Research in the field of radioactive processes today makes it possible to clearly identify their potential threats. The expansion of the range 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 radionuclides in their structure in a critical degree of concentration can be considered radioactive. The hazardous level of nuclides content is determined by radiation and nuclear safety standards. The criteria for the qualification assessment are the potential risks of a chemical and biological threat. The presence of radioactive isotopes can also be a determining factor. Most of the materials in this group are of artificial origin, that is, they were synthesized. As a result of the fission of atomsa chain reaction is possible, as a result of which the distribution of isotopes occurs. Therefore, the reactors of nuclear stations contain radioactive water or a gaseous medium, which initially acted as a coolant. Also, the radiation itself is characterized by high rates of thermal activity, which is especially dangerous when organizing the transportation 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 s alts to convert oxygen into the state of ozone, causing darkening and the formation of small cracks in the glass. More in-depth studies have revealed and expanded the range of natural processes that radiation entails: air ionization, generation of thermal waves, luminescence, chemical effects, etc. It is important to note that radioactive materials were not always considered as an unconditional source of danger. The same radiation found its place in the organization of the operation of the ionization chamber, scintillation, as well as in the solution of individual technological problems of organic synthesis. The revision of the general attitude towards radioactive phenomena took place against the background of an in-depth study of the processes of the action of an ionizing field on biological tissues.
Radiation sources
Radiation experts identify several source categoriesof such kind. In particular, there are natural, natural and cosmic sources. Moreover, according to a strict classification, they can be combined into one group, since, for example, cosmic solar radiation fits well into the category of natural sources. But natural radiation also implies a division into separate groups. Most often, they are understood as man-made processes, in the creation of which the person himself participated, or they were provoked by his activity. Natural radioactive sources can also be included in the category of natural, but in this case, environmental objects are more likely to be understood. Such sources have radioactive isotopes of natural origin in their structure. As for cosmic radiation, it is formed by black holes, various pulsars and other objects in which thermonuclear processes occur.
Exposure to radioactive material
The impact can be somatic and genetic. In the first case, it is expressed in complication processes 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 the sex chromosomes is not affected. Such lesions can manifest as growth failure, weakening of the immune system, and premature aging. Genetic radioactive impact, on the contrary, manifests itself at the molecular and gene levels, contributing to the change in hereditary material. In such cases, genetic mutations occur, which also adversely affecton the development of the organism.
Positive Impact
Radiation studies also show beneficial effects on biological tissues. Medically-optimized radioactive materials in minimal doses have an analgesic effect in rheumatism and gout. In some cases, it was possible to achieve a serious therapeutic effect during treatment. There were also attempts and intravenous administration of radiation solutions, which helped to reduce the number of leukocytes. One way or another, most operations in which radioactive materials are used are purely experimental in nature. And the positive effects of exposure are still not well understood to allow such treatments to be widely adopted.
Effect of radioactive contamination
However, the main direction of the collision of researchers with radioactive materials remains the problem of contamination. The main contribution to this process is made by large stations that produce nuclear fuel. Nuclear enterprises process radioactive waste, ensuring their disposal. However, the risk of leaks and accidents resulting in uncontrolled pollution of the environment cannot be ruled out. For example, radioactive carbon dioxide is often used in the same reactors as a coolant. Its use justifies itself due to its low cost, but the gaseous medium as such becomes very dangerous during explosions.nuclear elements. More predictable local pollution, for the management of which there are special methods of decontamination.
What is a radioactive object?
Maintenance of radioactive materials requires the creation of a special infrastructure. It includes landfills, processing plants, complexes for the disposal and storage of harmful toxic elements. These are the radioactive facilities, which are mainly focused on working 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 to regulate the processes of handling radiation sources. For example, today the operating modes of full-cycle plants are relevant. This means that the company disposes of hazardous waste at its own facilities. At the same time, there are naturally occurring radioactive materials that constantly interact with humans. They emit radiation in acceptable quantities and do not pose a threat to he alth. However, the line between normative and critical value is not always obvious. At the same industrial enterprises, devices for measuring background radiation are regularly used as a preventive measure. Such measures are included in the list of rules for labor protection and he alth of workers.
