Concerns about radiation have increased since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, but it’s important to understand the concept and the principles of protection rather than just being fearful. Radiation is a high-energy electromagnetic wave that causes ionization of living organisms and structures, which can cause damage such as genetic deformities and infertility. The basic principles of radiation protection are minimizing exposure, limiting exposure, and controlling the dose, which requires radioactive material surveillance and decontamination procedures.
Introduction
In March 2011, the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant drew worldwide attention and concern, highlighting the dangers of radiation once again. In Korea, due to its close geographical proximity to Japan across the sea, the awareness of the dangers is even greater. However, as in the case of mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), some of the excessive concern about radiation is often based on vague fears rather than informed, rational judgment. A better understanding of radiation, and a rational defense based on that understanding, is becoming increasingly important.
What is radiation?
Radiation refers to high-energy electromagnetic waves, or light with great force, and usually refers to ionizing radiation, which has enough energy to ionize atoms. The terms “radiation,” “radioactivity,” and “radioactivity” can be confusing: radiation is the light emitted by a light source, radioactivity is the property of emitting radiation, and radioactivity is the ability to emit radiation. Radioactive materials emit radiation as much as they are radioactive, and the danger of radiation lies primarily in their high energy.
The energy of radiation can cause “ionization” within living things and structures. Ionization is the process by which atoms or molecules turn into charged ions, breaking bonds and causing damage in living organisms, including genetic malformations and infertility. On the other hand, these properties can also be intentionally harnessed for medical and industrial treatments such as gamma-ray sterilization and radiation cancer therapy.
Historical background of radiation exposure and radiation protection
The concepts of radiation exposure and radiation protection began to emerge at the end of the 19th century. The discovery of X-rays by Röntgen on November 8, 1895, led to research into their properties and the need for radiation protection. In 1902, efforts began to set exposure limits for people using X-rays, and in 1906, a basic policy for radiation protection was established. However, the need for radiation protection was not widely recognized at the time, and research on the effects of radiation on the human body was lacking.
In 1921, the British Røntgen Society made an official statement publicizing the dangers of radiation exposure. In 1922, the American Røntgen Society issued recommendations on radiation exposure, and other countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, the Soviet Union, and Sweden continued to work on radiation protection until the mid-1920s. Today, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) set and maintain radiation protection standards. The ICRP believes that radiation above natural levels has the potential to be harmful, but that the use of ionizing radiation is safe within reasonable limits because it is essential for human development.
Principles of radiation protection
Current radiation protection standards are based on three principles. First, radiation exposure should be avoided whenever possible. Second, all exposures should be minimized, taking into account economic and social conditions. Third, the radiation dose received by an individual should not exceed the level that will cause non-probabilistic effects.
Radiation exposure standards are divided into two main categories: radiation workers and the general population. For radiation workers, the thresholds have evolved from the ICRP’s 1934 Tolerable Dose, the NCRP’s 1946 Maximum Permissible Dose, the FRC’s 1960 Radiation Protection Guidelines, and now the ICRP’s Minimum Reasonably Achievable Level. The thresholds have been progressively lowered along the way. For the general public, standards remain much lower than for radiation workers, and unlike radiation workers, societal benefits are not taken into account.
Radiation protection in practice
Radiation protection is aimed at controlling the limited use of radiation. It focuses on preventing leaks of radioactive materials and, in the event of a leak, dealing with it quickly and reducing the damage. The surveillance of radioactive materials is divided into four categories: process surveillance, area surveillance, release surveillance, and environmental surveillance. These surveillances are focused on ensuring that radioactive material does not exceed a defined range.
If a radioactive material spill or radiation exposure does occur, there are three ways to reduce the damage. First, maintain a sufficient distance from the radiation. Second, install shielding. Third, shorten your exposure time as much as possible.
Internal exposure and decontamination
In the case of internal exposure or environmental leakage, the usual radiation defense methods won’t work. Radioactive materials are categorized according to whether or not the source can be removed, and removable sources, such as radioactive fallout, are especially important because they can enter the body directly. The process of removing them is called decontamination, and various decontamination methods are adopted depending on the physical and chemical properties of the contaminant.
The basic principles of decontamination are rapidity, prevention of spread, waste disposal, timeliness, and affordability. The faster the decontamination process, the more effective it is, and wetting and treating contaminants can prevent their spread in the air. Common decontamination methods include shaving off at least 8 mm of contaminated surfaces, washing clothing in a dedicated washing machine, and washing hands, feet, and skin three to four times within two minutes with mild detergent or washing off titanium oxide paste.
Post-exposure care and recovery
If you still suspect you have been exposed after decontamination, it is best to seek medical help. You will need to take steps to prevent absorption into the body and provide adequate nutrition to reduce the effects of exposure and aid in recovery. Most cases will heal naturally within a few days, and continued monitoring and follow-up is essential throughout the process.
Conclusion
Radiation defense is an important task in protecting lives from the dangers of radiation. An accurate understanding of radiation and effective protection can reduce unnecessary fear and provide the basis for safely utilizing the benefits of radiation when necessary. As technology advances, the standards and methods of radiation protection are becoming more robust, and research and practice will continue to improve the safety of radiation use well into the future.
