Nuclear radiation risk – ionizing radiation

Abstract:

Acute radiation syndrome and its possible consequences are in the center of interest in recent times because of the possible threat to human kind from nuclear weapons. The paper deals with primary and secondary effects on the whole human body or its greater great part due to the ionizing radiation in a short time. The consequence could be acute radiation syndrome, including central nervous system, gastrointestinal and hematological syndrome. Groups of very severe, severe, mild and light damages are presented. A period without symptoms depends of the radiation dosis. Acute radiation syndrome begins by the time of radiation exposure along with infections and hemorrhagic changes, with a recovery period after 5-6 weeks. The late effects of radiation develop slowly due to the long latency phase, until the development of malignant diseases. Treatment of these damages depends on quick recognition of symptoms, clinical examination in connection with the incident and manifestation of the disease. The clinical course and prognosis of the disease depend on the initial assessment and treatment. The outcome of damage to the organism by ionizing radiation is directly related to the time when the treatment began.

Key words:
acute radiation syndrome; diagnostics; nuclear radiation risk