The Dangers of Radio Isotopes

Dangers of Radioisotopes when radlatlon collides with molecules In living kiosks It can damage them. If the DNA In the nucleus of a cell is damaged, the cell may become cancerous. The cell then goes out of control, divides rapidly and ca implements serious health problems. Radiation monition image The great the dose of beam of light a cell gets. the greater the chance that the cell exit become cancerous. However, very high doses of beam of light can belt down the cell completely. We use this property of beam of light to refine cancer cells, and also harmful bacteria and other micro-organisms.The hazard symbol Is shown on containers of radioactive substances to warn of the danger. Alpha. beta and gamma radiation The pointedness to which each different type of radiation is most desperate to the frame depends on whether the writer is outside or inside the body. If the radioactive source Is Inside the body, perhaps after being swallowed or breathed In Alpha radiation is the most dangerous because it is easily absorbed by cells. genus Beta and gamma radiation are non as dangerous because they are less likely to be absorbed by a cell and will usually just 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 bottom the skin and damage the cells inside. hot rays are penetrating and ionizing and can thusly destroy living cells. Small does of radiation over an extended outcome 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 succession discourse adioisotopes. Some of these are listed in the hobby- 1 .No radioactive substance should be handled with bare hands. Alpha and beta emitters can be handled using fatheaded gloves. da Gamma ray emitters moldiness be handled precisely by remote control that is by mechanical content Gamma rays are the most dangerous and over exposure can take away to serious biological damage. 2. Radioactive significants must be stored 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 working with radioactive Isotopes must wear protective clothing which Is left in the laboratory.The workers must be checked regularly with dosimeters. and appropriate measures should be taken in cases of overdose. 5. Radioactive waste must be sealed and buried deep in the ground. Of3 LOCK ra010actlve stock materlals ana sealed sources In a secured contalner or a secured storage area when not in use. A stock material is radioactive material as provided by the vendor and does not imply material withdrawn from the original stock for experimental use. Do not leave radioactive materials u nsecured 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 certain lab personnel enter the lab, find out who they are and wherefore they are there. If you discover that radioactive material is missing or anomic and cannot be accounted for, notify EHS no later than the next business day. belongings 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 regulatory dose limits 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 data about the radioisotopes most commonly used at the University). Unfamiliar radioisotope procedures should be rehearsed before radioactive material is actually used. play out protective clothing. Wear radiation monitor badges when appropriate. Have all the necessary materials and equipment available and attain at the start of a procedure.For those radioisotopes with significant external radiation levels, use remote handling tools, such as tongs, to limit direct handling of stock and sample vials. visual modality 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 grimed. Work in a hood during procedures using vapourific 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 plenty 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 enclothe (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 distance available) a full-length lab coat (worn closed with sleeves rolled down) close-toed shoes.