Advantages of radiation to human

According to International Atomic Energy Agency (2019), radioactivity is a part of

our earth – its existence has been recorded ever since. Natural forms of radioactive
materials are found practically everywhere. There are radioactive gases in the air we
breathe. Moreover, our bodies are not just exposed in radiation, it also contains
radioactive elements. Whenever people talk about Radiation, more often than not, the
main concern includes its adverse effect on nature and on health. Despite the reality
that radiation poses danger, Radiation is not limited to producing harm. The principle of
weighing the lesser evil is seen in many areas where radiation is being used. Today,
we’ll take a closer look on the other side of Radiation use.

The discovery of the different means and ways radiation can be used has not
been long ago, yet scientists have discovered multiple means to use it. While the
danger of radiation is a topic that has been talked about for years, covering multiple
research works, the benefits of mankind in radiation has been unravelled. The use of
radiation has been exemplary in multiple fields including medicine, industry as well as
electricity. Other fields of science have gained benefit from the discovery of radiation
use, yet the risks and adverse effects must not be neglected (United States Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, 2019).

In Medicine, the use

of radiation is quite
common. It has been used
over the years for diagnostic
purposes; the simple X-ray
emits radiation as well as
other modes of diagnostic
procedures. In addition, the
use of radiation therapy as
part of treatment for cancer
has been proven to be
effective despite multiple
side effects. For clients who
are in terminal stage of the
disease, the use of radiation
therapy provides palliative
support. Radiation therapy is used to alleviate the pain and relieve symptoms from
growing tumors (Galindo, 2016). Even the Center for Disease Control (2019) states that
it is proven and tested that doctors often use medical imaging procedures that exposes
patients to some amount of radiation to determine the best treatment options for them. It
is indeed very crucial for Physicians to make the right diagnosis in order to properly
treat their clients. This current reality is made possible with the use of Radiation (Center
for Disease Control, 2019).
 The word ‘radiation’ poses fear but in reality, radiation includes any type of
electromagnetic wave. And just like in medicine, this radiation is also used in common
devices that we consider at the moment as necessity. Since people benefit from the use
of mobile phones as means of communication and other reasons, like social media, it is
time that we give credit to the element behind its function: radiation (Smith, 2018). And
while radiation appears to be dangerous, the type of radiation being emitted in gadgets
like mobile phones are not harmful. More than the potential harm, the benefit it gives to
mankind has outweighed the risks (Forbes, 2018).

In addition to Medicine and Industry, the use of Radiation has been beneficial in
terms of Electricity. In most countries, power plants fuelled by nuclear energy from
radiation provide affordable and sustainable supply of energy. While the danger is not
neglected, its benefits have been considered to be of higher value (United States
Environmental Protection Agency, 2019).

Weighing the benefits and risks are apparent in the use of Radiation. It is
important to look on both sides are carefully assess all aspects. Radiation has been
useful not only to man’s daily needs like electricity and common devices that are now
considered to be essential. More importantly the use of Radiation has provided
breakthrough positive effects in Medicine, both in diagnostics and treatments. Imagine a
world where radiation is an illusion. How are doctors going to diagnose patients or treat
patients with Cancer?
References:

Center for Disease Control (2019). Radiation in Medicine – Medical Imaging

Procedures. Retrieved on April 29, 2020 from
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/ionizing.htm

Forbes (2018). The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation. Retrieved on April 29, 2020 from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2018/02/02/the-truth-about-cell-phone-
radiation/#6a28788c192a

Galindo, Y. (2016). Sometimes Radiation is a Good Thing. UC San Diego Health.

Retrieved on April 29, 2019 from https://health.ucsd.edu/news/ features/
Pages/2016-07-01-radiation-therapy.aspx

International Atomic Energy Agency (2019). Radiation in Everyday Life. Retrieved on

April 29, 2020 from https://www.iaea.org/Publications/Factsheets/English/radlife

Smith, B. (2018). What is Mobile Phone Radiation and How Safe it is. Retrieved on April
29, 2020 from https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-04-30/mobile-phone-
radiation-health-explainer-biophysics/9702630

United States Environmental Protection Agency (2019). Sources of Radiation Used in

Power Generation. Retrieved on April 29, 2020 from
https://www.epa.gov/radtown/sources-radiation-used-power-generation

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (2019). Uses of Radiation. Retrieved on

April 29, 2020 from https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/uses-
radiation.html