Radiation can be intentional or unintentional exposure to radiation, with controlled exposure being effective in medicine and sterilization. Urban legends about radiation from home appliances and cell phones are unfounded. Radiation is commonly used in cancer treatment and sterilization of medical instruments. It can also be used as a security measure against biological warfare or terrorism, with exposure levels and duration being controllable.
Radiation is a situation where an individual or object is exposed to some form of radiation. In some cases, this exposure is intentional and controlled. Other times, the exposure is unintentional and there are no control mechanisms that can limit the amount of exposure. Under the best of circumstances, irradiation can be effective as a medical treatment, as a component of a safety net, and as a tool in chemistry.
Over the years, urban legends have grown up about the dangers of radiation exposure from home appliances and cell phones. It is important to note that the level of radiation emitted by these types of devices is generally classified as low or high frequency non-ionizing radiation. Currently, there is no universally accepted research indicating that emissions from microwave ovens, television broadcasts or portable devices pose a threat to the well-being of the body.
When many people think of irradiation, they associate the procedure with cancer treatment. It is not uncommon for radiation therapy to be used in an attempt to kill cancer cells before they can multiply and spread throughout the body. Alternatively, when a tumor removed during surgery turns out to be malignant, it is not unusual for radiation to be given in a series of sessions as a follow-up to the surgical procedure. Radiation treatments are a first-line attempt to kill any remaining cancer cells that were starting to spread from the tumor. Even when the surgeon is sure that the cancer was still on its own, treatments can be administered as a precautionary strategy.
Along with cancer treatment, irradiation is also effective in sterilizing many different types of objects. Medical instruments such as those used during surgeries are exposed to a controlled level of radiation to kill any bacteria on the surface of the instruments. Similarly, disposable instruments such as syringes and lancets are also subjected to irradiation before being packaged for sale.
As a security measure against some forms of biological warfare or terrorism, irradiation can be used to kill harmful bacteria contained in various objects such as letters, gift boxes or folders and documents. This helps minimize the chances of exposure to airborne bacteria as well as accidentally handling an infected item and absorbing the agent through the skin.
When used under controlled circumstances, the frequency and time interval of radiation exposure can be determined. Therefore, the objects are subjected to irradiation only for the time necessary to obtain the desired result. Controlling the level of irradiation means that patients undergoing radiotherapy will suffer less damage to healthy cells, while medical instruments can be sterilized within a specific period of time. Even when using irradiation as a means to clean up an area that may be infected with germ terrorism, the level and duration of exposure can be adjusted as treatments continue until the threat is rendered harmless.
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