On the average, the dose equivalent in the United States from all sources is about 360 millirem per year. The annual dose to individuals varies by where they live and whether they had medical x-ray or nuclear medicine procedures in the past year. In the United States, the annual absorbed dose includes exposure to background radiation, indoor radon and different radiation sources (e.g., industrial and medical). So, a smaller unit, the millirem, is used (1 rem = 1,000 millirem). In many cases, the amount of radiation dose equivalent is much less than one rem. The unit for this measurement is called the rem. The dose equivalent is found by multiplying the absorbed dose (in rads) by a "quality factor" for the specific type of radiation. To account for this difference and to give the dose from all types of radiation a common measure, a quantity known as dose equivalent is used. Alpha radiation, which is heavier and carries more electric charge, causes more damage than beta or gamma radiation. When radiation is absorbed by living tissue, the type of radiation, in addition to the absorbed dose, is important in determining the degree of damage that may occur. The unit of measurement for an absorbed dose of radiation is the rad. The amount of radiation energy deposited per unit of mass of matter is known as the absorbed dose. How is the radiation dose measured?Īs radiation moves through matter, some of its energy is absorbed into the material. If damaged, the DNA molecules are able to repair the damage in most cases but in some instances, damage to DNA molecules will affect the ability of the cells to do their work and to pass information to new cells. It does this by breaking the chemical bonds that hold together groups of atoms called molecules.įor example, DNA molecules, which contain a person's genetic information, control the chemical and physical functions of human cells. Ionizing radiation affects health when it causes changes in the cells of the human body. How does ionizing radiation affect health? For information on nonionizing radiation, contact the New York State Department of Health at 51. This booklet focuses on the health effects of ionizing radiation. Radiowaves, microwaves, heat waves, visible light and ultraviolet radiation are forms of nonionizing radiation. On the other hand, radiation that is not capable of producing ions in matter is known as nonionizing radiation. Alpha particles, beta particles, x-rays and gamma rays are forms of ionizing radiation. Ions are the charged particles that are produced when electrons are removed from their positions in the atoms. Radiation that can produce ions when it interacts with matter is called ionizing radiation. As they change form, they release radiation. In nature, there is a tendency for unstable atoms to change into a stable form. Radioactive materials, also known as radionuclides or radioisotopes, are atoms that are unstable. This energy can be in the form of particles, such as alpha or beta particles, which are emitted from radioactive materials, or waves such as light, heat, radiowaves, microwaves, x-rays and gamma rays. Radiation is energy that moves through space or matter at a very high speed. Radioactive materials are used in a number of consumer products, such as smoke detectors and exit signs, and for many other research and industrial purposes. Radiation produces heat that is used to generate electricity in nuclear power reactors. Also, high doses of radiation are used to kill harmful bacteria in food and to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. It is used in medicine to diagnose illnesses, and in high doses, to treat diseases such as cancer. Today, radiation is a common and valuable tool in medicine, research and industry. Radioactive materials are produced in nuclear reactors and particle accelerators. Radiation is produced by x-ray equipment and by particle accelerators used in research and medicine. In addition, radiation and radioactive materials are produced by many human activities. Everyone is exposed to background radiation daily. Together, these are known as background radiation. The radiation in the environment comes from both cosmic radiation that originates in outer space, and from radioactive materials that occur naturally in the earth and in our own bodies. Radiation and radioactive materials are part of our environment. A copy of the Radiation and Health brochure is available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF, 1.74MB, 24pgs).All Health Care Professionals & Patient Safety. Clinical Guidelines, Standards & Quality of Care.Health & Safety in the Home, Workplace & Outdoors.Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Records.
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