal to 1 J/kg. In other words, this is the absorbed dose at which 1 J of energy is released in 1 kg of substance.
In general:
1 Sv = 1 Gy * K = 1 J/kg * K = 100 rad * K = 100 rem * K
At K = 1 (for x-rays, gamma, beta radiation, electrons and positrons) 1 Sv corresponds to an absorbed dose of 1 Gy:
1 Sv = 1 Gy = 1 J/kg = 100 rad = 100 rem.

The effective equivalent dose is equal to the equivalent dose, calculated taking into account the different sensitivity of various organs of the body to radiation. The effective dose takes into account not only that different kinds radiations have different biological effectiveness, but also that some parts of the human body (organs, tissues) are more sensitive to radiation than others. For example, at the same equivalent dose, lung cancer is more likely to occur than thyroid cancer. Thus, the effective dose reflects the total effect of human exposure in terms of long-term consequences.
To calculate the effective dose, the equivalent dose received by a specific organ or tissue is multiplied by the appropriate coefficient.
For the whole organism this coefficient is equal to 1, and for some organs it has the following values:
Bone marrow(red) - 0.12
thyroid gland - 0.05
lungs, stomach, large intestine - 0.12
gonads (ovaries, testes) - 0.20
leather - 0.01
To estimate the total effective equivalent dose received by a person, the indicated doses for all organs are calculated and summed.
The unit of measurement is the same as that of the equivalent dose - “rem”, “sievert”

What is equivalent dose rate and how is it measured?
The dose received per unit time is called dose rate. The higher the dose rate, the faster the radiation dose increases.
For equivalent dose in SI, the dose rate unit is sievert per second (Sv/s), the non-system unit is rem per second (rem/s). In practice, their derivatives are most often used (μSv/hour, mrem/hour, etc.)

What is background, natural background, and how are they measured?
Background is another name for the exposure dose rate of ionizing radiation in a given location.
Natural background - the power of the exposure dose of ionizing radiation in a given place, created only by natural sources of radiation.
The units of measurement are rem and sievert, respectively.
Often the background and natural background are measured in roentgens (micro-roentgens, etc.), approximately equating roentgens and rem (see the question about equivalent dose).

What is radionuclide activity and how is it measured?
The amount of radioactive substance is measured not only in units of mass (gram, milligram, etc.), but also by activity, which is equal to the number of nuclear transformations (decays) per unit of time. The more nuclear transformations the atoms of a given substance undergo per second, the higher its activity and the greater the danger it can pose to humans.
The SI unit of activity is decays per second (dec/s). This unit is called the becquerel (Bq). 1 Bq equals 1 rpm/s.
The most commonly used extra-systemic unit of activity is the curie (Ci). 1 Ci equals 3.7 * 10 in 10 Bq, which corresponds to the activity of 1 g of radium.

What is the specific surface activity of a radionuclide?
This is the activity of a radionuclide per unit area. Typically used to characterize the radioactive contamination of an area (radioactive contamination density).
Units of measurement - Bq/m2, Bq/km2, Ci/m2, Ci/km2.

What is half-life and how is it measured?
Half-life (T1/2, also denoted by the Greek letter “lambda”, half-life) is the time during which half of the radioactive atoms decay and their number decreases by 2 times. The value is strictly constant for each radionuclide. The half-lives of all radionuclides are different - from fractions of a second (short-lived radionuclides) to billions of years (long-lived).
This does not mean that after a time equal to two T1/2 the radionuclide will decay completely. After T1/2 the radionuclide will become twice as small, after 2*T1/2 it will be four times less, etc. Theoretically, a radionuclide will never decay completely.

A little theory

Radioactivity is the instability of the nuclei of some atoms, which manifests itself in their ability to undergo spontaneous transformation (in scientific terms, decay), which is accompanied by the release of ionizing radiation (radiation).

