How Much Radiation Is Too Much?

You might think that you’re not exposed to much radiation daily, but the truth is that we’re actually surrounded by it. From the natural background radiation present everywhere on Earth to the electromagnetic fields emitted by our electronic devices, we’re constantly absorbing small doses of radiation.  

But how much is too much? And what are the health risks associated with exposure to high radiation levels? 

The Different Types of Radiation 

There are many different types of radiation, and they are all measured in different ways. Here are some common types of radiation and their measurements: 

• Ionizing radiation – This type of radiation is the most dangerous and is measured in Sieverts (Sv). 

• Non-ionizing radiation – This type of radiation is less dangerous and is measured in milliSieverts (mSv). 

• Natural background radiation – This type of radiation comes from the environment and is measured in microSieverts (μSv). 

• Medical exposure – This type of radiation comes from medical procedures and is measured in milliSieverts (mSv). 

The amount of radiation you are exposed to depends on many factors, including the type of radiation, the strength of the radiation, the length of time you are exposed, and your distance from the source.  

At some point, you will need professional radiation shielding to minimize the radiation effect. 

How Much Radiation is Safe? 

Radiation is invisible and can travel through the air and water. A small amount of radiation may not be harmful, but if you are exposed to too much radiation it can cause cancer. The government set a limit for how much radiation someone can be exposed to without getting sick.  

This limit is called the “safe exposure level.” The safe exposure level for adults is 1.5 millirem per year. Children are more sensitive to Radiation and must stay below the safe exposure level of 0.3 millirem per year. 

What are the Effects of Too Much Radiation? 

Radiation therapy is a treatment for many different cancers. It uses high-energy radiation to destroy the cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be very helpful in treating some cancers, but it can also have harmful effects on your body. 

The amount of radiation that you receive during radiation therapy depends on the type of cancer you have and the treatment plan that your doctor has designed for you. The government’s safety limits for radiation exposure are called the “Safeguards”. These safeguards are set to protect you from the potential harmful effects of radiation exposure. 

The Safeguards limit the amount of radiation that you can receive to a certain level. If you exceed these levels, you may experience harmful effects on your health. The most common harmful effects of radiation exposure are: 

• Cancer: Exposure to too much radiation can increase your risk of developing cancer. This is because radiation therapy causes damage to normal cells in your body and can lead to cancer growth. 

• DNA damage: Radiation therapy can cause DNA damage, which can lead to cell mutations and cancer development. 

• Birth defects: Exposure to high levels of radiation during pregnancy can cause birth defects in your baby. 

• Brain damage 

Conclusion 

If you’re like most people, you probably think that the more radiation you’re exposed to, the better. After all, if it’s safe and effective to use radiation in cancer treatment, then why not do so as much as possible? Unfortunately, this is not always the case.  

Too much exposure to radiation can actually be dangerous and can even lead to cancer. So how much radiation is too much? That depends on a number of factors, including your age, s*x, health condition and overall exposure level.  

If you are concerned about your exposure levels and want to take steps to limit your intake of radiation, talk to Nuclear Shields to consult about the best nuclear shielding property you might need.