Question

Present an explanation of radioisotopes and then discuss the risks and benefits associated with them. From an environmental health perspective, what are the medical uses of radioisotopes, and what safety measures, if any, might healthcare workers use in their environment with themselves and patients? Are there any other population concerns and safety measures needed?

Answer 1

Radioisotopes.

          * Rdioisotops are elements which are in a unstable form and emit radiation to change into

             a stable form.

Benefits of radioisotopes.

          * It used to observe processes like aminoacid transport and DNA replication.

          * Used in health care for diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

          * Some radioisotopes (carbon) are used as radioactive tracers in biological and ecological processes.

          * Used in preservation of food items by prevent the sprouting of root crops and destroy parasites and

             pests,effectively control the ripening of vegetables and stored fruits.

           * It is used in physics to measure the energy and momentum of the decay products.

           * Used tocheck fossil materials,different minerals and ages of rocks.

           * Used in spacecraft to provide heat and power.

Risks of radioisotope

           * High level and frequent exposure result in cell damage.

           * Use of radioisotopes increases the risk of cancer.

Medical use

          * Used in diagnostic procedures like PET (positron emission tomography) scan,cherenkov

             luminance imaging and other investigations.

          * Used for treatment of various type of cancers in the body by placing radioisotopes into the body

            cavities (internal radiotherapy).

      * Used in medical research studies.

Safety measures

           * Heath care provider when taking care of patient who undergo radiation therapy should wear

              a film badge which give information about dose of radiation whether it is high or appropriate.

           * Should spend less time with the source of radiation which help to reduce the exposure.

           * Keep proper distance from the source of radiation to prevent high exposure.

           * Use lead barriers to prevent high exposure from radiation.

Special concern population.

        * If the health care provider who take care of radiotherapy patient is pregnant exchange duty to other staff

              after take permission from incharge.

       * When using radioisotopes for therapy of children do not use same exposure settings because it result in

          high risk of secondary cancers after therapy.