Health impact of radiation: analysis of occupational and environmental exposures
Keywords:
EFECTOS DE LA RADIACIÓN; EXPOSICIÓN A LA RADIACIÓN; EVALUACIÓN DEL IMPACTO EN LA SALUD; RADIACIÓN IONIZANTE; RADIACIÓN NO IONIZANTE., RADIATION EFFECTS; RADIATION EXPOSURE; HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT; RADIATION, IONIZING; RADIATION, NONIONIZING., EFEITOS DA RADIAÇÃO; EXPOSIÇÃO À RADIAÇÃO; AVALIAÇÃO DO IMPACTO NA SAÚDE; RADIAÇÃO IONIZANTE; RADIAÇÃO NÃO IONIZANTE.Abstract
Introduction: radiation constitutes an essential tool in medicine; however, exposures that exceed established safety limits represent a significant public health concern.
Objective: to analyze the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation on human health.
Methods: a systematic literature review was conducted using scientific publications from specialized databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search included terms related to ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, health effects, and radiological protection. Studies were selected based on thematic relevance, methodological quality, and recency, followed by a critical and comparative analysis of the findings.
Development: the evidence indicates that ionizing radiation causes direct and indirect damage to deoxyribonucleic acid, increasing the risk of cancer, hematological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases, in both acute exposures and chronic low-dose exposures. Non-ionizing radiation, although less energetic, is associated with thermal effects and potential non-thermal effects, particularly neurological ones, which are still under investigation. Relevant natural sources such as radon and cosmic radiation were identified, as well as artificial sources linked to medical procedures and industrial activities. Additionally, beneficial medical applications, including radiotherapy and imaging techniques, were highlighted, all of which require controlled use.
Conclusions: radiation provides substantial benefits for health and technological development; however, it also entails risks that require rigorous management. Strengthening radiological protection, exposure monitoring, and education is essential to safeguard both workers and the general population.
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