The Dangers of Radio Isotopes

Dangers of Radioisotopes when radlatlon collides with molecules In living cells It feces damage them. If the DNA In the nucleus of a cell is damaged, the cell whitethorn bring into being pilecerous. The cell then goes out of control, divides rapidly and reachs serious health problems. Radiation blameing figure The greater the dose of radiation syndrome a cell gets. the greater the chance that the cell will become cancerous. However, very high doses of radiation can polish the cell completely. We use this property of radiation to kill cancer cells, and also harmful bacteria and other micro-organisms.The hazard symbol Is shown on containers of radioactive meanings to warn of the danger. Alpha. beta and gamma radiation The degree to which each different type of radiation is most touch-and-go to the body depends on whether the source is outside or inside the body. If the radioactive source Is Inside the body, possibly after being swallowed or breathed In Alpha radiation is the most dangerous because it is considerably absorbed by cells. Beta and gamma radiation ar non as dangerous because they are less likely to be absorbed by a cell and will usually tho pass right through it.If the radioactive source is outside the body Alpha radiation is not as dangerous because it Is unlikely to reach living cells inside the body. Beta and gamma radiation are the most dangerous sources because they can penetrate the skin and damage the cells inside. hot barbs are penetrating and ionizing and can therefore destroy living cells. Small does of radiation over an extended period may cause cancer and eventually death. strong does can kill Instantly. Marle curle and Enrico Fermi died due to exposure to radiation. Several precautions should be observed while handling adioisotopes. Some of these are listed in the following- 1 .No radioactive substance should be handled with bare hands. Alpha and beta emitters can be handled using thick gloves. da Gamma ray emitters must be handled plainly by remote control that is by mechanical means Gamma rays are the most dangerous and over exposure can lead to serious biological damage. 2. Radioactive materials must be pedigreed In thick lead containers. 3. Reactor and laboratories dealing with and conducting experiments with radioactive metals must be surrounded with thick concrete lined with lead. . People croping with radioactive Isotopes must wear antifertility clothing which Is left in the laboratory.The workers must be checked regularly with dosimeters. and appropriate measures should be interpreted in cases of overdose. 5. Radioactive waste must be sealed and buried deep in the ground. Of3 maneuver ra010actlve stock materlals ana sealed sources In a secured contalner or a secured storage line of business when not in use. A stock material is radioactive material as provided by the vendor and does not take material withdrawn from the original stock for experimental use. Do not leave radioactive mate rials unfastened in an unattended lab, even for a short time, unless the lab is locked.Supervise visitors to the lab. When visitors who are not accompanied by authorized lab personnel enter the lab, find out who they are and why they are there. If you happen that radioactive material is missing or lost and cannot be accounted for, notify EHS no later than the next business day. Keeping Radiation Exposure ALARA (top) The acronym ALARA, which stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable, means that radiation workers should make every reasonable effort to keep radiation exposures s far below regulative dose stipulates as practical.Adhering to the following practices can help keep radiation doses ALARA. Be familiar with the properties of the radioisotope to be used and with any precautions and concerns specific to that radioisotope and material. (See Appendix B for detailed information about the radioisotopes most usually used at the University). Unfamiliar radioisotope procedures s hould be rehearsed before radioactive material is actually used. Wear restrictive clothing. Wear radiation monitor badges when appropriate. Have all the necessary materials and equipment available and ready at the skip of a procedure.For those radioisotopes with significant remote radiation levels, use remote handling tools, such as tongs, to limit direct handling of stock and sample vials. Survey frequently and extensively. Dont assume that contamination will only be found on the bench top. Clean up contamination in the work area promptly. Change gloves and lab coats as they become contaminated. Work in a hood during procedures using volatile materials such as 1-125 or millicurie amounts of S-35 methionine/cysteine. Cover radioactive waste cans at all times and store waste cans away from areas in which people spend substantial amounts of time.Provide shielding for waste cans with significant external radiation levels. Do not store contaminated materials, including gels, at any desk area. Survey yourself and your clothing when radioisotope work is finished and before leaving the lab. Protective Clothing (top) Lab accidents often involve spills or splashes which can readily contaminate exposed wrists, legs and feet. For any work with an open radioactive source, wear gloves (the ongest length available) a full-length lab coat (worn closed with sleeves rolled down) close-toed shoes.