Diseases caused by nuclear radiation can be immediate, such as burns and vomiting, or appear over time, such as infertility or leukemia, for example, this type of consequence is mainly caused by a specific type of radiation, called ionizing radiation, which has the ability to affect the body’s cells and modify their DNA.
Although in most cases the body is able to repair and eliminate altered cells, when radiation exposure is very high, as in the case of an atomic bomb or nuclear disaster, the renewal rate is not sufficient and as a result, several types of problems can arise.
- The severity of the consequences of excess radiation in the body depends on the type of radiation.
- The amount and duration of radiation exposure.
- Because the longer the exposure.
- The greater the risk of developing serious diseases.
The first consequences of exposure to excessive radiation usually occur in the first few hours and include nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea and weakness.
After this period, it is common for symptoms to improve, but after a few days or hours, these symptoms may recur and worsen.Over time, consequences such as:
Whenever it is suspected that you have been exposed to a high level of ionizing radiation, it is recommended to go to the hospital to start the appropriate treatment.
To protect yourself from exposure to nuclear radiation and its effects in the event of a nuclear accident, you must:
Gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea and vomiting may be noticed immediately after eating contaminated food, especially in infants and children.
Consumption of food and water contaminated with nuclear radiation can lead to a variety of diseases and especially affect infants and children. Gastrointestinal disorders and blood-affecting diseases may be noticed immediately after eating these foods, which can lead to dehydration.especially for babies and young children.
To avoid contamination, the consumption of tap water and food from the affected area should be avoided, ideally drinking mineral water from another region, away from contaminated places and eating industrialized products.
Research suggests that if a person swallows about 100 grams of food contaminated with nuclear radiation for 1 week, it is estimated that he or she was exposed to the same radiation that would be acceptable in 1 year of exposure, which is very harmful to health.
In a region that has been exposed to nuclear radiation, we should not live or produce anything until further analysis is done to show that radiation levels are already acceptable. It can take months or years.
Radiation used in X-rays and other medical tests, such as CT, can actually affect your body’s cells and cause damage to health; however, several tests are required in a row for this radiation to reach a level capable of producing these effects.
The type of radiation that can cause serious and immediate consequences is not that caused by such aircraft, but by nuclear accidents, such as the explosion of atomic bombs, an accident at a nuclear plant or the detonation of any other type of nuclear weapon.