Research in the field of radioactive processes today makes it possible to clearly identify their potential threats. Expanding the spectrum of substances that carry a radioactive hazard, makes mankind think about revising its activities in various fields. It is impossible to exclude natural factors that also have a specific effect on biological tissues of organisms. At the same time, radioactive materials and their sources differ from each other, necessitating a differentiated approach to the study of this issue.
What is a radioactive substance?
All elements containing in their structure radionuclides in a critical degree of concentration can be considered radioactive. Dangerous levels of nuclides are determined by radiation and nuclear safety standards. Qualification criteria are the potential risks of a chemical and biological hazard. The presence of radioactive isotopes may also be a determining factor. Most of the materials in this group are of artificial origin, that is, they were obtained by a synthesized method. As a result of fission of atoms, a chain reaction is possible, as a result of which isotope propagation occurs. Therefore, in the reactors of nuclear plants contains radioactive water or a gaseous medium, originally acting as a coolant. Also, the radiation itself is characterized by high rates of thermal activity, which is especially dangerous when organizing the transport of radioactive substances.
Radioactive radiation
The discovery of the special properties of radioactive materials occurred precisely due to the fixation of specific radiation, which had a special effect on natural materials. One of the first experiments of this kind, in particular, showed the ability of radioactive salts to convert oxygen to the state of ozone, causing darkening and the formation of small cracks in the glass. More in-depth studies have identified and expanded the range of natural processes that radiation entails: air ionization, generation of heat waves, luminescence, chemical exposure, etc. It is important to note that radioactive materials were not always considered an unconditional source of danger. The same radiation found its place in organizing the operation of the ionization chamber, scintillation, and also in solving individual technological problems of organic synthesis. The revision of the general attitude to radioactive phenomena took place against the background of an in-depth study of the processes of the action of the ionizing field on biological tissues.
Radiation sources
Radiation specialists identify several categories of sources of this kind. In particular, there are natural, natural and cosmic sources. Moreover, according to strict classification, they can be combined into one group, because, for example, cosmic solar radiation fits into the category of natural sources. But natural radiation also involves the division into separate groups. Most often they are understood as technogenic processes in the creation of which the person himself participated, or their activity provoked them. Natural radioactive sources can also be included in the category of natural ones, but in this case environmental objects are more likely understood. Such sources have in their structure radioactive isotopes of natural origin. As for cosmic radiation, it is formed by black holes, various pulsars and other objects in which thermonuclear processes occur.
Exposure to radioactive material
Exposure can be somatic and genetic. In the first case, it is expressed in the processes of complication at several biological levels. In particular, on the cellular, subcellular and tissue. However, the residual effects of somatic radiation exposure are not inherited, the genetic code with sex chromosomes is not affected. Such lesions can be manifested in impaired growth, weakened immunity and premature aging. Genetic radioactive effects, on the contrary, appear at the molecular and gene levels, contributing to a change in hereditary material. In such cases, genetic mutations take place, which also negatively affect the development of the body.
Positive impact
Radiation studies also show favorable aspects of exposure to biological tissues. Radiation-optimized radiation medications optimized for medical purposes have a pain-relieving effect on rheumatism and gout. In some cases, it was possible to achieve a serious therapeutic effect in the treatment. There have also been attempts and intravenous administration of radiation solutions, which helped to reduce the number of leukocytes. One way or another, most operations that use radioactive materials are purely experimental in nature. And the positive effects of exposure are still not well understood for the widespread availability of such treatment methods.
Effect of radioactive contamination
Nevertheless, the main focus of the collision of researchers with radioactive materials remains the problem of pollution. The main contribution to this process is made by large nuclear fuel producing stations. Nuclear plants process radioactive waste, ensuring their disposal. However, the risk of leaks and accidents resulting in uncontrolled environmental pollution is not excluded. For example, carbon dioxide is often used in the same reactors as a coolant. Its use is also justified because of its low cost, but the gas environment as such becomes very dangerous in explosions of nuclear elements. Local contamination is more predictable, for the management of which there are special decontamination methods.
What is a radioactive object?
Maintenance of radioactive materials requires the creation of special infrastructure. It includes landfills, processing plants, complexes for the disposal and storage of harmful toxic elements. These are radioactive objects, which are mainly oriented to work with hazardous waste. But nuclear power plants are also included in the group of radioactive enterprises.
Conclusion
Environmental organizations, together with industrial enterprises, are developing special programs that allow regulating the processes of handling radiation sources. For example, the operating modes of full-cycle plants are relevant today. This means that the company utilizes hazardous waste at its own facilities. At the same time, there are natural radioactive materials that constantly interact with humans. They provide radiation at acceptable values and do not pose a health hazard. However, the line between normative and critical value is not always obvious. At the same industrial enterprises, as a prophylaxis, regularly use devices for measuring background radiation. Such measures are included in the list of labor protection and health of workers.