Multifactorial diseases

 Various disease initiation and their progression depends upon multiple factors such as birth defects, and adult onset diseases which are both
chronic as well as acute in nature.
 The birth defects could range from neural tube defects, cleft lip or genital heart defects while the adult onset diseases could range from diabetes,
hypertension, and coronary problems.
 Radiation splits the molecules of the tissues into ions and free radicals and causes mutation by breaking DNA (Deoxy ribo-
nucleic acid) molecules in the nucleus.

Reproductive effects

 When a person gets exposed to high level of radioactive material dose, it becomes a reproductive hazard. Effects like disfigured birth, physical
impairment at birth and other such things lead to reproductive defects.
 Exposure to nuclear radiation by any of the parents could lead to defects at birth as these causes’ mutations at genetic level and lead to
variations which usually result in abnormality. Problems like low birth weight, physical impairment or variation and damages in chromosome
numbers could result in birth defects.

Somatic effects

Individuals who get exposed to radiation pollution could face cells and tissue damages leading to hair loss, mouth ulceration, haemorrhage, skin discoloration
and lower blood count or platelets. Some of them might face problems of cardiovascular disorders, leukaemia, sterility and premature aging.
. Low levels of localized exposure may only have a superficial effect and cause mild skin irritation. Effects of long, but low-intensity exposures include
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of hair, bruises due to subcutaneous bleeding etc
Prolonged exposure leads to a large number of molecules in the body being ionized into free radicals. Free radicals promote the growth of cancerous cells,
i.e. tumors, in the body. People with heavy radiation exposure are at a very high risk for cancers.

► The rapidly growing/dividing cells, like those of the skin, bone marrow, intestines, and gonads are more sensitive towards radioactive emissions. On the
other hand, cells that do not undergo rapid cell division, such as bone cells and nervous cells, aren't damaged so easily.

Skin cancer, lung cancer and thyroid cancer are some of the common types of cancers caused by radiation
Genetic effects

 These could lead to chromosomal aberrations and mutations where radiations could cause damage to DNA strands, adverse effects to genetic
break up which are either immediate or delayed over a period of time.
 The future generations could also get affected due to such changes that take place in genetic set up of the individual.
 The degree of damage and extent both vary due to the level of radiation exposure and the kind of exposure.

The effects of radiation were first noted in 1909 when it was found that uranium miners suffer from skin burn and
cancer due to radiations from the radio-active mineral. Different organisms show different sensitivity to ionising
radiations. For example, tests have shown that pine trees are killed by radiations in which oak trees continue to thrive
comfortably.

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It has also been reported that high altitude plants have developed polyploidy as a protective mechanism against
radiations. Parts of coastal areas in South India have a high degree of background radiation which was formerly
considered to be quite harmful to human beings.

The cells which actively grow and divide are quickly damaged. This category includes the cells of skin, intestinal lining,
bone marrow, gonads and embryo. Radiations have both immediate or short-range and delayed or long-ranged effects.

(i) Short Range (Immediate) Effects:

They appear within days or a few weeks after exposure. The effects included loss of hair, nails, subcutaneous bleeding,
change in number and proportion of blood cells, changed metabolism, and proportion of blood cells, etc.

(ii) Long Range (Delayed) Effects:

They appear several months or even years after the exposure. The effects are caused by development of genetic changes,
mutations, shortening of life span, formation of tumour, cancers, etc. The effect of mutations can persist in the human
race.
All organisms are affected by radiation pollution. Some organisms preferentially accumulate specific radioactive
materials. For example, oysters accumulate 65Zn, fish accumulate 55Fe, marine animals accumulate 90Sr.

Control of Radioactive Pollution:

The following preventive measures should be followed to control radioactive pollution.

(i) Leakage of radioactive materials from nuclear reactors, industries and laboratories using them should be totally
stopped.

(ii) Radioactive wastes disposal must be safe. They should be changed into harmless form or stored in safe places so that
they can decay in a harmless manner. Radioactive wastes only with very low radiation should be discharged into
sewerage.

(iii) Preventive measures should be taken so that natural radiation level does not rise above the permissible limits.

(iv) Safety measures should be taken against accidents in nuclear power plants.

Preventative and control measures to take for radioactive pollution.

 1. Safe storage: radioactive pollution needs to be stored in specialized containers, which do not break easily and which do not allow radiation to
seep out.
 2. Clear warnings: radioactive material can contaminate a person’s clothing or their skin. Then, as that person moves through the environment,
they can contaminate other living organisms in their turn. Clear warnings about the presence of radioactive material will prevent this from
happening. Of course, animals are not able to read these warnings, and this is why adequate containers are also needed.
 3. Alternative sources of energy: seeking alternatives to nuclear energy will reduce the number of nuclear power plants in the world and thus
reduce the risks that are associated with radioactive material. Radioactive material is present in various places in a nuclear power plant.
Radioactive materials are used to produce nuclear power. Moreover, the waste that is produced by nuclear power plants is also radioactive.
 4. Nuclear disarmament: disarming and getting rid of nuclear weapons is a very significant way of eliminating the hazards associated with
radioactive material.
 5. Proper disposal of radioactive waste: radioactive waste needs to be disposed of in a particular way. It cannot just be buried in the soil or
thrown into the garbage bin as it would contaminate the environment. Moreover, though it does gradually deactivate over time, radioactive waste
stays radioactive for a long time. How long depends on what is called the ‘half life’ of the atoms that are emitting the radiation. However, most of
the time, radioactive waste will take several centuries or even millennia to completely deactivate. There are several ways of disposing of
radioactive waste. One way is to encase it in very thick concrete containers and bury it deep under the sea. Scientists have suggested that the
motion of the deep sea waves actually helps to deactivate radioactive waste more quickly. Some radioactive waste can also be ‘recycled’ and
used to generate more nuclear energy. However, in all cases, it is crucial that radioactive waste is disposed of safely and by trained
professionals.

 1. Care should be taken to check manmade radiation pollution at source.

 2. Nuclear reactor should be perfectly maintained to avoid accidental leakage.

 3. Nuclear tests should be banned.

Conclusion.

As science advanced, radiation became an increasingly important part of human society. Though atomic decay has been used for what can be argued to be
positive means, such as generating nuclear energy, radioactive material can be a very hazardous pollutant.

As has been explained above, radioactive pollution can be very damaging to living organisms. It can cause illnesses that can be seen for several generations
in the future. It can halt agriculture in affected regions by making the soil dangerous and sterile, and it can also cause immediate damage to the skin such as
burns and sores.

So, it is very important to ensure that radioactive pollution does not occur. This can be done by taking the preventative measures described above.