2. RISK FROM RADIATION EXPOSURE

3. Introduction Myths created by the film industry
Spider Man, The Hulk, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Radioactive Material Glows

4. Risk
The statistical probability that personal injury will result from some action
smoking, speeding, extreme sports, ect.
ionizing radiation exposure

5. Ionizing Radiation Exposure Effects
Somatic Effect (Prompt or Delayed)
Stochastic Effect (Cancer) - probability of effect occurring increases as doses increases. No Threshold
Non-Stochastic Effect (Cataracts) - severity of the effect varies with dosage. Threshold dose
Teratogenic Effects (Offspring while in-utero)
mental retardation
malformations

6. Ionizing Radiation Exposure Effects (Con’t)
Genetic Effects (Future Generations)
Anemia
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Asthma

7. Ionizing Radiation Exposure Effects (Con’t)
Genetic Effects (Future Generations)
Anemia
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Asthma
Natural genetic mutation rate (U.S.) %

8. Ionizing Radiation Exposure Effects (Con’t)
Genetic Effects (Future Generations)
Anemia
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Asthma
Natural genetic mutation rate (U.S.) %
No genetic effects witnessed in humans

9. Physical Factors of Effects
Acute dose vs. Chronic Dose

10. Physical Factors of Effects
Acute dose vs. Chronic Dose
Whole body irradiation vs. partial body irradiation

11. Problems with Models Cancers are indistinguishable
Ionizing radiation is not only cause of cancer
Long latency period of cancer
Cannot perform human experiment
Studies may suggest radiation as the cause of cancer but cannot identify

12. Cancer Facts
What is cancer? - uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells
Causes - Many
Risk increases after age 40
Risk factors
Personal Habits, Environmental factors, Occupational hazards

13. Cancer Facts (Con’t)
Prob. of developing cancer in U.S. (from birth to age 74)
40% Male/Female
Death of cancer victims
50% of personnel who develop cancer will die
Overall death rate from cancer
20%

14. Cancers frequently linked to radiation
Breast cancer
Thyroid cancer
Leukemia

15. Radiation Risk Estimate
Relative-Risk Coefficient - The fractional increase in the baseline incidence or mortality rate for unit dose (4 x 10-4 )
If 10,000 indiv. received one rem each over background during their life, 4 additional deaths would occur of the 2,000 that would naturally occur

16. Is Radiation Safe?
Safer than normal risk associated with many activities encountered daily

17. Something Extra
Irradiating Food
Radon

18. Summary
There may be a slight increase in the risk of developing cancer