The energy of such radiation is quite high, so it is capable of influencing matter, creating new ions of different signs. It is impossible to cause radiation using chemical reactions; it is a completely physical process.

There are several types of radiation

• Alpha particles are relatively heavy particles, positively charged, and are helium nuclei.
• Beta particles are ordinary electrons.
• Gamma radiation has the same nature as visible light, but has a much greater penetrating ability.
• Neutrons are electrically neutral particles that arise mainly near an operating nuclear reactor; access there must be limited.
• X-rays are similar to gamma rays, but have less energy. By the way, the Sun is one of the natural sources of such rays, but protection from solar radiation provided by the Earth's atmosphere.

The most dangerous radiation for humans is Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation, which can lead to serious illnesses, genetic disorders and even death.

The extent to which radiation affects human health depends on the type of radiation, time and frequency. Thus, the consequences of radiation, which can lead to fatal cases, occur both during a single stay at the strongest source of radiation (natural or artificial), and when storing weakly radioactive objects at home (antiques, precious stones treated with radiation, products made from radioactive plastic) .

Charged particles are very active and interact strongly with matter, so even one alpha particle can be enough to destroy a living organism or damage a huge number of cells. However, for the same reason, any layer of solid or liquid substance, for example, ordinary clothing, is a sufficient means of protection against this type of radiation.

According to experts, ultraviolet radiation or laser radiation cannot be considered radioactive.

What is the difference between radiation and radioactivity?

Sources of radiation are nuclear facilities (particle accelerators, reactors, X-ray equipment) and radioactive substances. They can exist for a considerable time without manifesting themselves in any way, and you may not even suspect that you are near an object of extreme radioactivity.

Units of measurement of radioactivity

Radioactivity is measured in Becquerels (BC), which corresponds to one decay per second. The content of radioactivity in a substance is also often estimated per unit of weight - Bq/kg, or volume - Bq/cub.m.

Sometimes there is such a unit as Curie (Ci). This is a huge value, equal to 37 billion Bq. When a substance decays, the source emits ionizing radiation, the measure of which is the exposure dose. It is measured in Roentgens (R). 1 Roentgen is a fairly large value, so in practice a millionth (µR) or thousandth (mR) fraction of a Roentgen is used.

Household dosimeters measure ionization over a certain time, that is, not the exposure dose itself, but its power. The unit of measurement is microroentgen per hour. It is this indicator that is most important for a person, as it allows one to assess the danger of a particular radiation source.

Radiation and human health

The effect of radiation on the human body is called irradiation. During this process, radiation energy is transferred to the cells, destroying them. Radiation can cause all sorts of diseases - infectious complications, metabolic disorders, malignant tumors and leukemia, infertility, cataracts and much more. Radiation has a particularly acute effect on dividing cells, so it is especially dangerous for children.

The body reacts to the radiation itself, and not to its source. Radioactive substances can enter the body through the intestines (with food and water), through the lungs (by breathing) and even through the skin during medical diagnostics using radioisotopes. In this case, internal exposure occurs.

In addition, external radiation has a significant impact on the human body, i.e. The source of radiation is outside the body. The most dangerous, of course, is internal radiation.

How to remove radiation from the body

This question certainly worries many. Unfortunately, there are no particularly effective and fast ways to remove radionuclides from the human body. Certain foods and vitamins help cleanse the body of small doses of radiation. But if the radiation exposure is serious, then we can only hope for a miracle. Therefore, it is better not to take risks. And if there is even the slightest danger of being exposed to radiation, it is necessary to quickly get out of the dangerous place and call specialists.

Is the computer a source of radiation?

This question, in the age of the spread of computer technology, worries many. The only part of the computer that could theoretically be radioactive is the monitor, and even then, only electro-beam. Modern displays, liquid crystal and plasma, do not have radioactive properties.

