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Radiation Illness


Radiation absorbed is measured in Sieverts (Sv) or rem, where 1 Sv = 100 rem. The average person receives about 3.33 millisieverts (= 3.33/1000 of a sievert) per year.

If a person is exposed to a dose greater than 2 Sv, Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) develops. Radioactive particles are colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can not be identified with human senses. Specialized equipment, such as Geiger counter or neutron detector are needed to determine and quantify the level of radioactivity.

Symptoms:

  1. Within minutes to hours after exposure, lasting from 48 to 72 hours: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin burns (swelling, itching, redness), intestinal cramps, salivation, dehydration, fatigue, weakness, apathy, fever, low blood pressure;

  2. after the initial phase a symptom-free period sets in and may last for 7 to 18 days (the greater the dose of radiation, the shorter this stage); despite the absence of symptoms blood cell populations are decreasing as a result of bone marrow damage

  3. 3 to 5 weeks after exposure severe abdominal pain, fever, bleeding, bruising, and infection. Each organ will develop symptoms depending on the amount of radiation received;




Testing:
It is difficult to estimate the radiation an individual has absorbed. To protect against suspected or confirmed radioactivity the three basics

  • Time
  • Distance
  • Shielding

    Other effective precautions are

  • covering mouth and nose with fabric,
  • changing clothing,
  • showering with plenty of soap,
  • seeking shelter



Treatment:

  • Potassium iodide (KI) pills protects only against radioactive iodine, not against any other radioactive isotope; prevents the development of thyroid cancer; one dose (130mg for adults; 65mg for children 3-18; 32mg for children 1 month to 3 years) must be taken before or ASAP after exposure (up to a maximum of 4 hours)a
  • IV fluids
  • Standard burn skin care
  • Antiemetics (antinausea medicine) for nausea and vomiting
  • Morphine or acetaminophen for pain management (aspirin is inappropriate since it interferes with blood clotting and increases bleeding)
  • Antibiotics (if infection sets in)
  • Blood transfusions
  • Blood-cell growth stimulants (most effective if given soon after exposure)
  • Bone-marrow transplantation
  • Probiotics
  • Chelating agents




 







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