The word "radiation" in the majority of the population is associated with technological disasters, such as the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant or the atomic bombings of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Briefly convey the sensations that arise in most people, it turns out that radiation is evil. Although in reality it existed on our planet long before the birth of life and will continue to exist even after the death of the planet.
The radiation rate for a person in μR / h is constantly monitored by special services in various areas of his life. And this is a threat that is difficult to combat, and if the radiation background is exceeded, the consequences can be most dire. What threatens and what is the norm of radiation in μR / h for a person?
Nature itself is a natural source of radiation.
Many factors are involved in creating the natural radiation background : these are both sun rays and radionuclides. It is present literally in everything that surrounds a person. This is water, food and air. It's just that its level has different values: greater or lesser. But the biggest danger that radiation is fraught with is that it imperceptibly affects the body.
The human senses give almost no danger signals. She just quietly does her job, causing a pathology of the functioning of the body, and even leads to death.
What and how radiation is measured
There are many values for measuring radiation , and they will be of interest, rather, to narrow specialists, so it is necessary to simplify the task and name only the most basic for domestic use.
Radiation affecting any living organism is called the equivalent dose. Calculating it is quite simple: the dose absorbed by the body in terms of body weight is multiplied by the damage coefficient. The resulting number is the unit in sievert, or abbreviated Sv. A natural background of 0.7 mSv per hour corresponds to approximately 70 x-rays per hour, or abbreviated 70 μR / h. Knowing this value, it is easy to determine whether it is dangerous to humans.
Norms of radiation for humans μR / h are indicators of 20-50. Therefore, such a radiation background is overpriced. But it is necessary to highlight one more point for understanding - the influence of time. That is, if you immediately leave such an unfavorable zone and not stay there for days, then the exposure will not exceed the permissible radiation standards for humans.
Measurement of radiation background is made by special devices - dosimeters. It is customary to distinguish between professional and domestic. All the difference in the amount of error that they can make. For professionals, it should be no more than 7%, while for households it can be over 25%.
Places of mandatory monitoring
If we omit the need for measurements at military facilities, nuclear power plants and aircraft, it turns out - measurements take place in many areas of human life. And this is reasonable, especially taking into account the emergence of new sources of radiation. Measurements are taken in forests, mountainous areas, residential buildings and industrial facilities. It will not be superfluous to carry out such an operation when purchasing any real estate. Starting development and upon commissioning the facility, such procedures are also carried out.
About kindergartens, hospitals, schools and say no. Summing up, we can say that in almost all spheres of life, the norm of radiation and radiation for humans (μR / h) is monitored.
Monstrous Ionization Power
Electrons can attach to the shell of an atom or, conversely, come off. This process is called ionization and is interesting because it can change the structure of an atom beyond recognition. Modified, he, in turn, changes the molecule. In a similar way, in brief, the effect of radiation on the cells of a living organism occurs. This leads to pathologies or simply to diseases.
When sources of ionizing radiation exceed the norm, such a territory is considered to be infected. The United Nations gives an estimate of the radiation rate for humans (in μR / h or sievert), and it is 0.22 μSv, or 20 microroentgen per hour.
People may ask: is radiation sickness transmitted, for example, through a handshake. Immediately should reassure everyone. You can communicate with irradiated people, and for this it is not necessary to wear a gas mask. The danger is hidden in objects that emit radiation - you just can not touch them.
Can I get a dose of radiation in my own apartment?
It is considered to be your home the safest place on earth. This is partly true, but there are threats there too. It is necessary to briefly touch upon the question of the radiation rate for a person and the doses that he can receive, even while in the apartment with his family.
It is generally accepted that modern technology is a source of danger, but for the most part people are mistaken. Danger may not lurk where it is expected. As an example, you can take antique expensive things. Watches can significantly shorten life. Especially if they use radium-226 salts as light mass.
This also applies to watches with a luminous dial. If they were created in the 50s and they are army, then we can guaranteedly consider them radioactive. When in contact with the body, they are not dangerous, but sometimes inquisitive minds can disassemble them, and here an unpleasant surprise awaits them.
Glassware lovers should know that sometimes uranium dioxide is present in the paint. Modern dishes with such a coating are less dangerous. Lovers of antiques can attract a lot of “interesting” objects to their collection using constant-light phosphors, so beware.
Assessment of acceptable standards in peacetime and wartime
The radiation norm for a person in μR / h and the safe radiation dose are calculated with the conditions of the political life of the state during peace or war. Different states have their own numbers.
The upper permissible value of safe radioactive background in Brazil is generally 100 μR / h, while in Russia this figure fluctuates around 50-60 μR / h. The norms for contamination with radioactive substances are determined. The norm should not exceed 30 μR / h.
In the conditions of warfare, a territory with an indication of 0.5 x-rays per hour is considered polluted. What is the radiation norm for a person in mkr / h in war conditions prescribed by the Ministry of Defense? A soldier remains in service if, in the calculation for the first day, the exposure did not exceed 50 rad, and for the year 300 rad.
Irradiation in small and large doses of radiation is dangerous. In the first case, it can reach oncology and genetic diseases, the particular insidiousness of which will manifest itself in a few years. In the second case, a person immediately receives acute radiation sickness. It has 4 degrees depending on the radiation dose received while in an unfavorable zone.
Extremely severe degree of 600-1000 rad. People with pronounced signs present apathy, lethargy, they refuse to eat. Bleeding can occur, and any infection is extremely difficult to tolerate due to weakened immunity.
The effect of human activity on the radiation background of planet Earth
In ancient times, human activities could not affect the radiation background of the Earth. When coal is burned, potassium, uranium-238 and thorium are released. Thanks to this, archaeologists find ancient settlements of people.
But with the development of industry, man ceased to be harmless and invisible to the planet. He became a threat to its existence. Nuclear weapons can cause irreparable consequences in the form of climate change. All living things will perish if humanity does not stop.
A study of the degree of contamination of the territory near the oil fields showed that it is increasing. History knows major technological disasters (Fukushima, Chernobyl) that caused permanent damage to the environment. And this is just the beginning. All the horror of the tragedy associated with strontium will still manifest itself. And at the moment, iodine-131 and strontium-90, getting into the body with food, cause internal radiation.
These notorious accidents affected everyone - albeit imperceptibly, but this is a special insidiousness of radiation. What is the permissible norm for a person in μR / h in different countries is interpreted differently, due to many different factors. But these figures can very easily change. You don’t have to go far for examples. Just look at the experience of the Republic of Belarus.
Products that reduce the level of radiation in the body
Nature herself made sure that a person could naturally reduce the effects of radiation through food, such as vegetables, onions, garlic, carrots, and all the gardens were rich in. The main thing is that they should be “natural”, and not accelerated cultivation. Seaweed, walnuts compensate for the lack of iodine in the human body. Horseradish and mustard will also not be superfluous products on the table.
There is a misconception that hard liquors remove radiation from the body - this is not so. Vodka, red wine have almost no effect on its quantity. The only caveat can be clarified that red wine in small quantities can be used as a prophylaxis, but nothing more.
Conclusion
The radiation was, is and will be. The radiation rate for humans in μR / h is prescribed and confirmed by many studies. Unfortunately, recently mankind is increasingly faced with problems associated with radioactive contamination. Therefore, it depends on people what consequences this will all have in the future.