CRT monitors, like televisions, are a weak source of X-ray radiation. It appears on the inner surface of the glass of the screen, however, due to the significant thickness of the same glass, it absorbs most of the radiation. To date, no health effects have been found from CRT monitors. However, with the widespread use of liquid crystal displays, this issue is losing its former relevance.

Can a person become a source of radiation?

Radiation, affecting the body, does not form radioactive substances in it, i.e. a person does not turn into a source of radiation. By the way, X-rays, contrary to popular belief, are also safe for health. Thus, unlike a disease, radiation damage cannot be transmitted from person to person, but radioactive objects that carry a charge can be dangerous.

Radiation level measurement

You can measure the level of radiation using a dosimeter. Household appliances are simply irreplaceable for those who want to protect themselves as much as possible from the deadly effects of radiation.

The main purpose of a household dosimeter is to measure the radiation dose rate in the place where a person is located, to examine certain objects (cargo, building materials, money, food, children's toys). Buying a device that measures radiation is simply necessary for those who often visit areas of radiation contamination caused by an accident at Chernobyl nuclear power plant(and such outbreaks are present in almost all regions of the European territory of Russia).

The dosimeter will also help those who are in an unfamiliar area, far from civilization - on a hike, picking mushrooms and berries, or hunting. It is imperative to inspect the site of the proposed construction (or purchase) of a house, cottage, garden or land plot for radiation safety, otherwise, instead of benefit, such a purchase will only bring deadly diseases.

It is almost impossible to clean food, soil or objects from radiation, so the only way To protect yourself and your family, stay away from them. Namely, a household dosimeter will help identify potentially dangerous sources.

Radioactivity standards

There are a large number of standards regarding radioactivity, i.e. They try to standardize almost everything. Another thing is that dishonest sellers, in pursuit of big profits, do not comply with, and sometimes even openly violate, the norms established by law.

The basic standards established in Russia are set out in Federal law No. 3-FZ of December 5, 1996 “On Radiation Safety of the Population” and in Sanitary Rules 2.6.1.1292-03 “Radiation Safety Standards”.

For inhaled air, water and food products, the content of both man-made (obtained as a result of human activity) and natural radioactive substances is regulated, which should not exceed the standards established by SanPiN 2.3.2.560-96.

In building materials, the content of radioactive substances of the thorium and uranium family, as well as potassium-40, is standardized; their specific effective activity is calculated using special formulas. Requirements for building materials are also specified in GOST.

In premises, the total content of thoron and radon in the air is regulated - for new buildings it should be no more than 100 Bq (100 Bq/m3), and for those already in use - less than 200 Bq/m3. In Moscow, additional standards MGSN2.02-97 are also applied, which regulate the maximum permissible levels of ionizing radiation and radon content in building areas.

For medical diagnostics, dose limits are not indicated, but requirements are put forward for minimum sufficient levels of exposure to obtain high-quality diagnostic information.

In computer technology, the maximum radiation level for electro-ray (CRT) monitors is regulated. The X-ray dose rate at any point at a distance of 5 cm from a video monitor or personal computer should not exceed 100 µR per hour.

The level of radiation safety can only be reliably checked using a personal household dosimeter.

You can only check whether manufacturers comply with the statutory standards yourself, using a miniature household dosimeter. It is very simple to use, just press one button and check the readings on the liquid crystal display of the device with the recommended ones. If the norm is significantly exceeded, then this item poses a threat to life and health, and it should be reported to the Ministry of Emergency Situations so that it can be destroyed.

How to protect yourself from radiation

Everyone is well aware of the high level of radiation danger, but the question of how to protect yourself from radiation is becoming increasingly urgent. You can protect yourself from radiation by time, distance and substance.

It is advisable to protect yourself from radiation only when its doses are tens or hundreds of times higher than the natural background. In any case, there must be fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs on your table. According to doctors, even with balanced diet The body is only half provided with essential vitamins and minerals, which is responsible for the increase in cancer incidence.

