What Is Radiation Protection And What Is It Used For?

10.14.20 | Wednesday | Nofit Amir

Radiation is an emitted energy that comes from a particular source and moves through space or different materials. Radiations are integral parts of our lives because they come from natural minerals that we are generally surrounded by, as they are always in the surroundings. This factor is usually classified based on the kind of effects it causes on the matter, and these are ionizing radiation and non-ionized ration.

Ionized radiation basically has to do with x-rays, cosmic rays, and all kinds of radiation that can be gotten from radioactive materials. Non-ionized, on the other hand, are those from ultraviolet lights, heat, microwaves, infrared, and many more. Luckily, there are very few times that people get exposed to radiation sources that are not being controlled. But just because it rarely happens doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be prepared for it, and that is where radiation protection enters the picture.

Radiation protection is used as a type of protection for humans used without excessively limiting the practical actions that promote radiation exposure. This kind of protection helps to deter dangerous deterministic effects from taking place and reducing the possibility of cancer or any form of hereditary effect on the affected person.

To prepare against radiation of any kind, it is crucial to learn the principles of radiation protection, including time, shielding, and distance. Whenever an emergency related to radiation takes place, these principles will go a long way in protecting yourself and everyone around you.

Principles of Radiation Protection

There are two ways to get exposed to radiation; it could be external or internal. It is considered external when it comes from outside us, and we make contact with it. It could be with radioactive materials or x-ray machines, and in times like this, you can protect yourself and people who come in contact with this external source by practicing the following principles.

Time

When you or someone you know is exposed to an external source of radiation, you can protect them by getting them or yourself far from the source of exposure, thereby cutting down on the exposure time. The exposure level is usually dependent on how long a person stays in contact with the radiation’s source. However, professional shields can help you stay safe in a more prolonged time

Distance

This is closely related to the first principle, and that is distance; you have to get the exposed individual far from the source. It is similar to when one comes in contact with a flame; the closer you are to the fire, the more scorching it gets, and the higher your chances of getting burnt. However, there would be no danger to be feared with enough distance between you and the flame. The farther you are from the radiation source, the fewer chances it has of ever affecting you.

Shield

This is the third and final principle of radiation protection and works for when limiting the time of exposure or distancing yourself doesn’t protect you enough from the source. Many materials could protect you from sources of radiation, and some of them are concrete, lead, or even water.

The best radiation protection available in the world today is the lead radiation shield protection. Lead is the most resistant shield for all forms of radiation, strong, gamma radiation especially. It is very important for doctors and health practitioners who cannot abstain from medical radiation. Lead shields are excellent for gamma radiation, and modern designs are developed for easy use, unlike the heavy old versions. Typical radiation protection for effective movement and radiation would protect the head, face, front, and vital body organs in the chest all the way down to the knee. It would also have a lower shield, which covers the lower part of the body, including bone marrows, where blood cells are created. An efficient solution at the moment is the lightweight lead protection with exoskeleton design for easy movement by users, including medical staff and rescue teams.