quantum flux electromagnetic fields (photons) and elementary particles (corpuscles) cause ionizing radiation.Radiation protection is extremely important.This is due to the fact that during its movement through any substance such flow ionizes all its molecules and atoms.
natural radioactive background
Ionizing radiation as a natural phenomenon is present everywhere.It comes to the Earth from space.Is it in the water, falling back from the air.Radioactive isotopes of cosmic origin penetrate into living organisms during the meal and linger in them.
From the very beginning of our planet on it had a natural ionizing radiation.Protection against this type of radiation is not needed, and avoid them impossible.The natural radiation constantly accompanies man without harming health.
The use of ionizing radiation
radioactivity as a physical phenomenon was discovered in 1896. To date, it found application in various fields of human activity.For example, in the energy sector in many countries a significant place is given to nuclear power plants.Widely used radioactive radiation in medicine.With it are diagnosed diseases and internal organs, as well as sessions of radiation therapy in the treatment of oncology.With the help of a number of radioactive substances examined metabolic processes in the body, it explores the work of internal organs.
Applied peaceful atom and for the purposes of industrial inspection.Where radioactive materials are placed in a variety of control devices.
We all know the sign "exit", installed in airplanes and buildings.It contains a radioactive tritium.Due to the substance of such a sign has the ability to glow in the dark, even in the event of an emergency outage.The radioactive americium found in many fire alarm device installed in public buildings and homes.
Exposure to
Depending on its energy spectrum of radioactive radiation may have different ionizing and penetrating power.From the nature of the property and will depend on the impact of the flow on the living organism.The particles passing through the biological object, allocate a certain energy.With its relatively high values is the destruction of chemical bonds of molecules and atoms.In other words, the very functioning of all the cells that make up living tissue, breaks ionizing radiation.Protection against radiation in this case is extremely important.It will keep a person healthy.
negative effects
Ionizing radiation could have a somatic effect on the human body.It is a manifestation of chronic and acute radiation syndrome and focal radiation injuries.In some cases, radioactive particles have a somatic-stochastic effects.It manifests itself in violation of the fetus, the appearance of cancer, reduced life expectancy and genetic faults.
Types exposure
source stream of radioactive particles can be outside of the human body.In this case there is an external radiation.
Radioactive elements can get into your body from food, water and air.This will present internal exposure.It also adversely affects our health.
What is the protection against radioactive flow
basic principles of protection against ionizing radiation are enclosed in:
- respecting basic dose limits;
- reduction to the lowest possible level of radiation dose;
- unjustified exclusion of even the slightest exposure.
Personnel working with radioactive elements must undergo regular control.The purpose of this activity is to determine the dose of human exposure.The amount of such controls should be in direct proportion to the nature of the employee's work with radioactive substances.Each of the operators are in contact with the sources of the particle flow has to be an individual dosimeter.This device is needed to control the radiation dose received by man.
Taking measures to limit the impact of the radioactive flow
How is implemented the basic principles of protection against ionizing radiation?They are implemented in the following ways:
- power reduction of radioactive sources (protected amount);
- reduction in working time source (protection time);
- increasing distance from the operator to the source (protection of distance);
- installing shielding materials capable of absorbing the flow of particles (protection screen);
- implementation of medical and organizational and technical measures.
All of the above - it is the main method of protection against ionizing radiation.For their implementation, it is desirable not only to use in certain situations, robots and manipulators, but also to fully automate the process.
Methods of protection against ionizing radiation include a list of the use of various personal protective equipment, as well as the installation of radioactivity warning signs.
premises equipment
Protection from exposure to ionizing radiation is part of ensuring a safe working environment.In those areas where the staff working with radioactive substances, we need common control, allows you to set the intensity of the different types of radiation.These rooms or areas will certainly be equipped with a system of ventilation having a ventilation rate of not less than five.Moreover, the data space required is isolated from all others.
Where work is carried out with ionizing flows, doors, ceilings, floors and walls must have a special device.It makes it impossible to accumulation of radioactive dust and the absence of likelihood of absorption surfacing materials radioactive liquids, vapors and aerosols.To do so, furnish the room using plastic PVC, linoleum, oil paints, etc.Taking all possible measures to protect against ionizing radiation, it is necessary to control the state of the structures of the room.They should not have any cracks and chips.Furthermore, the angles in such rooms necessarily round out.This eliminates the places where radioactive dust and facilitates cleaning.
