MEV 015: Unit 05 - Radioactive Pollution and Its Impact

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Unit 5: Radioactive Pollution and Its Impact

5.1 Introduction

Radioactive pollution is a serious type of pollution that results from the release of harmful radiation into the environment. Radiation can come from both natural and human-made sources. It is invisible, tasteless, and odourless, yet extremely dangerous. Exposure to radioactive substances can damage living cells and cause long-term health problems. Understanding its sources, effects, and control measures is important for public health and environmental protection.

5.2 Objectives

This unit aims to help learners understand the basic concept of radioactivity, its sources, how radiation is measured, and its harmful impacts. By the end of the unit, students will be able to explain what radioactivity is, identify radiation sources, understand its effects on living beings, and learn from recent incidents involving radioactive pollution.

5.3 Definition: Radionuclide and Radioactivity

A radionuclide is an unstable form of an element that gives off radiation as it breaks down into a stable form. This process is called radioactivity. The energy released during this process is called radiation, and it can be harmful to living organisms. Common radioactive elements include uranium, radon, thorium, and plutonium.

5.4 Sources of Emission of Radiations: Natural and Man-made Sources

Radiation can come from both natural and man-made sources.

·         Natural sources include cosmic rays from space, radioactive minerals in the earth's crust (like radon gas), and even food items like bananas which naturally contain small amounts of radioactive potassium.

·         Man-made sources include nuclear power plants, atomic bomb testing, medical treatments like X-rays and cancer radiation therapy, and nuclear accidents or leaks.

5.5 Units of Radiations

Radiation is measured in different units depending on what is being measured. The common units are:

·         Becquerel (Bq) – Measures the rate of radioactive decay

·         Gray (Gy) – Measures the absorbed dose of radiation

·         Sievert (Sv) – Measures the biological effect of radiation on the human body

These units help scientists and health professionals understand the intensity and risk level of radiation exposure.

5.6 Measurement and Detection of Radiation Intensity

Special instruments are used to detect and measure radiation. Some of the most common devices include:

·         Geiger-Müller Counter (GM Counter) – Detects alpha, beta, and gamma radiation

·         Scintillation Counter – Measures radiation using flashes of light

·         Dosimeters – Worn by workers to track personal exposure to radiation over time
These tools help ensure safety in areas where radioactive materials are handled or stored.

5.7 Effects of Radioactive Pollution (Genetic and Somatic Effects)

Radioactive pollution can have somatic effects, which appear in the person exposed, such as:

·         Skin burns

·         Hair loss

·         Nausea, cancer, and organ damage

It can also cause genetic effects, which affect future generations by damaging the DNA in reproductive cells. This may lead to birth defects or inherited diseases.

5.8 Radioactive Fallout

Radioactive fallout refers to the radioactive particles that settle on the earth’s surface after a nuclear explosion or accident. These particles can contaminate soil, water, crops, and animals, entering the food chain and posing long-term health risks. Fallout can spread over large areas, even reaching places far from the explosion site.

5.9 Recent Case Studies

Several incidents in history have shown the dangerous impacts of radioactive pollution.

·         Chernobyl Disaster (1986): A nuclear reactor explosion in Ukraine released massive radiation, affecting thousands of people and causing long-term environmental damage.

·         Fukushima Disaster (2011): After a tsunami, a nuclear plant in Japan leaked radiation, forcing large-scale evacuations and raising concerns about ocean contamination.
These events highlight the need for strict safety measures in handling nuclear materials.

5.10 Let Us Sum Up

In this unit, we learned that radioactive pollution is caused by unstable atoms releasing harmful radiation. These can come from natural sources like radon or from man-made activities like nuclear power generation. Radiation can harm the human body immediately or over time, and it can also affect future generations. Monitoring, safe handling, and emergency preparedness are key to preventing and controlling radioactive pollution.

 

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