Ionization radiation effects on cells and Tissues
Overview
Radiation refers to a method by which energy is transmitted through space. Radiation is caused by electromagnetic waves, with the position of the electronic wave in the electronic spectrum determined by its frequency. The high frequency waves are referred to as the ionizing radiation since they have massive energy to dislocate an electron from its position around a nucleus (Medalia, 2011). The radiation effects on human cells goes through extremely complicated stages. When the human body is subjected to ionizing radiation, there will be ionization of large molecules such as proteins. This may in turn alter the molecular structures thus impacting the normal function and metabolism of the cells.
Ionization radiation may directly or indirectly affect the cellular molecule components. There is a spontaneous reaction between radicals and the surrounding molecules, causing disintegration of chemical bonds of the impacted molecules (Acton & Zimmerman, 2007). The main damage that this causes to the cells is the breakage of DNA. In normal circumstances, DNA is usually made up of a pair of double strands each assisting the other. However, there is a possibility of a breakage occurring on a single strand or double strands of the DNA. Damages on the DNA strands may cause alteration in the molecular composition and this affect the normal functioning of the cells.
Protection
Radiation is part and parcel of our daily lives and it’s difficult to completely avoid it. In most cases we are always exposed to background radiation emanating from natural minerals (Flynn, 2008). The below strategies can be used to protect ourselves from the dangerous forms of radiation.
Use thick shields to shield ultraviolet radiation
Eat a lot of foods rich in anti-oxides.
References
Medalia, J. (2011). “Dirty Bombs”: Technical Background, Attack Prevention and Response, Issues for Congress. Congressional Research Service for Congress.
Acton, J.M., M. B.R., and P.D. Zimmerman. (2007). "Beyond the Dirty Bomb: Re-thinking Radiological Terror." Survival (00396338) 49, no. 3: 151-168.
Flynn, A. (2008). "Polonium poisoning-in a cup of tea." The Huddersfield Daily Examiner.
