Environmental Health XII. Electromagnetic radiation

Shu-Chi Chang, Ph.D., P.E., P.A.Assistant Professor1 and Division Chief2

1Department of Environmental Engineering2Division of Occupational Safety and Health,

Center for Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety and Health

National Chung Hsing University

Friday, June 15, 2007

Outline

Introduction Nonionizing radiation Ionizing radiation Natural background radiation Artificial sources Nuclear power operations Nuclear weapon testing Consumer products Control and benefits

Introduction

Introduction

Nonionizing radiation

UV Visible light Infrared radiation Microwave Radio frequency Electro-magnetic field Standards for control

Ionizing radiation

Types X-rays Alpha, beta and

gamma rays Biological effects Unit of dose Dose-response

relationships Types of exposures

Natural background radiation

Cosmic radiation Terrestrial readiation 40K (potassium), 3H, 14C, and 226Ra

Artificial sources

Radiation machines Industrial use Commercial use Research use

Radioactive materials

Nuclear power operations

Mining, milling, and fabrication Treatment of spent fuel Commercial nuclear power plants

Nuclear weapon testing

The late 1940s through the early 1960s

Nevada

Consumer products

Sources Within the home Workplace Personal basis (consumer products)

Cigarette smoking Others

Control and benefits

Controls Potassium Radon Medical X-ray machine Capsule- and loose-form

Benefits Modernization Medical advent Industrial application Agricultural usage

Genetically modified organisms Insect control