Abstract The paper deals with small cell lung cancer and the problem with regard to radiation and memory loss. The paper states that this form of cancer is prone to brain metastases. The paper confirms that prophylactic cranial irradiation is a controversial method of radiation that has shown to have positive outcomes in small cell lung cancer patients. However, little is known about the effects of radiation on the brain and especially on long-term cognitive and memory loss. The paper, in referring to various studies, concludes that the research is compounded by the large number of variables that need to be taken into account in ascertaining the effects of the process of radiation.
Outline:
Introduction
Prolegomena: Overview and Background
The Brain, Memory and Radiation Treatment
Summation and Conclusion
From the Paper " Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer that affects both men and women in the United States and the world. As figure 1 above illustrates, the number of deaths from lung cancer in the United States far exceeds other common forms of cancer. There are numerous statistics that indicate the increased risks of lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Figure 2 below illustrates a projection of morality rates in various countries over a ten your period of time. This again clearly indicates the importance of research into lung cancer and particularly the more severe form of small cell lung cancer."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the danger of the radiation emitted from a cell phone in use. According to the paper, some of the potential health hazards that may evolve from cell phone use include noise in the ear, memory loss, headaches, malignant brain tumors and DNA damage.
Outline:
I.The Silent Enemy
Cover-up?
Radiation II.Concerns for All Ages
In Light on Concerns
III. The Big Question
The Privilege to Listen
From the Paper "Even though cell phones and fortune cookies may not initially appear to have a common thread, the concept that connects them is that those who market cell phones, in a similar sense, do not usually consider what happens to those who purchase and use cell phones. In the study completed by Salford et al funded by a grant from the Swedish Council for Work Life Research. Completed during 2002, the authors examine potential risks of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields for the human body. Their previous studies posit ". . . weak pulsed microwaves give rise to a significant leakage of albumin through the blood-brain barrier."
Abstract This paper explains that it is next to impossible to avoid sources of natural radiation in our everyday life, but precautions can be taken to maintain distance from local sources of radiation and to use distance, time, and radiation-shielding as protection. The author points out that radiation is not responsible for the assumed mechanism of carcinogenesis caused by the exposure to magnetic fields. The paper relates that the nuclear industry and many other sources of radioactivity are used in an enormous range of industrial processes, such as industrial radiography, thickness gauges, smoke alarms, and medical diagnosis and treatment.
Table of Contents
Types and Sources of Ionising Radiation The Effect of Radiation on the Body
Detecting Radiation Regulating Body Standards and the Workplace
Ionizing Radiation Contamination
Stochastic Effects
Deterministic Effects
Monitoring Radiation Exposure
Radiation Accidents
Types of Radiation Accident
The Food Industry Uses Radiation
From the Paper "Ionising radiation does not accumulate in our body, but science proves that the radiation effects are evident from exposure to large amounts of radiation, as in sunburns from too much exposure to strong sunlight. Radiation carries energy that has a damaging effect on the living cells of living things and can either kill them or change their structure and function to inhibit correct functioning but this would take large doses to kill a good number of cells to cause death. Radiation dose would have to be several thousand times bigger than the dose received annually from the environment to cause death. Death would occur if the person were exposed more over a year. For example, exposure to sunlight over a year gives one a suntan, but one-day exposure of sunbaking could cause death by sunstroke."
Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to answer the question: "Is radiation safe in the dental office?" It hypothesizes that despite predominate thinking by dentists, cumulative radiation over time, even exposure to dental radiation in small amounts, can lead to health problems and significant health and safety issues for the patient and for personnel working in the dental office. This is especially true of women during their child bearing years. It also investigates whether information or empirical studies exist that quantify the amount of radiation people are exposed to for dental procedures and whether this level is safe to the patient or the people that may be around or inside of the room where the radiation is occurring.
Outline:
Introduction
Analysis of Dental Practices
Conclusion
From the Paper "The proposition or purpose of radiography in the dental office is to provide dentists with diagnostic information about the bones in the mouth or teeth, while keeping radiation levels as low as possible. Dentists claim that X-ray examinations are ordinary examinations performed in the office with the purpose of maintaining a patient's dental care. There is evidence however that cumulative X-ray exposure may prove detrimental, so why would dentists continue to use it? I propose the use or over use of X-rays is partly a result of the lack of information about the cumulative effects of dental radiation. Dentists are as ignorant as patients in many cases when it comes to the safety of radiological exams. Most are likely taught at the university level that X-rays should be done annually or as often as necessary to promote proper health and detect early damage to the teeth."
Abstract This paper discusses the many positive aspects of UV radiation. The author examines the way ultraviolet light is commonly used, defines UV light, its dangers and how it's used in fluorescent lighting. The paper also describes how UV radiation is frequently used in water purification plants, destroying harmful bacteria.