Wash room where you are working with ionizing radiation should be daily.Mandatory and monthly general cleaning such sites.It involves cleaning windows, walls, furniture, equipment and doors, using hot soapy water.
The use of personal protective equipment
Personnel working with radioactive substances, should be dressed in special clothes.It fully protects the body from alpha radiation.In addition, no skip some beta-, gamma- or X-ray flux particles.Other means of protection against ionizing radiation - is antikontaminatsionnye suits and gloves, boots and hoods, goggles, as well as lead aprons.All of them used to human health in the external irradiation.A specific list of personal protective equipment depends on the power of ionizing radiation.
With low pollution employee issued gowns and overalls, as well as caps, sewn from cotton fabric.A higher level of radioactivity requires further wear clothes in the form of a film sleeves, pants, aprons, etc., which is made of plastic.The hands in this case to protect the rubber lead impregnated glove.When
largely radioactive contamination of personnel are issued suits (pressure suits) made of plastic material and having a flexible hose through which air is supplied.The equipment of this special clothing may be stationary oxygen machine.
Bodies of protection against ionizing radiation glasses, which are inserted in a special containing tungsten, lead or phosphate glass.Special tools are used while working with the alpha and beta radiation.These plates are made of organic glass.
Radioactive particles that enter the body are able to accumulate there.This leads to the appearance of internal irradiation.Such action threatens the emergence of various pathologies.
personal protection against ionizing radiation can reduce the amount of ingested radioactive elements through the respiratory tract.
Reducing the distance to the source
safe work environment with radioactive substances are created only when applied comprehensive protection from the effects of ionizing radiation.This specific measures aimed at protecting human health will depend on the type of source and the conditions of the production process.
Types of protection against ionizing radiation are different, but the most simple and at the same time reliable of them is to protect the lens.This is due to the fact that the radiation is capable of losing its energy capacity.It happens with increasing distance from the source.
use of special screens
methods of protection against ionizing radiation involves the use of not only the individual but also collective assets.Requirements for the latter are regulated by GOST 12.4.120-83.This regulatory document provides specific list of collective means of protection, which include:
- mobile and stationary screens;
- protective boxes and safes;
- special containers, in which the storage and transport of radiation sources, etc.
effective way to protect people from the negative impact of the flow of radioactive particles is the installation of special protections.They are special screens of different thicknesses.They are made from special materials that inhibit the flow of particles.The main purpose of these screens is to reduce to acceptable standards of radiation in the workplace.Sometimes working with radiation sources is conducted in special chambers.In such areas the screens will serve as the floor and walls and the ceiling, which is made of special materials.
Other collective protective equipment
In industries where storage is carried out gamma-ray sources, apply special safes.Materials for their manufacture are steel and lead.
Working with radioactive elements that have alpha or beta activity is carried out in protective glove boxes.By means of the collective security, and include special collections and containers in which radioactive waste is placed.As a material used for the manufacture of steel, organic glass, lead etc.
Protecting the public
after major accidents at work applying sources of radioactive particles into large areas can spread ionizing radiation.Protection against radiation in this case concerns all the people living in the disaster zone.The adoption of certain measures is essential for the preservation of not only health, but also the lives of people.
Protecting the public against ionizing radiation is bringing to every individual certain recommendations.For their performance should be:
- hide behind the walls of an apartment house, which greatly reduce the level of ionizing radiation;
- -dense doorways and the frame and close the vents in order to prevent penetration of radioactive elements from the air stream;
- stock up water and turn off the tap;
- spend iodine prophylaxis;
- collect things, medicines and documents that will be needed, if necessary, evacuation.
methods of protection against ionizing radiation when moving in the open countryside should include respiratory protection.This may be used such means available as a towel, a piece of clothing, a handkerchief or a gauze bandage which must be pre-wetted with water.Protect against the negative effects of radiation and skin need.It should be as closed clothing.The coat protects any headdress.
