Radiation Hazards

Radiation
Radiation is energy in the form of particles or waves.

• Radiation is emitted naturally in sunlight and is also made by man for

use in X-rays, cancer treatment, and for nuclear facilities and
weapons.

• Long-term exposure to small amounts of radiation can lead to gene

mutations and increase the risk of cancer, Tumor ,cataract ,even after
several yrs.

• while exposure to a large amount over a brief period can lead to

radiation sickness. Some examples of the symptoms seen in radiation
sickness include nausea, skin burns, hair loss and reduced organ
function. In severe cases, exposure to a large amount of radiation can
even cause death.

•Somatic effects -harmful to the person

•genetic effects - reflected in the offspring.
Indirect effects

• High-energy electromagnetic radiation and particle radiation are capable

of producing ions in their passage through matter.
• Since 80% of the biological tissue is water
• Most of the incident radiation Energy is absorbed by the water
molecules and these are broken into very unstable and reactive
components. These then react with body molecules and cause the cell
damage.
• Due to generation of H and OH radicals , subsequent to many series of
reactions hydrogen peroxide is formed which is highly reactive oxidizing
compound and break chemical bonds in macromolecules of the body
such as proteins, lipids and other nucleic acids etc causing cellular
damage, cell death and mutations.
• The biological effects are enhanced by the presence of oxygen which is
always present in the cells.
•

unit
• The unit Rad (radiation absorbed dose) is used as the unit of
absorbed dose following exposure to any type of ionizing radiation.
One rad is equal to the radiation necessary to deposit energy of 100
ergs in 1 g of irradiated material (100ergs/g).
• The radiation dose is measured in terms of Roentgen, - It is the
quantity of X-Rays or gamma radiation which produces one
electrostatic unit in one C.C. of dry air after its ionization at 0 degree
centigrade and 760 mm Hg pressure..
• The biological effects of various types of radiations differ a
lot depending on type and exposure time of radiation
TWO FORMS OF RADIATION

• Non-ionising radiation (low energy radiation)

• Ionising radiation (high energy radiation).

• Exposure to radiation is safe in small amounts and when it is

strictly controlled during a medical exam such as an X-ray, for
example.
• However, long-term exposure to small amounts of radiation
can lead to gene mutations and increase the risk of cancer
and exposure to a large amount over a brief period can lead
to radiation sickness.
Ionising radiation
• More powerful form of radiation, ionising radiation is more likely to damage
tissue than non-ionising radiation.
• Alpha and beta, gamma and X-rays particles are the most common forms of
ionizing radiations.
• Radioactive iodine is a beta particle released during nuclear plant
accidents , WHICH AFFECTS THYROID .
• The amount of energy the radiations can deposit in a given space varies with
each type. Radiations also differ in the power to penetrate. Eg Inside the
body the alpha particle will deposit all its energy in a very small volume of
tissue while gamma radiation will spread energy over a much larger volume.

• The main source of exposure to ionising radiation is the radiation used

during medical exams such as X-ray or computed tomography scans.
However, the amounts of radiation used are so small that the risk of any
damaging effects is minimal.

• Even when radiotherapy is used to treat cancer, the amount of ionising

radiation used is so carefully controlled that the risk of problems associated
with exposure is tiny.
•
NON-IONISING RADIATION

• visible light,
• microwaves,
• ultraviolet (UV) radiation,
• infrared radiation,
• radio waves,
• radar waves,
• mobile phone signals
• wireless internet connections.
.
• The main source of non-ionising radiation that has
been proven damaging to health is UV-radiation.
High levels of UV-radiation can cause sunburn and
increase the risk of skin cancer developing.
• Some researchers have suggested that the use of
telecommunications devices such as mobile phones
may be damaging, but no risk associated with the
use of these devices has yet been identified in any
scientific studies.
Radiation safety
• Direct exposure to radiation and radiation emitters
(radionuclides) can affect the whole body while
inhalation or ingestion affects tissues inside the body.
The body attempts to repair the damage caused by the
radiation. However, at times the damage is so severe
and widespread that repair is impossible.

• Principles of radiation safety:

• The distance between the radiation source and personnel

exposed should be increased. Usually doubling the distance
from the source will reduce the radiation exposure by a factor
of four.
Use of protective barriers to limit exposure
to radiation

• USE lead shielding material AS gloves and aprons

• Gloves and goggles should be used during exposure
• X-Ray room should be located away from the traffic and
public places to prevent the inadvertent exposure of the
public.
• Make sure workers display signs warning to other persons
that radiation-emitting equipment is in use
• Check the equipment periodically for possible leakage.
• Display warning signs near the location of X-Ray unit
regarding potential hazards. The wall of the X-Ray room
should be atleast 22 cm thick and should be of concrete in
to which iron may be introduced .
Use of the radiation monitoring devices

