Acute Radiation Syndrome

Radiation is emitted by radioactive materials. Ionizing radiation consists of Alpha, Beta, X-ray and Gamma rays. We know that radiation is all around us but what happens with nuclear fallout?

Electrons that are knocked out of atoms that produce ions, is called ionizing radiation (IR). In controlled environments, IR can be found used in the medical or research and development fields to improve health conditions or decrease germ abilities and in extremely low levels in our everyday life. Ions can quickly combine with and destroy proteins and nucleic acids such as DNA, causing death.

IR is all around us and our bodies are able to detect any damaged cells for immediate repair or removal. However, exposure to lethal amounts above and beyond the body’s ability will lead to the development of Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) .

– Alpha particles, high energy helium- 4 nuclei, emitted by isotopes of heavy elements ; uranium
– Beta particles, high energy electrons, emitted by radioisotopes of lighter elements
– X-ray, high energy electromagnetic radiation, emitted when electrons meet metal
– Gamma rays, produced in radioactive decay, (Nuclear fallout)
– Radioisotope, a radioactive form of a element, unstable atoms undergo decay releasing radiation
– Radiosensitivity, sensitivity to radiant energy

The initial symptoms of ARS is general malaise such as– nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headache

A period of remission will follow. Later, more severe symptoms such as – fever,hemorrhage, fuid loss anemia and central nervous system damage will appear. This group of symptoms will subside again or may become more severe and lead to death usually within 60 days for humans.

Thermal burns may appear within minutes depending on the length of exposure caused either by direct absorption of the radiant energy by the skin, or indirectly by touching heated surfaces or ignition of clothing as a result of fires started by the radiation. Symptoms may develop over days and weeks.

Keratitis, flash blindness, retinal burns and cataracts are also symptoms that may develop depending upon the time, distance and immediate actions to shield eyes. A majority of these symptoms will disappear within minutes except retinal burns which are permanent blindness and cataracts will require medical attention.

The lethal doses of radiation kills cells, making them unable to reproduce , causes mutations, production of cancer cells and birth defects. Highly radiosensitive cells such as lymphocytes, bone marrow, germs and intestinal cells are greatly affected and with direct damage to cell molecules such as DNA will create mutations that can be transmitted to future generations.

Medical attention is provided with the use of protective shielding and monitoring devices which are capable of detecting even very low levels of radiation from natural and man-made radiation sources, such as ;

– Dosimeters, measure an absolute dose received over a period of time.
– Ion-chamber dosimeters, look like pens
– Film-badge dosimeters, a photographic film, which will become exposed as radiation passes through it.
– Thermoluminescent Dosimeter (TLD), these have crystals that emit visible light when heated, in direct proportion to their total radiation exposure.
– Radiation suits, full body suits that require sealing.
– Geiger Counters, used for large area radiation surveys

The amount of time and exposure is read by these devices and a logged record is maintained. Time spent near irradiated sources can be controlled by medical personnel for their own safety without sacrificing the quality of care necessary. Read related –> here.

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