From the Paper "UV radiation is what is responsible for causing human skin to tan. Unlike x rays, ultraviolet radiation has a low power of penetration, so its only direct effects on the human body occur on the skin's surface and include sunburn, suntan, aging, and carcinogenic changes. Most of us know that "sunburn" is not simply a metaphor but is in fact like burns from other forms of radiation and can include symptoms ranging from redness and tenderness to blisters, swelling, seepage of fluid, and sloughing of the outer skin. Tanning ? while it is never healthy, as we know now, is simply a natural body defense that uses melanin to help protect the skin from further injury from UV radiation."
Abstract This paper explains that, for several decades, the medical community has alerted the public to the incidence of birth defects that are directly related to radiation, underscoring the long-term impact that exposure to radiation has on the body and on future offspring. The author points out that exposure before conception carries a risk of specific birth defects including mental retardation and childhood cancers. The paper stresses that to avoid these risks in the future it is important to re-evaluate the location of nuclear reactor sites as well as the frequency of x-rays.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
The Basics
Conclusion
From the Paper "A defect occurs when there are changes in the DNA. Changes can occur spontaneously or can be caused by an external factor. One of the external factors that have been strongly linked with changes in the elements of DNA is exposure to radiation. Changes that are caused or directly linked to the exposure to radiation are referred to as mutations.
When these changes result from radiation exposure they are called radiation-induced mutations."
Abstract This paper discusses cell towers and antennas and questions their safety in the community. The paper confirms that the number of cell sites has increased over the years in proportion to the expanding number of subscribers. These tower structures are erected on various locations such as parks, schools and fire houses. The paper considers if these towers really put us at risk and states that according to the Food and Drug Administration Act, exposure to cellphone radiation on the ground is significantly weaker than exposure on the direct path of the transmitted signal of the antenna. This exposure is several thousand of times less than the minimum safety levels recommended by expert studies. Thus the paper confirms that civilian exposure to cellphone radiation is well within the safety margins.
From the Paper "Electromagnetic radiation, composed of electric and magnetic energy moving at the speed of light, is the one feared by most people. The electromagnetic spectrum is a wide range of electromagnetic signals ranging from high-frequency x-rays and gamma rays to low-frequency radio waves. Your cellphone's electromagnetic radiation has a 3kHz-300GHz frequency. This falls just after the very low frequency like your computers and before or just the same frequency as your everyday microwave oven. And still the radiation coming from the sun poses more danger than your cellphone."
Abstract The paper discusses the radiological health program (RHP) that has been mandated to control the uses of radiation and to protect the public's health and safety and the environment from accidental and avoidable radiation exposure. The paper also examines the response to the Chernobyl accident and the ensuing establishment of the international nuclear safety program (INSP) and highlights the advancements that have been made in the technology of nuclear safety.
From the Paper "Health is a key factor in the scope of any kind of nuclear services or work. Many steps are taken to ensure that each individual is protected as much as possible when involved in dealing with any type of radiation. A program called The Radiological Health Program has been established to set guidelines and regulations that protect the public and keep all involved safe.
"The Radiological Health Program (RHP) has been mandated to control the uses of radiation and to protect the publics' health and safety and the environment from accidental and avoidable radiation exposure. This has been accomplished through the registration of radiation (x-ray) machines, licensing of radioactive materials, inspections, and enforcement actions, to ensure total regulatory compliance."
Abstract Discusses an experiment of the shielding of radiation. The experiment uses fluid flow measurements and the method of continuous flow to determine the coefficient of viscosity. Includes the calculations and results of the said experiment as well as diagrams. Discusses the conclusions and several human errors that happened when carrying out the experiment.
From the Paper "There are two different ways water can flow this can be either streamline or turbulent. When a liquid has a streamline its particles flow in regular and smooth paths called streamlines. In this type of motion the viscous drag opposing the flow is proportional to the average velocity of the liquid. In turbulent flow, the particles have irregular motion therefore the viscous drag is proportional to the square of the velocity. "
Abstract This paper briefly describes the different forms of heat transfer. Heat transfer is a process that occurs on the molecular level. The basics of the process are defined, with three heat transfer mechanisms identified-- conduction, convection and radiation.
From the Paper "In metals, thermal energy is transported by conduction band electrons. This is based on understanding molecular orbital bands. This refers to solids that form a lattice, including metals. These lattice metals are understood by looking at the lattice itself as one large molecule rather than looking at it as individual atoms. The electron orbitals of the atoms overlap, creating a continuous band covering a range of energies that extends throughout the lattice (Shriver, D.F., Atkins, P.W., & Langford, C.H. Inorganic Chemistry. New York: Oxford University Press, 1994, p. 91)."
Abstract This paper describes some of the horrific radiation experiments the U.S. government performed on members of its Armed Forces, private civilians, and animals in the name of research and science. The paper asserts that the government was not ignorant as to the effects of these experiments and that it continues to perform different, but equally hazardous, experiments on military personnel, as evidenced by the high rate of unexplained illnesses and diseases in soldiers returning from their tours of duty overseas.