As our research has shown, effective protection Selenium is used against radiation in small and medium doses, as well as in reducing the risk of tumor development. It is found in wheat, white bread, cashew nuts, radishes, but in small doses. It is much more effective to take biologically prescribed by your doctor active additives with this element.

Time protection

The shorter the time spent near a radiation source, the lower the radiation dose a person receives. Short-term contact with even the most powerful X-ray radiation during medical procedures will not cause much harm, but if the X-ray machine is left for a longer period, it will simply “burn” living tissue.

Protection from different types of radiation by shielding

Protection by distance is that the radiation decreases with distance from the compact source. That is, if at a distance of 1 meter from a radiation source the dosimeter shows 1000 microroentgens per hour, then at a distance of 5 meters it shows about 40 microroentgens per hour, which is why radiation sources are often so difficult to detect. At long distances they are not “caught”; you need to clearly know the place where to look.

Substance protection

It is necessary to strive to ensure that there is as much substance as possible between you and the source of radiation. The denser it is and the more of it there is, the greater the portion of radiation that it can absorb.

Speaking about the main source of radiation in rooms - radon and its decay products, it should be noted that radiation can be significantly reduced by regular ventilation.

You can protect yourself from alpha radiation with an ordinary sheet of paper, a respirator and rubber gloves; for beta radiation you will already need a thin layer of aluminum, glass, a gas mask and plexiglass; heavy metals such as steel, lead, tungsten, cast iron, and Water and polymers such as polyethylene can save you from neutrons.

When building a house and interior decoration, it is recommended to use radiation-safe materials. Thus, houses made of wood and timber are much safer in terms of radiation than brick ones. Sand-lime bricks are smaller than bricks made from clay. Manufacturers have invented a special labeling system that emphasizes the environmental safety of their materials. If you are concerned about the safety of future generations, choose these.

There is an opinion that alcohol can protect against radiation. There is some truth in this, alcohol reduces susceptibility to radiation, but modern anti-radiation drugs are much more reliable.

To know exactly when to be wary of radioactive substances, we recommend purchasing a radiation dosimeter. This small device will always warn you if you find yourself close to a radiation source, and you will have time to choose the most appropriate method of protection.

IN last years We can increasingly hear about the radioactive threat to all humanity. Unfortunately, this is true, and, as the experience of the Chernobyl accident and the nuclear bomb in Japanese cities has shown, radiation can turn from a faithful assistant into a fierce enemy. And in order to know what radiation is and how to protect yourself from its negative effects, let’s try to analyze all the available information.

Impact of radioactive elements on human health

Every person has encountered the concept of “radiation” at least once in his life. But few people know what radiation is and how dangerous it is. To understand this issue in more detail, it is necessary to carefully study all types of radiation effects on humans and nature. Radiation is the process of emitting a stream of elementary particles of an electromagnetic field. The effect of radiation on human life and health is usually called irradiation. During this phenomenon, radiation multiplies in the cells of the body and thereby destroys it. Radiation exposure is especially dangerous for young children, whose bodies have not matured and become strong enough. A person affected by such a phenomenon can cause the most severe diseases: infertility, cataracts, infectious diseases and tumors (both malignant and benign). In any case, radiation does not bring benefit to human life, but only destroys it. But do not forget that you can protect yourself and purchase a radiation dosimeter, with which you will always know about the radioactive level of the environment.

In fact, the body reacts to radiation, not to its source. Radioactive substances enter the human body through the air (during the respiratory process), as well as by consuming food and water that were initially irradiated by a stream of radiation rays. The most dangerous exposure is perhaps internal. It is carried out for the purpose of treating certain diseases when radioisotopes are used in medical diagnostics.

