What are the effects of ionizing radiation on the human body

The effects of ionizing radiation on the human body include cell damage, gene mutations, hematopoietic system suppression, decreased fertility, increased cancer risk, etc. It is necessary to reduce the harm through protective measures, medical monitoring, nutritional supplementation, environmental control, regular physical examinations, and other means.

1. Cell damage: Ionizing radiation can directly damage cell structure, leading to cell death or functional abnormalities. It is recommended to wear lead protective clothing when coming into contact with radiation sources, set up shielding walls in the workplace, and reduce the frequency of medical radiation exposure such as X-rays in daily life. High risk occupational personnel need to have their peripheral blood lymphocyte micronucleus rate tested quarterly.

2. Gene mutation: Radiation can cause DNA strand breakage and induce changes in genetic material. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to radioactive substances and CT scans are prohibited during pregnancy. Consuming antioxidant foods such as nuts and blueberries rich in vitamin E and supplementing with folic acid can reduce the risk of mutations. Genetic testing can detect radiation sensitive genes such as BRCA early on.

3. Hematopoietic suppression: Bone marrow is highly sensitive to radiation, and a dose of 0.5 Gy can cause leukopenia. Radiologists need to monitor their blood routine every month, and should be reassigned if platelet count drops below 80 × 10 ⁹/L. Dietary therapy recommends iron rich foods such as pig liver and spinach, and if necessary, injection of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

4. Fertility effects: Testicles and ovaries are sensitive to radiation, and a dose of 1 Gy can cause temporary infertility. Pregnant men should avoid putting their phones in their pockets, and women are recommended to use contraception for 3 months after pelvic CT scan. Egg cryopreservation is used in assisted reproductive technology, and testicular shielding radiotherapy may be considered for severe radiation exposure.

5. Carcinogenic risk: the incidence rate of solid cancer increases by 10% every 1 Sv increase in cumulative radiation. The effective dose of nuclear power plant employees should be controlled below 20mSv per year, and low-dose options should be prioritized for CT examination. High risk individuals should undergo PET-CT tumor screening, and lung cancer monitoring can be combined with LDCT examination.

In daily life, pay attention to staying away from radiation sources such as high-voltage power lines and granite building materials. Check the radon concentration during house decoration. When taking a plane, choose seats near the aisle to reduce cosmic radiation. Drink green tea in moderation to enhance radiation resistance. Use headphones for mobile phone calls to reduce head exposure.