Radiation Poisoning, Coursework Example

With the recent, tragic earthquake in Japan, practitioners of public health have once again turned focus on the implications of storing hazardous waste used in the production of nuclear energy and how the release of radiation can lead to illness in humans. Indeed, the sources of radiation illness in humans are not just limited to radioactive waste, but also can be caused by items used every day such as x-rays, power lines, and cell phones. Radiation poisoning (sickness) usually occurs as the result of two types of ionizing radiation: 1) non-ionizing radiation that originates from light, radio waves, and radar; 2) ionizing radiation- radiation that has an immediate impact on human tissue via x-rays, gamma rays (Christodouleas et.al, 2011).  The symptoms of improper exposure to radiation are manifold and are based on a dose-response curve- that is, the more exposure to radiation an individual has, the more danger is implied.  Once radiation is released into the body, it has an immediate impact on how cells are divided in the body: If the dose of radiation is large enough, it may prevent the division of cells that leads to gradual death in humans (Shrader-Frachette, 2007).

According to Chistodouleas et al., while the number of individuals who currently suffer from radiation sickness in any one year is not substantial, the illness represents a substantial public health threat due to the implications of the illness and low level of preparation of current public health officials (Christodouleas, 2011). This gap in understanding of radiation exposure among medical personnel is also evidenced in the public health literature. Indeed, after searching for more than 30 minutes for acceptable articles on the topic, only a few existed and largely dealt with radioactive contamination in historical incidents in Japan and Chernobyl. While it is true that the US has never experienced a nuclear reactor meltdown, various incidents have been reported (particularly in Idaho) regarding how the improper storage of nuclear waste has lead to radioactive poisoning to local residents directly and via fish and other wildlife.

There are many different interventions that can be used to lessen the potential effects of radiation poisoning on the general population. The first and probably most realistic intervention is continued government regulation regarding the storage of radioactive materials, but also related to exposure among the use of cellular devices.  Regarding the regulation of radioactive material produced in a nuclear power setting, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission sets fairly robust restrictions regarding how nuclear waste must be stored and according to what specifications. While this may be an emerging issue in many countries with a burgeoning nuclear power industry, it may be lower on the concern list for US consumers.   However, there are numerous sources of radiation (x-rays, power plants, and power lines) that could be regulated better.  Indeed, because state governments usually are in control of regulating these sources, it is of less public scrutiny.  Overall, increased government regulation could be issued on more forms of radiation sources- where there are unresolved scientific questions on the evidence, more extensive guidelines can be given regarding what appropriate doses are.  In addition, education initiatives could be improved to address not only existing forms or radiation, but also to improve consumer understanding of the risks involved by radiation exposure.

References

Shrader-Frachette, K.  (2007).  Trimming Exposure Data Putting Radiation Workers at Risk: Improving Discolsure and a Constent through a National Radiation Dose-Registry.  American Journal of Public Health. 97, 1782-1786.

Christodouleas, J.P., Forrest, R.D., Ainsley, C.G, Tochner, Z., Hahn, S.M., Glatstein, E. (2011). Short-Term and Long-Term Health Risks of Nuclear-Power Plant-Accidents. New England Journal of Medicine, 364 2334-2441.