• Users may receive a dosimeter badge or ring to monitor

radiation exposure.
• Two film badges should be used one at the belt level to
monitor whole body exposure and the other above the
protective apparel, at the neckline, to estimate exposure to
the skin of the head, neck and eyes.
• Film badges or thermo luminescent dosimeters can be
obtained from BARC, Division of Radiation Safety, Mumbai,
India, and at periodic intervals these monitoring devices
should be sent back to this research institute for calculating
radiation dose.
• Regular testing for radioactive contamination must be
conducted.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI),
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI), also called radio-frequency
interference (RFI) is a disturbance generated by an external source
that affects an electrical circuit
• The disturbance may degrade the performance of the circuit or
even stop it from functioning.
• these effects can range from an increase in error rate to a total loss
of the data.
• Both man-made and natural sources generate changing electrical
currents and voltages that can cause EMI: automobile ignition
systems, mobile phones, thunderstorms, the Sun, and the Northern
Lights.
• It can also affect mobile phones, FM radios, and televisions.
• EMI can be used intentionally for radio jamming, as in electronic
warfare.
Electromagnetic interference, EMI

Definition : Electromagnetic interference, EMI is the

name given to the unwanted electromagnetic radiation
that causes potential interference to other items of
electronics equipment.
• There are many ways in which electromagnetic
interference can be carried from one item of equipment
to another. Understanding these methods is a key to
mitigating the effects of the electromagnetic
interference
• By the very name of interference given to it, EMI is an
unwanted signal at the signal receiver, and in general
methods are sought to reduce the level of the
interference.
Types of EMI - Electromagnetic Interference
• Man-made EMI: This type of EMI generally arises from other
electronics circuits,
• Naturally occurring EMI: This type of EMI can arise from many sources
- cosmic noise as well as lightning and other atmospheric types of noise
all contribute.

Another method of categorising the type of EMI is by its duration:

• Continuous interference: This type of EMI generally arises from a
source such as a circuit that is emitting a continuous signal. However
background noise, which is continuous may be created in a number of
ways, either manmade or naturally occurring.
• Impulse noise: Again, this type of EMI may be man-made or naturally
occurring. Lightning, ESD, and switching systems all contribute to
impulse noise which is a form of EMI.
•
What is EMC: Electromagnetic Compatibility

Electromagnetic compatibility, EMC is the concept of

enabling different electronics devices to operate
without mutual interference (Electromagnetic
Interference, EMI) -,when they are operated in close
proximity to each other.
• All electronics circuits have the possibility of
radiating or picking up unwanted electrical
interference which can compromise the operation
of one or other of the circuits.
• EMC is of increasing importance as the number of
wirelessly connected devices increase
: Electromagnetic compatibility
• So EMC is defined as the ability of devices and
systems to operate in their electromagnetic
environment without impairing each others
functions and without faults and vice versa.
The aim of employing EMC measures is to ensure
that a variety of different items of electronics
equipment can operate in close proximity without
causing any undue interference.
• EMC implies a balance: Don‘t disturb others and
don‘t get disturbed by them
main elements to EMC
There are two main elements to EMC:
• Emissions: The EMI emissions refer to the generation of
unwanted electromagnetic energy. These need to be
reduced below certain acceptable limits to ensure they do
not cause any disruption to other equipment.
• Susceptibility & immunity: The susceptibility of an item of
electronics to EMI is the way it reacts to unwanted
electromagnetic energy. The design of the circuit should
ensure a sufficiently high level of immunity to these
unwanted signals.
• It has became necessary to introduce EMC standards to
ensure the required levels of compatibility were attained.
NEED FOR EMC
• Some of the first major concerns of the effects of electrical
interference on electronics systems arose from military
applications.
• After the Second World War, with the rise in importance of
nuclear weapons, the electronic pulse generated by an
explosion and its effect on equipment became a concern.
Also the effects of high powered radar systems on
equipment were also a concern.
• Later the risks to electronics equipment associated with EMI
became visible. Not only did these damage the electronics
equipment, but they could also set false trigger
• By 1970s, realisation grew of the need for EMC precautions
to be incorporated into the design if these items were to
work satisfactorily in the real world.
EMC standards INTRODUCTION
• With the growing awareness and need to maintain high
standards of electromagnetic compatibility many standards
have been introduced to help manufacturers meet the levels
they need to maintain full electromagnetic compatibility.
• EMC is now an integral part of any electronics design
project. With standards now implemented and enforced
across the world, any new product needs to meet and have
been tested to ensure it meets the relevant EMC standards.
While this presents an additional challenge to the
electronics design engineer, it is essential that good EMC
practices have been employed and that the EMC
performance of the product is sufficient to ensure it
operates correctly under all reasonable scenarios.
• Now ,In order to ensure that EMC is not a
problem for the wide variety of electronics
equipment available today, many EMC standards
are used and these are often supported by EMC
legislation to ensure that all goods entering an
area conform to the required standards.

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