Radiation

Radiations basically means, travelling of any type of energy like light, radio waves through space or wave or particle or other medium. Common usage of radiation is in the form of microwave and infrared light. The common types are ionising and non-ionising radiations. The basic difference between these types of radiation is that due to their high frequency, they can destroy majority of human blood cells. Non-ionising radiation isn’t harmful to the human being since they work on low frequency. Ionising radiations are used in X-Rays. Radiations used in mobile phones are not good for human health. Based on this statement; a survey was conducted, which concluded, that it’s risky for the children below 16 years of age to use mobile phones, as their brain as well as nervous system doesn’t develop fully as a side effect of exposure to waves. The waves coming out of the mobile phone would hamper their development. But then the radiations are all around us, in different forms and it’s up to the humans to make the best use of the understanding and using them properly.

What it is used for

The Radiations are basically used in the form of X-Rays, Radiotherapy, Ultraviolet light and radioactive substances. X-rays uses low amount of energy. A bit of high energy is used in CT scans which are not dangerous to human beings, though it is always advisable that pregnant women do not undergo CT scans. To treat Cancer patients or removing a tumour, doctors use Radiotherapy. It helps in controlling or killing the cells affected from cancer. It’s advisable by the doctors that Radiotherapy treatment should be taken when absolutely necessary, otherwise side effects in the form of fatigue are seen which could be quite severe in nature. Sun is the major source for Vitamin D which will help in the formation of calcium in human beings and ultraviolet rays in two forms known as UVA and UVB. High amount of UVA and UVB causes skin cancer. Abundance of vitamin D in human body causes Rickets. It is advisable that when getting exposed to the sun-light, use sunscreen lotions or creams which are easily available over the counter. An artificial light is one of the sources of UV rays. The uncontrollable atoms such as uranium are considered as radioactive substances. It is always available naturally and Radon, usually found in UK, is one of the forms of radioactive substance, though they are non-risky. Normally it has been observed that the elements naturally found in the earth become a source of these radioactive substances too. The natural elements break into smaller energy particles leading to release in radioactive substances and the phenomenon is known as decay. Also the substances, highly reactive in nature, are found rarely and also the govt. imposes lot of rules around their storage and handling so that the public interests are not played around with. Radon is used as a radioactive gas and the radioactive decay of it, takes place under the layer of earth, which is monitored continuously. The levels are watched on a regular basis and the local authorities are held responsible for it.