Occupational disease
Occupational radiation disease
Apr
Occupational radiation disease is one of the serious issues currently being studied and addressed in the medical field. This type of disease can adversely affect human health and may lead to unfortunate consequences, yet it is rarely mentioned in everyday life.
With the development of nuclear technology and the use of atomic energy in various fields, radiation risks have become more prevalent than ever.
1. What is occupational radiation disease?
Occupational radiation disease is a pathological condition caused by the human body working being exposed to excessive radiation during labor.
Ionizing radiation in the workplace includes photons (X-rays, gamma rays), electrons, neutrons, protons, alpha particles, fission fragments, heavy ions, muons, and charged pions.
The benefits of radiation are immense. Achievements in nuclear physics have allowed the use of nuclear energy in many national economic sectors. Today, radiation is widely applied in various industries such as healthcare, geology, oil and gas exploration, mining, and more.
2. Occupations at risk of radiation disease
Occupations and jobs at risk of radiation disease:
- Geological exploration, oil and gas extraction, mining of radioactive minerals, hydrology, etc.
- In industry: nuclear power plants, nuclear reactors, isotope separation plants, cement factories, glass factories, breweries, paper factories, use of radioactive materials to measure thickness and density, defect detection machines for materials like wood, iron, concrete, thermal power plants.
- Aviation and customs sectors applying radiation for inspecting goods and luggage.
- Agriculture using radiation for seed preservation, promoting crop growth, killing bacteria and mold, food preservation, etc.
- Healthcare using radioactive isotopes for diagnosis, treatment, functional exploration, drug production, etc.
- Research institutes such as physics institutes, atomic energy institutes, geology and mineral institutes, etc.
- Defense: weapons manufacturing.
3. Mechanisms and causes of radiation disease
Ionizing radiation enters the body in three ways:
- External irradiation: occurs when exposed to external radiation sources (in space, in healthcare, industry, etc.).
- External contamination: caused by radioactive substances sticking to skin or hair, occurring in workplaces lacking protective equipment.
- Internal contamination: arises when radioactive sources are inside the body due to ingestion, use, or workplace contamination (laboratories, hospitals, factories, etc.).
Discover the Occupational Radiation Risk Calculator, a specialized tool for workplace radiation disease. This tool provides detailed risk assessments and recommends preventive measures, helping workers and managers better understand and manage risks in their work environment. With a multidimensional database and advanced algorithms, it is a reliable source of information for medical experts and occupational safety managers. Its primary goal is to protect workers’ health from radiation risks and contribute to maintaining a safe and sustainable work environment.
4. Symptoms and impacts of radiation disease
Manifestations of occupational disease due to radiation exposure, particularly in workers at risk:
- Mild cases: nervous regulation disorders, low arterial blood pressure, rapid and irregular heartbeat, bowel and gallbladder dysfunction, easily irritated.
- Progressive cases: clinical and ECG signs of cardiomyopathy with prolonged low blood pressure; prolonged bone marrow suppression (reduced granulocytes and lymphocytes), reduced platelets; ovarian dysfunction, reduced menstruation in women.
- Chronic dermatitis from external radiation: abnormal sensation, pain, itching, dry skin, nail dystrophy, hyperkeratosis, congestion, cracking, skin ulcers, lens opacity.
- Late signs: skin cancer, bone cancer, leukemia, lung epithelial cancer.
5. Protective equipment needed to prevent occupational radiation disease
To prevent radiation disease in the workplace, workers should be fully equipped with protective gear, including:
- Radiation-resistant protective clothing made of materials that block radioactive particles from entering the body, covering the entire worker, especially sensitive areas such as the neck, arms, and legs.
- Protective masks suitable for the type of work.
- Protective glasses to shield eyes and face from radiation, made of radiation-resistant materials and capable of blocking UV.
- Protective gloves to prevent hand exposure to radioactive substances, made of radiation-resistant material and suitable for specific tasks.
- Protective shoes made of durable, radiation-resistant materials to protect feet from radiation exposure.
Workers should also be trained to use protective gear and radiation safety equipment. Additionally, proper technological safety measures must be implemented to minimize exposure and protect health.
6. Compensation for workers with occupational radiation disease
According to Vietnam’s Social Insurance Law, workers with occupational radiation disease may receive compensation as follows:
- Workers with radiation disease are entitled to compensation for health damages according to legal regulations, based on the severity of health damage and work capacity.
- Access to medical care and treatment to alleviate symptoms.
- If unable to continue in their current profession, workers should be supported to retrain or learn new skills to meet labor demands.
- In addition to compensation and healthcare, workers may receive benefits such as health insurance, social insurance, family allowances, and paid leave.
Workers must provide proper documentation proving occupational radiation disease and their treatment process to receive these benefits.
7. Treatment of occupational radiation disease
Treatment depends on severity and exposure duration. Measures include:
- Occupational radiation disease has no specific cure, but comprehensive care is needed, including rest, proper nutrition, and vitamins.
- Medications: sedatives, vitamins B12, B6, anti-bleeding drugs (Vitamin P, K, rutin), blood transfusions as prescribed by doctors.
- Rest in a cool, fresh environment, ensuring good sleep.
Patients should be monitored and treated at specialized radiation medical centers.
8. Prevention of occupational radiation disease
Avoid radiation sources during operations; use remote controls since radiation intensity decreases rapidly with distance. Employ walls and shielding suitable for different radiation types (X, alpha, beta, gamma, neutron), which reduce or block energy penetration.
- Time-based protection: radiation exposure decreases over time.
- Protective clothing and equipment help prevent external and internal contamination and reduce radiation exposure.
- Workers should wear dosimeters (e.g., pen or film badges).
- When handling radioactive materials, wear lead shields, rubber-lead gloves, waterproof clothing, and bathe after work.
- Health checks: blood tests, avoid recruiting those with blood diseases; periodic health exams every 3-6 months, monitor for early signs of radiation-related conditions, including skin lesions.
9. Employer responsibilities in preventing occupational radiation disease
Employers are responsible for ensuring worker safety, including radiation disease prevention. Measures include:
- Provide protective equipment such as radiation-resistant clothing, masks, and glasses.
- Ensure equipment does not emit excessive radiation; implement shielding, proper storage, and technical inspections.
- Provide training on radiation safety for workers.
- Establish procedures for reporting radiation incidents and taking corrective actions.
- Conduct occupational environment monitoring and report results regularly to improve workplace safety.
10. National occupational environment monitoring center
Nam Viet Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality throughout Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to monitoring services, the center assists clients in planning, managing, and tracking workplace environmental issues. Following a “customer-centric” approach, the center prioritizes client satisfaction and provides the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in Ho Chi Minh City for occupational environment monitoring, with goals including:
- Maintaining brand reputation and service quality.
- Providing clients with the best and most suitable solutions.
- Working with experienced MSc and engineers dedicated to environmental protection and business benefit.
- With Nam Viet Monitoring, companies receive professional services from monitoring experts and the best cost incentives.
11. Occupational environment monitoring pricing
To help businesses conduct professional and effective monitoring, Nam Viet provides a pricing table for occupational environment monitoring services that is high-quality and reasonably priced.
- Our pricing table provides detailed information on costs of monitoring services, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring results.
- We commit to offering competitive and reasonable prices, and are ready to provide fast and professional consultation regarding monitoring services.
- With Nam Viet’s pricing table, clients can easily choose services suitable for their needs, ensuring maximum satisfaction with professional service quality.
