The danger of radiation. How electromagnetic radiation affects the human body. Electromagnetic fields and public opinion

Today, more and more people are starting to use computers regularly, so many are wondering if there is any harm in using a computer. The computer, like other electrical devices, emits electromagnetic radiation into the environment.

But how harmful is this electromagnetic radiation from a computer to human health?

Radiation from a personal computer propagates in the form of electromagnetic waves of high frequency. These waves are generated by almost all PC elements. Many experts in the field of medicine prove that this computer electromagnetic radiation has a negative impact on the state of the body. Electromagnetic radiation is a space-propagating perturbation of electrical magnetic field, which was generated by a specific source. Certain electromagnetic waves can adversely affect the human body.

Radiation can be of different frequencies, for which high-frequency radio emission is considered the most harmful.

The most harmful is radio emission from a CRT monitor, the power of exposure can reach several teras. But monitors based on a cathode ray tube are already a thing of the past. The negative impact lies in the principle of operation of such a monitor. There is a kinescope inside, inside of which electrons are accelerated and hit against reverse side screen. It is this process that generates a rather powerful one. Such monitors have a particularly strong effect on vision, so it is not recommended to work on such PCs for a long time.

Liquid crystal or plasma monitors do not carry any harm in the form of radiation, since during their operation the generation of powerful electromagnetic fields is excluded. Such monitors can harm only vision, but radiation has nothing to do with it. The harm lies in the fact that in the process of long work, the eyes strain too much, so it is recommended to take breaks in the process of work.

In a modern computer, the most intense radio emission is generated by the central processing unit. In desktop computers, this element is located at a certain distance from the user, so it will not cause significant harm. In the case of a laptop, the central processing unit is in close proximity to the person, so the exposure to radiation becomes stronger.

Many have noticed that in a room where a computer has been working for a long time, the air becomes somehow heavy. This effect is manifested due to the effect of ionizing radiation on the air.

During the operation of a PC, motherboards electrify the air, which causes the molecules that make up the air around us to be ionized. Ionized air under certain circumstances (for example, a long stay in a room with electrified air) can be harmful to health.

Radiation protection

There is still some harm from the computer, so protection from the electromagnetic radiation of a personal computer will be useful. If the PC is equipped with a monitor that works on the basis of a cathode ray tube, it is necessary to work at the PC so that there is a distance of at least 1 meter between the face and the screen, so the radiation from the CRT monitor will not have too much effect on the body.

In the case of a desktop computer, the system unit should be as far away from the user as possible. If several computers work in one room (for example, in an office), it must be placed so that there is at least two meters between computers.

If you are working on a laptop, it is advisable not to keep it on your lap. This will not only minimize the effect of radiation, but will provide more efficient ventilation of the case. When working on a laptop, you need to put it on a flat surface, while, as in the case of a desktop, the distance between the user's face monitor should be about one meter.

When working on a laptop for a long time, you need to periodically take small breaks, this will help relax your eyes.

Protection against electrified air

In order to protect against air electrified by the computer, it is necessary to put air ionizers in the room. These are devices that freshen the air with negative ions, thanks to which it becomes easy and pleasant to breathe. Also, ionizers help to cope with other contaminants, for example, if you smoked in a room, then these devices will help remove the smell of tobacco from the room.

You also need to ventilate the air in the room where the PC is installed more often. In the case of an office, efficient ventilation is essential. Thanks to good ventilation, the air in the room will always be clean and fresh, no matter how many computers are working there.

Peripherals

Not a single computer can do without peripheral devices, mice, keyboards, printers, all this surrounds us. Recently, many users have begun to buy wireless peripherals for themselves. They communicate with the computer via electromagnetic waves, which causes additional electromagnetic radiation.

Therefore, if you do not want to deal with excessive radiation, it is recommended to choose peripheral models that communicate with the computer via a cable, and not electromagnetic waves. Such models will not only reduce the harmful effects of radiation, but will save you from having to constantly charge batteries or buy new batteries. Also, wired models are much cheaper than their wireless counterparts.

Also, quite strong radiation comes from uninterruptible power supplies. After the measurements, it turned out what kind of radiation they give, it turned out that it is comparable in power only with the radiation from monitors operating on the basis of a cathode ray tube. Therefore, if there is no way to refuse them, you need to hide these devices somewhere far away.

Do plants help to cope with radiation?

There is an opinion that indoor plants (especially cacti) are able to protect the user from radiation. Therefore, plants can often be found next to personal computers. Plants do not absorb radiation from the computer, so do not furnish workplace plants in order to protect themselves from such a phenomenon as an electromagnetic field. A small flower can only decorate the workplace with its appearance.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that the computer emits electromagnetic waves and causes harm to health, although not significant, it remains an important element in the life of many people. Many users understand that they should not spend too much time at the computer, but still sit in front of the monitor for several hours a day. Since today it is quite difficult to do without a PC.

If you feel tired, drowsy, headache, this may be a symptom of excessive exposure. Rest is the best solution in this situation. You just need to get up from the workplace for a couple of hours and everything will pass right away.

