overview
Radiation sickness is a physical injury caused by a large dose of radiation that is often received over a short period of time (acute). The amount of radiation absorbed by the body – the dose absorbed – determines how sick you will be.
Radiation sickness is also known as acute radiation syndrome or radiation poisoning. Radiation sickness is not caused by standard imaging tests that use low-dose radiation, such as: B. X-ray or CT scans.
Although radiation sickness is severe and often fatal, it is rare. Since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, during World War II, most cases of radiation sickness have occurred following industrial nuclear accidents, such as the 1986 explosion and fire that damaged the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine.
symptom
The severity of the signs and symptoms of radiation sickness depends on the amount of radiation you’ve absorbed. The amount you absorb depends on the strength of the radiated energy, the time of your exposure and the distance between you and the radiation source.
Signs and symptoms are also influenced by the type of exposure – such as: B. Whole or partial body. The severity of radiation sickness also depends on the sensitivity of the affected tissue. For example, the gastrointestinal system and the bone marrow are very sensitive to radiation.
Nausea and vomiting
diarrhea
a headache
fever
Dizziness and disorientation
Weakness and fatigue
Hair loss
Vomiting and bloody stools due to internal bleeding
Infections
Low blood pressure
The reasons
Radiation is the energy released by atoms in the form of a wave or a tiny particle of matter. Radiation sickness is caused by exposure to a large dose of radiation, such as a large dose of radiation that occurs in an accident at work.
Highly dosed radiation sources
Possible sources of high-dose radiation are:
An accident in a nuclear industrial plant
An attack on a nuclear industrial facility
Detonation of a small radioactive device
Detonation of a conventional explosive device that disperses radioactive material (dirty bomb)
Detonation of a standard nuclear weapon
prevention
In the event of a radiation emergency, turn on your radio or television to hear protective measures recommended by local, state, and federal agencies. The recommended actions depend on the specific situation. However, you will be asked to stay nearby or evacuate your area.
Protection in place
If you are advised to stay at home, at work, or anywhere else where you are, do the following:
Close and lock all doors and windows.
Turn off fans, air conditioners, and heaters that let in outside air.
Close the chimney registers.
Bring pets.
Move around in an interior room or basement.
Stay up to date with your emergency network or local news.
Stay in position for at least 24 hours.