Radiation Health Dictionary

The term applied to the nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite which may follow exposure to RADIATION – for example, at work – or the use of RADIOTHERAPY in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. People exposed to radiation at work should have that exposure carefully monitored so it does not exceed safety limits. Doses of radiation given during radiotherapy treatment are carefully measured: even so, patients may suffer side-effects. The phenothiazine group of tranquillisers, such as CHLORPROMAZINE, as well as the ANTIHISTAMINE DRUGS, are of value in the prevention and treatment of radiation sickness.... radiation sickness

The band of electromagnetic radiation which has a longer wavelength than that of the red in the visible spectrum. Infrared radiation is used in the special photographic process essential to THERMOGRAPHY. Its property of transmitting radiant heat has made infrared radiation invaluable in PHYSIOTHERAPY, where it warms tissues, soothes pain and increases the local circulation.... infrared radiation

Harmful ultraviolet radiation from depletion of the ozone layer may affect general health and cause skin cancers, cataracts and immune deficiency. The protection offered by antioxidant nutrients can play a part in reducing the incidence of lens cataract. Until scientific medicine discovers effective treatment it would appear that Vitamins A, E, and Evening Primrose oil have a role to play in protection of the eyes and skin. Horsetail, rich in silica, is believed to delay progression of cataract when taken internally.

Topical. Creams to prevent burning: Vitamin E, Evening Primrose, Houseleek, Aloe Vera. Honey. Most creams contain Vitamin E which acts as a filter and moisturiser.

Diet. Foods rich in beta-carotene, Vitamins C and E.

Supplements. Vitamins A and E.

Note: Use of sunglasses and sun screens on sunny days to avoid burning. Wearing of a hat. ... ozone radiation

Hazards from radiation may arise from external sources of radiation or from radioactive materials taken into the body. The effects depend on the dose, the duration of exposure, and the organs exposed.

With some forms of radiation, damage occurs when the radiation dose exceeds a certain limit, usually 1 sievert (Sv) (see radiation unit). This damage may include radiation dermatitis, cataracts, organ failure (which may occur many years later), or radiation sickness.

For other types of radiation damage, the risk that damage will occur increases with increasing doses of radiation. Cancer caused by radiation-induced mutation is the major example of this type of damage. Radioactive leaks from nuclear reactors can cause a rise in mutation rates, which may lead to an increase in cancers, such as leukaemias; to birth defects; and to hereditary diseases. Cancer usually develops years after exposure. Radiation damage can be controlled by limiting exposure. People exposed to radiation at work have their exposure closely monitored to ensure that it does not exceed safe limits. People of reproductive age or younger should have their reproductive organs shielded when having X-rays or radiotherapy.There is no evidence of radiation hazards with visual display units (VDUs).... radiation hazards

Several different internationally agreed units (called units) are used to measure ionizing radiation. For example, the roentgen (R) measures the amount of radiation in the air, and the becquerel is the unit of spontaneous activity of a radioactive source such as uranium. For medical purposes, the most commonly used units are the gray (Gy) and the sievert (Sv).

The gray is the unit of radiation that is actually absorbed by any tissue or substance as a result of exposure to radiation. 1 Gy is the absorption of 1 joule of energy (from gamma radiation or X-rays) per kilogram of irradiated matter. The gray supersedes an older unit called the rad (1 Gy = 100 rads).

Because some types of radiation affect biological organisms more than others, the sievert is used as a measure of the impact of an absorbed dose. It uses additional factors, such as the kind of radiation and its energy, to quantify the effects on the body of equivalent amounts of different types of absorbed energy. The sievert replaces an older unit, the rem (1 Sv=100 rems).... radiation unit

measures designed to limit the dose of harmful radiation to patients and workers. Medical exposure to radiation is governed in the UK by the Department of Health and Social Care under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2000 (IRMER). A guiding theme of protection is the ALARA principle (“as low as reasonably achievable”).... radiation protection

see radioembolization.... selective internal radiation therapy