Working environment factors
How does radiation dose affect workers’ health?
May
Radiation has a significant impact and plays an important role in human life. From providing electricity to power systems to applications in medicine, scientific research, and industry, radiation has opened new doors and brought great benefits. How does radiation affect the health of workers?
In the field of medicine, radiation is used for diagnosis and treatment. X-ray technology uses radiation to create images of the body, helping to detect and identify medical issues. Additionally, radiation is applied in cancer treatment through radiotherapy, effectively destroying cancer cells.
Radiation also has important applications in scientific research and technology development. It helps scientists explore and study natural phenomena, from atomic structures to the universe. Nuclear reactions and material analysis using radiation have opened up new possibilities in industry and technology, from nuclear energy production to applications in material quality testing and distance measurement.
Furthermore, radiation also plays an important role in agriculture and the environment. It is used to check fruit ripeness, reduce pests and harmful bacteria, and improve crop quality. Radiation can also be used for waste treatment, water purification, and measuring pollution levels in the environment.
1. What is radiation dose?
The phenomenon in which atomic nuclei of elements emit invisible rays capable of penetrating and ionizing matter is called radiation.
- Alpha radiation (α) consists of 2He4 particles with low penetration ability; avoid exposure when working with open sources.
- Beta radiation (β) has two types, β+ and β-, with stronger penetration than α; avoid exposure when working with open sources and shield external exposure with heavy materials (such as lead, iron, etc.).
- X-rays and Gamma rays (γ) are electromagnetic radiation with very strong penetration, highly dangerous, causing local damage, requiring shielding with heavy materials (lead).
- Neutron radiation consists of particles with extremely strong penetration, very dangerous. There are many types of neutrons (fast neutrons, thermal neutrons depending on energy). Shielding is done using hydrogen-containing materials (water, paraffin).
2. Occupations with radiation hazards to workers
Occupations exposed to radiation:
- Geological exploration, oil and gas extraction, mining of radioactive minerals, hydrology, etc.
- Industry: nuclear power plants, nuclear reactors, radioactive isotope separation plants, cement factories, glass factories, breweries, paper mills; using radioactive materials to measure thickness and density; flaw detection machines for materials like wood, iron, concrete; thermal power plants.
- Aviation and customs sectors use radiation to inspect goods and luggage.
- Agriculture uses radioactive materials to preserve seeds, stimulate plant growth, kill bacteria and fungi, and preserve food.
- Healthcare: using radioactive isotopes for diagnosis, treatment, functional exploration, and drug production.
- Research institutes: Physics Institute, Atomic Energy Institute, Geological and Mineral Institute, etc.
- Defense: weapon manufacturing.
- In nature: in soil, solar radiation, stars, charged clouds with small dose rates (0.2μSv/h).
3. How radiation affects worker comfort
Radiation can impact workers’ health in the workplace. Some effects include:
- The presence of radioactive substances in the workplace requires strict compliance with security and safety measures. Applying appropriate protective measures to prevent unsafe radiation exposure is essential for worker safety. However, protective measures may cause some inconvenience and limitations in daily work.
- A workplace with radioactive substances can create discomfort for workers. Concerns about radiation’s health effects may cause psychological stress, affecting comfort and mental state.
Ensuring worker comfort in radiation-related workplaces requires adherence to safety regulations and providing sufficient information and training on safety. This helps reduce anxiety and create a safe, comfortable working environment.
4. Permissible radiation exposure at the workplace
According to Circular No. 19/2012/TT-BKHCN dated 08/11/2012, regulations on controlling and ensuring radiation safety in occupational and public exposure.
5. Occupational diseases from prolonged exposure to harmful radiation
Prolonged exposure to harmful radiation can lead to occupational radiation diseases, including:
- High radiation doses can cause cancer, especially liver, lung, skin cancer, etc.
- Bone marrow suppression, anemia, and blood cancer.
- Potential cardiovascular diseases due to bacterial and infection effects.
- Radiation exposure may cause genetic damage, leading to health problems in future generations.
- Radiation can cause thyroid disorders, affecting thyroid function.
Symptoms may appear immediately or long after exposure. Workers in radiation-risk environments should follow safety regulations and regularly check their health for early detection and treatment.
6. Measures to minimize radiation impact on worker health
To minimize radiation effects on workers, the following measures should be implemented:
- Regulatory agencies must establish radiation safety rules to prevent harmful exposure. Workers must be trained in radiation safety and comply with safety regulations.
- Workers should be provided with protective equipment such as radiation-resistant clothing, masks, and goggles.
- Employees in radiation-risk environments should undergo regular health checks to detect and treat radiation-related issues early.
- Reduce exposure time using protective measures like radiation shields or automated robots.
- Follow proper handling and storage of radioactive materials to prevent exposure.
- Worker training: Train employees on health protection measures to enable self-protection in such environments.
- Periodically conduct workplace environmental monitoring in factories, collect and analyze harmful factors, and adjust to prevent occupational diseases.
These measures must be strictly applied to minimize radiation impact and ensure a safe workplace.
7. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality throughout Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to monitoring services, the center supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction and provides the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet Monitoring Center has become a reputable unit in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with objectives:
- We value brand reputation and service quality.
- We provide customers with the best and most suitable services.
- Alongside experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional services from monitoring experts and the best cost advantages.
8. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Price List
To help businesses conduct professional and effective workplace monitoring, Nam Viet provides customers with a comprehensive and reasonably priced monitoring service price list.
- Our price list provides detailed costs for monitoring services, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Customers can rely on the accuracy and reliability of our reports.
- We ensure competitive and fair pricing and are ready to answer all service inquiries quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s price list, customers can easily select services that meet their needs, ensuring maximum satisfaction with professional service quality.
