Radiation Sickness – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Radiation sickness happens when the body absorbs a large amount of radiation in a short time. This condition, also known as acute radiation syndrome, can cause serious damage to the body.

The severity of the illness depends on how much radiation the person absorbs.

Common medical imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans use very low radiation doses and do not cause radiation sickness. This condition is rare but often deadly.

Most cases of radiation sickness have occurred after major nuclear accidents. The Chernobyl nuclear plant fire in 1986 is one notable example. Other instances happened during the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II.

Key facts about radiation sickness:

• Requires large radiation doses
• Usually happens from sudden exposure
• Not caused by medical imaging
• Rarely occurs in everyday life
• Often has severe health consequences

Signs and Symptoms

Radiation sickness symptoms vary based on radiation strength, exposure time, and distance from the source.

When radiation enters the body, it affects tissues differently. Bone marrow and the digestive system are particularly vulnerable.

Nausea and vomiting typically appear first after radiation exposure. The timing of these symptoms helps doctors determine how much radiation someone absorbed.

Higher radiation doses cause symptoms to appear minutes to days after exposure. Meanwhile, milder cases may take hours or weeks to show signs.

After initial symptoms, a person might feel better briefly before more serious problems develop. Common symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fever
• Dizziness and confusion
• Weakness and tiredness
• Hair loss
• Bloody vomit and stools
• Infections
• Low blood pressure

When Medical Help Is Needed

If you believe you’ve been exposed to dangerous levels of radiation, seek emergency medical care immediately.

During radiation emergencies, stay informed through reliable sources like radio, television, or trusted online platforms for instructions specific to your area.

Public authorities will provide guidance about evacuation, shelter, or medical treatment locations. Following these instructions promptly can significantly improve your chances of receiving appropriate care for radiation exposure.

Causes

Radiation sickness occurs when a person is exposed to high doses of radiation energy. This energy, which can travel as waves or tiny particles, damages key cells in the body.

The harmful effects happen when powerful radiation damages or destroys important cells. The body parts most vulnerable to radiation damage include:

• Bone marrow cells
• Intestinal tract lining

When these critical areas suffer damage, the body cannot function properly, leading to radiation sickness symptoms. The severity depends on the radiation dose and which body parts were exposed.

Risk Factors

Radiation sickness happens when someone is exposed to high amounts of radiation. Several situations can lead to this exposure:

• Nuclear facility accidents
• Attacks on nuclear facilities
• Detonation of small radioactive devices
• Dirty bombs (explosives that spread radioactive materials)
• Nuclear weapon explosions

These events release dangerous levels of radiation that can harm the human body. The risk increases with longer exposure time and closer proximity to the radiation source.

Mental Health Impacts

Radiation sickness can affect a person’s mental wellbeing in several ways. People may experience:

• Anxiety and fear related to the radiation event
• Grief from losing loved ones in the incident
• Stress from dealing with an uncertain medical condition
• Worry about future cancer risks

These psychological effects can persist long after physical symptoms have been treated. Some patients might need counseling or other mental health support alongside medical treatment.

Safety Measures

Stay Where You Are

When a radiation emergency happens, you should listen to your radio or TV. Officials will tell you what to do to stay safe.

If they tell you to stay where you are:

• Lock all doors and windows
• Turn off fans, air conditioners, and heaters
• Close fireplace openings
• Bring animals inside
• Go to a basement or inner room
• Keep listening to news updates
• Remain in place for at least 24 hours

This helps keep harmful radiation outside while you stay protected indoors.

Leave the Area

Sometimes officials will tell everyone to leave. If this happens:

1. Stay calm.
2. Move quickly but carefully.
3. Pack lightly.

Important items to take with you:

• Flashlight
• Portable radio
• Extra batteries
• First-aid supplies
• Your medications
• Sealed food and water bottles
• Can opener (non-electric)
• Money and cards
• Extra clothing

Most emergency vehicles and shelters don’t allow pets. Only take them if you’re using your own car and not going to an official shelter.

Always follow the exact instructions from local authorities during these emergencies. Their guidance is based on current information about the situation in your area.