Types of radiation

To answer the question as clearly as possible what radiation is, we should consider its types. Depending on the nature and impact on humans, several types of radiation are distinguished:

1. Alpha particles are heavy particles that have a positive charge and protrude in the form of a helium nucleus. Their impact on the human body is sometimes irreversible.
2. Beta particles are ordinary electrons.
3. Gamma radiation - has high level penetration.
4. Neutrons are electrically charged neutral particles that exist only in places where there is a nearby nuclear reactor. To an ordinary person not feel this type of radiation on your body, since access to the reactor is very limited.
5. X-rays are perhaps the safest type of radiation. In essence it is similar to gamma radiation. However, the most striking example of X-ray radiation is the Sun, which illuminates our planet. Thanks to the atmosphere, people are protected from high background radiation.

Alpha, Beta and Gamma emitting particles are considered extremely dangerous. They can cause genetic diseases, malignant tumors and even death. By the way, the radiation from nuclear power plants emitted into the environment, according to experts, is not dangerous, although it combines almost all types of radioactive contamination. Sometimes antiques and antiques are treated with radiation to avoid rapid deterioration cultural heritage. However, radiation quickly reacts with living cells and subsequently destroys them. Therefore, you should be wary of antiquities. Clothing serves as basic protection against the penetration of external radiation. You should not count on complete protection from radiation on a sunny, hot day. In addition, radiation sources may not reveal themselves for a long time and become active at the moment when you are nearby.

How to measure radiation levels

Radiation levels can be measured using a dosimeter both in industrial and domestic conditions. For those who live near nuclear power plants, or people who are simply concerned about their safety, this device will be simply irreplaceable. The main purpose of such a device as a radiation dosimeter is to measure the radiation dose rate. This indicator can be checked not only in relation to a person and a room. Sometimes you have to pay attention to certain objects that may pose a danger to humans. Children's toys, food and Construction Materials- each item can be endowed with a certain dose of radiation. For those residents who live near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, where a terrible disaster occurred in 1986, it is simply necessary to buy a dosimeter in order to always be on alert and know what dose of radiation is present in the area at a particular moment. environment. Fans of extreme entertainment and trips to places remote from civilization should provide themselves with items for their own safety in advance. It is impossible to cleanse soil, building materials or food from radiation. Therefore, it is better to avoid adverse effects on your body.

Computer is a source of radiation

Perhaps many people think so. However, this is not quite true. A certain level of radiation comes only from the monitor, and even then only from the electro-beam one. Nowadays, manufacturers do not produce such equipment, which has been excellently replaced by liquid crystal and plasma screens. But in many homes old electro-ray televisions and monitors are still functioning. They are a fairly weak source of X-ray radiation. Due to the thickness of the glass, this radiation remains on it and does not harm human health. So don't worry too much.

Radiation dose relative to terrain

We can say with utmost certainty that natural radiation is a very variable parameter. Depending on the geographical location and a certain time period, this indicator may vary within a wide range. For example, the radiation rate on Moscow streets ranges from 8 to 12 microroentgens per hour. But on mountain peaks it will be 5 times higher, since there the protective capabilities of the atmosphere are much lower than in populated areas that are closer to sea level. It is worth noting that in places where dust and sand accumulate, saturated with a high content of uranium or thorium, the level of background radiation will be significantly increased. To determine the background radiation level at home, you should purchase a dosimeter-radiometer and take appropriate measurements indoors or outdoors.

Radiation protection and its types

IN Lately More and more often you can hear discussions on the topic of what radiation is and how to deal with it. And during the discussions, a term such as radiation protection comes up. Radiation protection is generally understood as a set of specific measures to protect living organisms from the effects of ionizing radiation, as well as the search for ways to reduce the damaging effects of ionizing radiation.

There are several types of radiation protection:

1. Chemical. This is the weakening of the negative effects of radiation on the body by introducing into it certain chemicals called radioprotectors.
2. Physical. This is the use of various materials that weaken background radiation. For example, if the layer of earth that was exposed to radiation is 10 cm, then a 1 meter thick embankment will reduce the amount of radiation by 10 times.
3. Biological radiation protection. It is a complex of protective repair enzymes.

