Health_and_Safety_of_Radiation_Technologies_Presentation.pptx

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• Science
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Health and Safety of Non-Ionising and Ionising Radiation Technologies

What do we know already about the Health and Safety of Non-Ionising and Ionising Radiation Technologies

Introduction to Radiation

• What is Radiation?

• - Energy that travels as waves or particles.

• Types:

• - Non-Ionising: Low energy (e.g., radio waves, microwaves, UV)

• - Ionising: High energy (e.g., X-rays, gamma rays)

Non-Ionising Radiation - Overview

• Definition:

• - Doesn’t have enough energy to ionise atoms.

• Examples:

• - Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, and UV

Non-Ionising Radiation –
Health & Safety Risks

• Thermal Effects:

• - Tissue heating, especially from microwaves and infrared.

• Eye Damage:

• - Risk of cataracts and retinal damage from UV and intense light.

• Skin Burns:

• - UV exposure can damage skin cells, increasing cancer risk.

Non-Ionising Radiation - Side Effects

• Skin Reactions:

• - Sunburn, pigmentation changes, and premature aging.

• Eye Strain and Fatigue:

• - Overexposure to blue light (e.g., from screens).

Non-Ionising Radiation - Limitations

• Limited Penetration:

• - Can’t penetrate deep tissues, limiting medical use.

• Effectiveness:

• - Primarily used for surface-level treatments or communication.

What type of radiation does not ionise atoms?

A

Radio waves

B

Microwaves

C

Infrared

D

X-rays

What can UV exposure cause?

A

Deafness

B

Skin cancer

C

Eye damage

D

Scar Tissue

What is a thermal effect of non-ionising radiation?

A

Cell destruction

B

Tissue heating

C

DNA damage

D

Burns

What is a limitation of non-ionising radiation?

A

High energy levels

B

Limited tissue penetration

C

Ability to see detail

D

Black and White image only

Ionising Radiation - Overview

• Definition:

• - High energy, capable of ionising atoms and molecules.

• Examples:

• - X-rays, gamma rays, particle radiation (alpha, beta particles)

Ionising Radiation - Health & Safety Risks

• Cancer Risk:

• - DNA mutations and increased cancer risk with prolonged exposure.

• Radiation Sickness:

• - Acute symptoms from high-dose exposure.

• Birth Defects:

• - Fetal exposure can lead to developmental issues.

Ionising Radiation - Side Effects and Limitations

• Side Effects:

• - Skin burns, immune suppression, long-term cancer risk.

• Limitations:

• - Need for extensive shielding and limited frequency of exposure.

• - Disposal issues for radioactive materials.

What is a common example of ionising radiation?

A

Ultrasound

B

Visible light

C

X-rays

D

Gamma rays

What can prolonged exposure to radiation cause?

A

Improved immune function

B

Increased cancer risk

C

Faster healing

What is a limitation of ionising radiation?

A

Unlimited usage frequency

B

Need for extensive shielding

C

Low disposal costs

Summary and Safety Measures

• Summary:

• - Non-Ionising vs. Ionising: Risks, side effects, and uses.

• Safety Measures:

• - Protective gear, exposure limits, and regulations.

• Final Thought:

• - Importance of balancing benefits and risks in using radiation technologies.