What
is radiation?
Radiation is a form of energy. It comes from man-made
sources such as x-ray machines, from the sun and outer space, and from
some radioactive materials such as uranium in soil.
How can I be exposed to radiation?
Small quantities of radioactive materials occur
naturally in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat,
and in our own bodies. Radiation that goes inside our bodies causes
what we refer to as internal exposure. The exposure that is
referred to as external comes from sources outside the body,
such as radiation from sunlight and man-made and naturally occurring
radioactive materials.
Radiation doses that people receive are measured in units called "rem" or "sievert." (One
sievert is equal to100 rem.) Scientists estimate that the average person in
the United States receives a dose of about one-third of a rem per year. Eighty
percent of typical human exposure comes from natural sources and the remaining
20 percent comes from artificial radiation sources, primarily medical x-rays.
What are the health effects of exposure
to radiation?
Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways,
and the adverse health consequences of exposure may not be seen for
many years. These adverse health effects can range from mild effects,
such as skin reddening, to serious effects such as cancer and death,
depending on the amount of radiation absorbed by the body (the dose),
the type of radiation, the route of exposure, and the length of time
a person is exposed. Exposure to very large doses of radiation may
cause death within a few days or months. Exposure to lower doses of
radiation may lead to an increased risk of developing cancer or other
adverse health effects.
How can I protect myself from radiation?
The three basic ways to reduce your exposure are
through—
TIME:Decrease the amount of time you spend near the source
of radiation.
DISTANCE:Increase your distance from a radiation source.
SHIELDING:Increase the shielding between you and the
radiation source. Shielding is anything that creates a barrier between
people and the radiation source. Depending on the type of radiation,
the shielding can range from something as thin as a plate of window
glass or as thick as several feet of concrete. Being inside a building
or a vehicle can provide shielding from some kinds of radiation.
Where can I get more information about
radiation?
More information can be obtained from the following U.S. government sources:
The Environmental Protection
Agency
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission can
be reached at (301) 415-8200
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
can be reached at (202) 646-4600.
The Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS)
can be reached at (865) 576-3131 (ask for REAC/TS).
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
can be reached at 1-800-dial-DOE.
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