MEDRADSC 2X03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Aurora, Cosmic Ray, Radiobiology

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Medical Radiation Sciences
• Course: MEDRADSC 2X03
• Professor: Sandra Charbonneau

Document Summary

The study of the action of ionizing radiations on living things. X-ra(cid:455)s a(cid:374)d -rays have the same nature as visible light, radiant heat, and radio waves; however, they have shorter wavelengths and consequently, a larger photon energy. As a result, x- a(cid:374)d -rays can break chemical bonds and produce biologic effects. No (cid:395)uantity of (cid:396)adiation dose is (cid:862)absolutely safe(cid:863): There is little knowledge about the effects of low doses, just strong evidence of the detriment of high doses. Every ionization event can cause a chemical change, so it has potential to cause effect. Incidence of some effects rises with dose, so risk rises with dose. X-ray, nuc med, rt, radiopharmaceutical therapy, pacemakers, arterial stents. Terrestrial radiation from natural radioactive materials in the ground. Radiation from radionuclides in the body (from food or inhaled) Natural in origin but to which exposure is increased from human activity: air travel (high amplitude), stewardess/pilots wear tlds, phosphate mining moves radionuclides.