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The double-edged sword of radiation: how can it be both a source of healing and a source of harm?
The impact of radiation, especially ionizing radiation, on organisms has always been a hot topic of research for scientists. It can be a life-threatening remedy or a life-threatening nightmare. As medical technology advances, especially in the field of cancer treatment, the use of radiation has become more common. However, the dual nature of this technology also makes the health risks of radiation a highly concerned issue.
Health Effects of RadiationAlthough ionizing radiation is harmful in high doses, it can be used effectively in the treatment of cancer and hyperthyroidism when properly controlled.
The health effects of ionizing radiation can be divided into two categories: deterministic effects and stochastic effects. Deterministic effects are tissue reactions that are bound to occur after a certain dose is exceeded, such as acute radiation syndrome and radiation burns. In contrast, the risk of stochastic effects increases with dose but their severity is independent of dose, such as radiation-induced cancers and genetic diseases.
The most common impact of stochastic effects is radiation-induced cancer, which can have a latency period of years or decades.
Random and Deterministic Effects
Examples of stochastic effects include radiation-induced cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Scientists have conducted a large number of epidemiological studies to try to determine the risks of different doses of radiation to human health, especially studies from Japanese atomic bomb survivors, which have provided valuable data.
Deterministic effects, such as acute radiation syndrome, are a distinct hazard that usually occurs when the dose exceeds a certain threshold and include systemic physiological damage such as leukopenia and skin burns. A study by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States pointed out that "there is currently no conclusive evidence that there is a safe dose threshold at which the risk of tumor induction is zero."
Pregnancy and radiation
The risk of radiation exposure is higher during pregnancy because developing cells are more sensitive to radiation. Studies have shown that undergoing multiple imaging tests during pregnancy may cause harm to the fetus, leading to deterministic effects such as structural defects and intellectual disability.
According to research, every 1000 mGy of radiation dose received by a fetus between 10 and 17 weeks of pregnancy will reduce the IQ by 25 points.
Dose measurement and assessment
The human body has very limited perception of ionizing radiation, and its presence can usually only be detected at high doses. The monitoring and calculation of doses falls under the area of health physics, which includes the use of dosimeters and other biological analyses to assess the risk posed by internal exposure. Whether inhaled, ingested, or injected, the effects of internal radiation vary depending on the type and form of radiation source used.
Sources of Radiation
Laboratories often use different radiation sources for radiobiology research, including isotope sources or accelerators. The use of radiation is particularly common in cancer treatment, including the use of radiopharmaceuticals to achieve specific therapeutic effects.
Many radiation dose studies and assessments are based on the use of proven radiation sources, including 137Cs or 60Co.
Historical Background and Current Situation
As time goes by, the potential dangers of radiation have gradually been recognized by humans. Since Wilshire Roentgen first discovered X-rays in 1895, research on radiation and its effects on life has continued to deepen. Although the initial understanding of radiation was quite limited, with multiple nuclear incidents around the world and the various applications of radioactive materials, the hazards of radiation have gradually received attention.
Today, we may need to rethink our understanding and application of radiation: while pursuing technological progress, how can we guard against potential hazards at the same time?