From the Paper "Today it seems almost inconceivable --if not patently paranoid-- to think that less than fifty years ago Americans would have sat passively by while the government tested high levels of radiation on the captive population. Would we have really bought a line saying that it was safe to be downwind of nuclear explosions? Would we really have put up with government sponsored radiation tests run on the most vulnerable members of society? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Despite the fact that even back then any cautious look at the evidence would have demonstrated the risks of radiation, the very people with whom we entrust our daily survival -- doctors, scientists, and the elected government itself -- intentionally deceived the American public about the risks of radioactivity and the exposure rates which they would be experiencing."
Abstract This paper provides a personal response to the Jeffrey P. Brown essay "Black Body Radiation and the Ultraviolet Catastrophe". The paper examines Brown's underlying philosophies and ideological message, while critiquing his conclusions.
From the Paper "We live in an era that has replaced the Godhead with a secular focus on empiricism, science and capitalism. Our concerns are largely those of a temporal nature, based on self-interest. As a species of and in nature, we have distanced ourselves..."
Tags: religion, spirit, eternity, self-serving, compassion, sacrifice, disaster, love
This paper discusses the use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans to reduce the need for exploratory surgery and other invasive techniques and to target better radiation therapy in cancer patients.
Abstract This paper explains that Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning is an advanced imaging technique that can differentiate between malignant lesions and benign lesions in almost every process in cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment because PET is more sensitive than CT scanning or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques. The author explains that for PET scanning, the patient is injected with positron emitting radionuclides and placed in a tube and surrounded by a ring of detectors; when one of these high-energy photon rays is detected, the source location can be determined and mapped by a specialized software package. The paper relates that, after radiation and surgery there is considerable damage to surrounding tissue; therefore, it is often difficult to distinguish living cancer cells from morphological changes caused by surgery or tissue death caused by radiation; however, because dead tissue and cancer cells have different glucose metabolism rates, they are easy to distinguish by PET imaging.
Table of Contents
Improving Outcomes for Radiation Therapy
How PET Scanning Works
Radiation Therapy
Using PET to Analyze the Effectiveness of Radiation Treatments
From the Paper "Because PET scanning is based on glucose levels, it is important that these be controlled prior to the scan. Patients are usually told to fast for 4-6 hours prior to the test. However, they can drink water and take any medications that they are on. The goal is to get the base glucose level lower than 160 mg/dL before administering the FDG or other isotope. Patients with diabetes should continue their routine of eating small meals and taking their insulin. Then these small inconveniences, PET imaging is non-invasive and causes little discomfort to the patient."
Abstract This paper looks into the period of when X-rays and radium were discovered and how they were hailed as miracles. Widely using radioactive substances for presumed "curative" effects and to produce a range of products, pioneers into these fields eventually reaped the deadly effects of radiation. It discusses how many researchers, patients, and consumers died of radiation poisoning during these early decades.
From the Paper "Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen was a relatively unknown professor and research at the University of Wurzburg until one fateful day in 1895. It was on November 8th of that year, while working with a variant of Crookes's shrouded cathode ray tubes, he ?saw the shadows of the bones of his hand when held between the tube and a fluorescent screen.? (Hausfeld, 1993, 1) Within months he had published his research and a radiograph of his wife's hand. He suggested usage in medical diagnoses, but the world of science would take his discovery much, much further. Within 30 years, hundreds if not thousands of people would be dead from radiation research, ?treatments,? and commercial use. These early pioneers and victims of X-ray technology would discover first hand precisely what it did to living cell structures."
Abstract This paper discusses how the Chernobyl nuclear disaster is one of the worst catastrophes to strike the world and how radioactive material was scattered all over, leading to a severe radiation hazard that was not restricted to Ukraine and the places in the immediate vicinity, but affected most of the nations on the European continent. In particular, it examines how the severity of the problem can be ascertained by the grave environmental implications and the serious damage it caused to the ecosystem.
Outline
Introduction
The Accident (A Brief Outlook)
Health Consequences
Long-Term Effects
Habitat Destruction
Radiation and Thyroid Cancer
Conclusion
From the Paper "Basically the health impact of Chernobyl accident has been studied under two different categories namely "Acute health effects" and "Stochastic effects". The acute health effects are those that were suffered by the first line disaster management team, those who had short range and intense exposure. The level of radiation exposure is measured by looking at the lymphocyte count in the blood. Radiation exposure severely reduces lymphocytophenia. (Circulation of Lymphocytes). As a direct result of the severe radiation the emergency workers developed erythema, vomiting and diarrhea and other symptoms of acute radiation sickness. Some of them developed reduced bone marrow function necessitating transplants."
