Radiation Health

Ionizing radiation can affect the atoms in living cells and damage their genetic material (DNA). Fortunately, our cells are highly efficient at repairing this damage. However, if not repaired correctly, a cell may die or eventually become cancerous. Exposure to very high radiation levels can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation sickness, resulting in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Exposure to low levels of radiation in the environment does not cause immediate health effects but is a minor contributor to our overall cancer risk. For these reasons, it’s critical for those in healthcare, laboratory, or other environments that handle radiological equipment to take all possible steps towards protecting their patients’ health and their own.