Cancer
For those of you following the Fukushima disaster, you probably understand the potential threat that this radiation poses to the US. In past blog posts, we have attempted to enlighten you about this fact as well as uncover other sources of radiation. Today, we take you a little deeper into the science of radiation buildup in human tissue. Read more “How Radiation Effects On The Body Are Measured”
Health
In the latest O, The Oprah Magazine, Dr. Oz warns women that thyroid cancer is on the rise. He connects the rise in this cancer to the increased use of X-rays, CT scans and mammograms. He does not go on to suggest that individuals should refuse these procedures, however he does recommend that exposure be minimized. Radiation is emitted at different rates from each source – CT scans emitting the most. The measurements in exhibit 1.1 (below) were published in the article.
On April 6th, 2011 USA Today reported that the use of CT scans on children has increased from 330,000 in 1995 to 1.65 million scans in 2008! The adult population has seen a similar increase in CT scan frequency. Research shows that there is a very strong link between this type of exposure and cancer. Imagine the risks this poses to our children during their mostimportant years of development.
Many physicians even suggest avoiding CT scans at all costs! Research shows that in many cases an MRI can provide similar or even better results without the hefty dose of radiation. In fact, the term “safe radiation” is a misleading statement. According to the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP), there is no safe type of level of radiation exposure. Experts state that measurements on radiation dose limits come from statistical studies on large groups. Basically they are computed averages. Doses of radiation accumulate in the body, the more you get, the more risk of cells dying, mutating and/or forming cancer.
Leading experts suggest the following to keep your risk down for radiation exposure:
Sources:
Galarpe, Karen. No safe dose for radiation exposure. 06 APR 2011. 06 APR 2011.
Oz, Mehmet. “Radiation Fallout: Is Your Next Scan Safe?” O, The Oprah Magazine (2011): 142.
The Associated Press. Rise in kids’ CT scans raises alarm. 06 APR 2011. 06 APR 2011 .
Health
Things continue to unfold at the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster in Japan, but what does all of this mean to you? Below are a couple updates about the radiation threat gathered from sources reporting on the impact to Japan as well as the United States.
Read more “Japan’s Radiation Disaster Unfolds – Does It Put You At Risk?”