To protect against different types of radiation, you can use some household items:

• From Alpha radiation - a respirator, paper, rubber gloves.
• From Beta radiation - a gas mask, glass, a small layer of aluminum, plexiglass.
• From Gamma radiation - only heavy metals (lead, cast iron, steel, tungsten).
• From neutrons - various polymers, as well as water and polyethylene.

Elementary methods of protection against radiation exposure

For a person who finds himself within the radius of a radiation contamination zone, the most important issue at this moment will be his own protection. Therefore, anyone who has become an involuntary prisoner of the spread of radiation levels should definitely leave their location and go as far as possible. How faster man this will do, the less likely it is to receive a certain and unwanted dose of radioactive substances. If it is not possible to leave your home, then you should resort to other security measures:

• do not leave the house for the first few days;
• do wet cleaning 2-3 times a day;
• shower and wash clothes as often as possible;
• to ensure the body’s protection from harmful radioactive iodine-131, a small area of ​​the body should be anointed with a solution of medical iodine (according to doctors, this procedure is effective for a month);
• If there is an urgent need to leave the room, you should put on a baseball cap and a hood at the same time, as well as wet clothes in light colors made of cotton material.

It is dangerous to drink radioactive water, since its total radiation is quite high and can have a negative effect on the human body. The easiest way to clean it is to pass it through a carbon filter. Of course, the shelf life of such a filter cassette is sharply reduced. Therefore, you need to change the cassette as often as possible. Another untested method is boiling. The guarantee of radon removal will not be 100% in any case.

Proper diet in case of danger of radiation exposure

It is well known that in the process of discussions on the topic of what radiation is, the question arises of how to protect yourself from it, what you should eat and what vitamins you should take. There is a certain list of products that are most dangerous for consumption. The largest amount of radionuclides accumulates in fish, mushrooms and meat. Therefore, you should limit yourself in consuming these foods. Vegetables must be thoroughly washed, boiled and the outer skin cut off. The best products For consumption during the period of radioactive radiation, sunflower seeds, offal - kidneys, heart, and eggs can be considered. You need to eat as much iodine-containing products as possible. Therefore, every person should buy iodized salt and seafood.

Some people believe that red wine will protect against radionuclides. There is some truth in this. When drinking 200 ml per day of this drink, the body becomes less vulnerable to radiation. But you can’t remove the accumulated radionuclides with wine, so the total radiation still remains. However, some substances contained in wine drink help block the harmful effects of radiation elements. However, to avoid problems, it is necessary to remove harmful substances from the body with the help of medications.

Drug protection against radiation

You can try to remove a certain proportion of radionuclides that enter the body using sorbent preparations. The simplest means that can reduce the effects of radiation include Activated carbon, which should be taken 2 tablets before meals. Such medications as Enterosgel and Atoxil are endowed with a similar property. They block harmful elements by enveloping them and remove them from the body through the urinary system. At the same time, harmful radioactive elements, even remaining in the body in small quantities, will not have a significant impact on human health.

The use of herbal remedies against radiation

In the fight against the removal of radionuclides, not only medications purchased at the pharmacy can help, but also some types of herbs, which will cost several times less. For example, radioprotective plants include lungwort, honeydew and ginseng root. In addition, to reduce the concentration of radionuclides, it is recommended to use Eleutherococcus extract in the amount of half a teaspoon after breakfast, washing down this tincture with warm tea.

Can a person be a source of radiation?

When exposed to the human body, radiation does not create radioactive substances in it. It follows from this that a person himself cannot be a source of radiation. However, things that have been touched by a dangerous dose of radiation are unsafe for health. There is an opinion that it is better not to store x-rays at home. But they won't actually harm anyone. The only thing to remember is that x-rays should not be taken too often, otherwise it can lead to health problems, since there is still a dose of radioactive radiation.