Radioactive Sign - Logo design like blades and yellow background picture printed on the back of a fire truck carrying a load of liquid chemicals warn us that it is a hazardous substance. Every time saw this object, probably comes to mind the possibility of a devastating explosion in the event of a technical error or the vehicle involved in the accident.
When hearing the word "radioactive", what comes to mind is that it is a very dangerous, can not be approached or touched. Some say, perhaps radioactive explosion, causing death or cause a person to become sick with cancer. That is the general perception of the community.
Uranium Information Centre Limited (UIC), an organisation that provides guidance on radioactive material in the article mentioned, radioactive substances formed by decomposition of chemical elements from one form to another.
For example, potassium (K), from K40 to K39 (both are isotopes). Although radioactive consist of isotopes, but not all isotopes are radioactive because most are common elements. For example, the K39 is a mineral needed by the body while the K40 is also radioactive.
There are four types of radiation to note that the type of alpha, beta, gamma and neutron. Each type of radiation requires a form of protection which is not the same as it shows different properties and effects as follows:
- Alpha radiation - it cannot penetrate the skin and can be blocked by using only a piece of paper, however, it is very sensitive and can pose a danger to the lungs.
- Beta radiation - radiation is able to penetrate the human body but is not able to penetrate the layers of aluminium foil..
- Gamma radiation - is also able to penetrate the human body. Radiation is more intense and requires several meters of lead or concrete to prevent penetration.
- Neutron radiation - Usually occurs in nuclear reactors and is capable of penetrating the container and concrete.
Radiation is actually widely used in the medical industry where gamma rays from cobalt-60 to kill cancer cells in radiotherapy and is also used to kill germs in the sterilisation of medical devices such as thermometers, needles and syringes, surgical instruments and so on. Radioactive radiation from radioisotopes is also used to kill insect pests. Radiation is also used in the automatic thickness control in the manufacture of paper, plastic and metal.
In the food and beverage packaging industry, radiation technology used for the purpose of measuring the exact content and detection of impurities that could harm us. X-ray scans were able to detect any inconsistencies in the arrangement of radial circumference of the tires of the vehicle.
Exposure to radioactive material for a long period can be fatal impact on consumers. Similarly, the X-rays that we need to undergo during a medical examination. X-rays are showing the effects of gamma-ray radiation more than others.
For that reason, physicians often recommend, X-rays can only be done once in six months and not allowed to be carried out on pregnant women. X-rays can kill cells in the body, especially cells that are newly formed and this situation is feared to affect the structure of the foetus.
For that reason, physicians often recommend, X-rays can only be done once in six months and not allowed to be carried out on pregnant women. X-rays can kill cells in the body, especially cells that are newly formed and this situation is feared to affect the structure of the foetus.
However, there is also radioactive, which is used as a material change. For example radium used for treating solid cancers (radiation by radium is often able to destroy tumour tissue in the patient's body). Function essentially as destructive cells used for the benefit and progress of mankind.
Handling radioactive material must be done with caution and care. Make sure that all instructions and guidelines provided observed for any disobedience and negligence have catastrophic consequences.
Guidance
- The guidance provided by the Occupational Safety and Health, University of Delaware asserting, radioactive material to be used should be conducted in a designated area after the passing of the Radiation Safety Officer.
- Laboratories should also be classified according to the type and purpose of the material used. The equipment used should also be monitored from time to time to ensure a smooth and any damage that may occur.
- In addition, operators of radioactive material should be equipped with equipment such as barriers, gloves and warning equipment to prevent the possibility of radiation.
- Similarly, radioactive waste should be collected in designated containers before being shipped for treatment of waste by the body that are recognised by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. Be sure to also wash hands thoroughly before leaving the laboratory of radioactive material. As the saying goes, counter before seriously.
Thus, radioactive rays are penetrating and ionising and can destroy living cells exposed. Exposure to small amounts of radiation for a prolonged period can cause cancer and eventually death. Exposure to intense radiation can kill instantly. Therefore, it is important that precautions be followed during handling of radioisotopes.
