Dosimeters

Exposure to nuclear radiation can be incredibly harmful to our health – with thyroid cancer being the most commonly reported side effect. Many people who are exposed to nuclear radiation don’t report any side effects until many years later, however high levels of exposure can result in immediate death or serious health issues.

There are several ways in which we may be exposed to harmful radiation: a dirty bomb, radioactive leaks and a nuclear reactor explosion are the most likely types of radiation disaster.

In March 2011 a large earthquake in north-east Japan resulted in a devastating tsunami that wiped out dozens of villages and killed tens of thousands of people. In the aftermath of the disaster, several of the nuclear reactors exploded, resulting in a meltdown.

Since the explosions, Japan has measured radiation levels 40 percent above normal in some areas and it is considered to be one of the worst nuclear disasters in history – with the full extent of the damage only to be determined in many years to come.

Nuclear energy is considered to be one of the cleanest energy sources in the world, and as our fossil fuel supplies are running low we are relying much more heavily on it. However, nuclear energy can be incredibly dangerous as past radiation disasters show. We look at the top five worst radiation disasters in history.

In any situation that harmful radiation could have been leaked or that a person or persons could have been exposed to it – it is essential that radiation exposure is measured to check if they are safe.

When radiation is measured they will use different units of measurement and apparatus depending on the purpose. There are three main purposes for measuring radiation: to see if radiation is coming from a radioactive source (i.e. if there is a leak); to see if a radiation dose has been absorbed by a person; and also the risk that a person will suffer from adverse health effects as a result of exposure to that radiation.

Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that looks similar to table salt. In fact, potassium iodide is often added to table salt to make it iodized. The inorganic compound is produced and used in the case of emergencies – usually administered in 130mg doses.

The U.S. government requires that all states who have a nuclear power plant must consider providing potassium iodide as a protective measure for the general public who are within a 10-mile emergency planning zone (EPZ) if a nuclear disaster did occur.

The dangers of electromagnetic radiation have been increasingly researched in recent years. There is no denying that numerous electronic devices that we use on a daily basis such as cell phones and wireless routers emit radiation – but what dangers does this pose?

There is highly contradicting evidence related to the dangers of EMF radiation. Some researchers claim that high levels of exposure to EMF radiation can increase your risk of leukemia, brain tumors, heart problems, cancer, chronic fatigue and more. Whereas others believe the threat is much less serious. One thing most researchers agree on however is that there is definite reason for concern.

The potential dangers of harmful radiation are immense. Although very few of us will find ourselves exposed to large levels of dangerous radiation, it is still something we need to be aware of. It is not just nuclear bombs and power plants that put us at risk – everyday household appliances and electrical items all put us at risk of exposure to harmful radiation.

The type of problems you may face if exposed to radiation will vary depending on the type and amount of radiation that you are exposed to. Many health issues related to radiation will not even be apparent until many years later.

Sound pollution refers to any type of noise that is disruptive, displeasing or dangerous and is created by a human or machine.

There are numerous sources of sound pollution and typically the more built up an area is the higher the levels of sound pollution. The most common sources of sound pollution are from construction sites and transportation such as trains and airplanes.

Other sources of dangerous sound waves include: car alarms, emergency service sirens, fireworks, barking dogs, entertainment systems and electrical appliances.

Microwave ovens work by using high frequency radio waves (otherwise known as microwaves) that cause molecules in your food to move very fast, thus producing heat. The waves that are used in microwaves produce a form of radiation.

There are two main types of radiation – ionizing and non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation is the most dangerous type and is what is produced at nuclear power plants. If you are exposed to large doses of this type of radiation it can have the ability to change your DNA and put you at a higher risk of cancer and other serious diseases. Fortunately microwave ovens emit non-ionizing radiation which is much less dangerous but still poses a risk to your health if radiation levels are too high.

Nuclear energy is becoming an increasingly common method of producing power. There are currently over 400 different nuclear power plants around the world in thirty different countries. We take a look at some of the biggest and most powerful nuclear reactors in the USA and the world.

The USA has some of the most powerful and largest nuclear reactors in the world – as well as being home to more nuclear reactors than any other country. While the actual plants are not nearly as large as others around the world, they do lead the way in terms of overall nuclear power generating capabilities.