Radiating Fear

Japan’s recent disasters certainly have captured the world’s attention, but the problems and potential dangers at several of the country’s nuclear facilities, specifically the Fukushima plant, have triggered some fear and panic in parts of the world. Understandably, images of Chernobyl flit through our minds when we hear of nuclear reactor troubles. However, the rush to find products, including dietary supplements and other natural products, that can help protect against radiation can result in many misinformed people and many unnecessary purchases/ingestions.

Nuclear Radiation

When confronting this radiation issue, one needs to understand how radiation works. Atoms of most elements are by-and-large stable, meaning they don’t change chemical properties over time if left alone. Some elements have forms, or isotopes, that are unstable, or radioactive. These isotopes decay over time. While some elements have only one or two radioactive isotopes, many elements (uranium, radon, radium, etc.) have only radioactive isotopes. When they decay, these isotopes throw off one of several types of particles (alpha, gamma, beta, neutron) and spontaneously become another element. The decay process is measured by half-life, the amount of time it takes for half of the atoms to decay.

Nuclear reactors incorporate spontaneous fission, where the radioactive atom splits, resulting in nuclear radiation. When this radiation encounters atoms from living organisms, it can knock off an electron from the atoms and cause mutations and even cell death. Emitted alpha particles can’t penetrate the body, while beta particles are only dangerous if eaten or inhaled. Gamma rays, as in X-ray machine radiation, can penetrate the body but are inhibited by lead (which is why you wear the lead vest during X-rays). Neutrons, however, are the most dangerous, as they can penetrate deeply and are only repelled by thick concrete (as in buildings) or by liquids.

Continued Tomorrow

http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2011/03/radiating-fears.aspx

http://www.depsyl.com/ 

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/