Can You Write A Note On Radiation?

Natural radiation exists in small amounts in the atmosphere, some in the form of cosmic rays from the sun and the stars, some from radioactive materials in the earth.  Man made radiation comes from the products of nuclear energy, from the use of X – rays and in radio therapy.

Excess radiation can do irreparable damage to various tissues of the body, particularly the skin, hair, blood and reproductive organs and can predispose to cancer.  Hence, those working or visiting X – ray departments must be protected by stringent safety regulations to avoid any possible long term dangers.  

Techniques are adopted to minimize the patient's exposure to radiation, particularly since some investigations, such as a barium meal, involve lengthy exposure and may have to be repeated on several occasions.  The adoption of safety standards is routine in all x - ray departments.  Radiotherapy can be used to control the spread of certain malignant growths.  The cells of the growing tumor are particularly vulnerable to the burning effect of deep x – rays directed on them while the healthy surrounding tissues are largely unaffected.  

Radio active forms of normal elements are also used in the treatment of various disorders.  Radioactive iodine, for example, when given orally is taken up by the thyroid gland. It suppresses the metabolism of overactive thyroid cells and so can be used in the treatment of disorders of the thyroid.