Sticking to a few simple rules, it is possible to minimize the negative impact of electromagnetic radiation on the body. But it is worth remembering that, even using the most modern means of protection, it is impossible to completely protect yourself from radiation.

Among the huge variety of electromagnetic waves that exist in nature, a very modest place is occupied by microwave or microwave radiation (SHF). You can find this frequency range between radio waves and the infrared part of the spectrum. Its length is not particularly great. These are waves from 30 cm to 1 mm long.

Let's talk about its origin, properties and role in the sphere of human habitation, about how this "silent invisible" affects the human body.

Sources of microwave radiation

There are natural sources of microwave radiation - the Sun and others space objects. Against the background of their radiation, the formation and development of human civilization took place.

But in ours, saturated with all sorts of technical advances century, man-made sources were added to the natural background:

radar and radio navigation installations;
satellite television systems;
cell phones and microwave ovens.

How microwave radiation affects human health

The results of the study of the influence of microwave radiation on humans made it possible to establish that microwave rays do not have an ionizing effect. Ionized molecules are defective particles of matter that lead to chromosome mutations. As a result, living cells can acquire new (defective) features. This conclusion does not mean that microwave radiation does not harm humans.

The study of the influence of microwave rays on a person made it possible to establish the following picture - when they hit the irradiated surface, the incoming energy is partially absorbed by human tissues. As a result, high-frequency currents are excited in them, heating the body.

As a reaction of the thermoregulation mechanism, an increase in blood circulation follows. If the irradiation was local, rapid heat removal from heated areas is possible. With general exposure, this is not possible, so it is more dangerous.

Since blood circulation plays the role of a cooling factor, the thermal effect is most pronounced in organs that are depleted in blood vessels. First of all - in the lens of the eye, causing its clouding and destruction. Unfortunately, these changes are irreversible.

The tissues with a high content of the liquid component differ in the most significant absorption capacity: blood, lymph, gastric mucosa, intestines, and the lens of the eye.

As a result, you may experience:

changes in the blood and thyroid gland;
decrease in the efficiency of adaptation and metabolic processes;
changes in the mental sphere, which can lead to depressive states, and in people with an unstable psyche, provoke a tendency to suicide.

Microwave radiation has a cumulative effect. If at first its effect is asymptomatic, then gradually pathological conditions begin to form. Initially, they manifest themselves in increased headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, increased blood pressure, and heart pain.

With prolonged and regular exposure to microwave radiation leads to the profound changes listed above. That is, it can be argued that microwave radiation has a negative impact on human health. Moreover, age-related sensitivity to microwaves was noted - young organisms turned out to be more susceptible to the influence of microwave EMF (electromagnetic field).

Means of protection against microwave radiation

The nature of the impact of microwave radiation on a person depends on the following factors:

distance from the radiation source and its intensity;
duration of irradiation;
wavelength;
type of radiation (continuous or pulsed);
external conditions;
state of the body.

For a quantitative assessment of the danger, the concept of radiation density and the permissible exposure rate is introduced. In our country, this standard is taken with a tenfold "margin of safety" and is equal to 10 microwatts per centimeter (10 μW/cm). This means that the power of the microwave energy flow at a person's workplace should not exceed 10 μW for every centimeter of surface.

How to be? The conclusion suggests itself that exposure to microwave rays should be avoided at all costs. Reducing the impact of microwave radiation in the household is quite simple: you should limit the time of contact with its household sources.

A completely different defense mechanism should be in people whose professional activity associated with exposure to microwave radiation. Means of protection against microwave radiation are divided into general and individual.

The flux of radiated energy decreases in inverse proportion to the increase in the square of the distance between the emitter and the irradiated surface. Therefore, the most important collective protective measure is to increase the distance to the radiation source.

Other effective measures to protect against microwave radiation are the following:

Most of them are based on the basic properties of microwave radiation - reflection and absorption by the substance of the irradiated surface. Therefore, protective screens are divided into reflective and absorbing.

Reflective screens are made of sheet metal, metal mesh and metallized fabric. The arsenal of protective screens is quite diverse. These are sheet screens made of homogeneous metal and multilayer packages, including layers of insulating and absorbing materials (shungite, carbon compounds), etc.

The final link in this chain is personal protective equipment against microwave radiation. They include overalls made of metallized fabric (gowns and aprons, gloves, capes with hoods and goggles built into them). The glasses are covered with a thin layer of metal that reflects radiation. Their wearing is mandatory when exposed to 1 μW/cm.

Wearing overalls reduces the level of exposure by 100-1000 times.

Benefits of microwave radiation

All previous information with a negative focus is intended to warn our reader from the danger emanating from microwave radiation. However, among the specific actions of microwave rays, the term stimulation is found, that is, improvement under their influence. general condition organism or the sensitivity of its organs. That is, the impact of microwave radiation on a person can be useful. The therapeutic property of microwave radiation is based on its biological effect in physiotherapy.

Radiation coming from a specialized medical generator penetrates the human body to a predetermined depth, causing tissue heating and a whole system of useful reactions. Sessions of microwave procedures have an analgesic and antipruritic effect.

They are successfully used for the treatment of frontal sinusitis and sinusitis, trigeminal neuralgia.

To influence the endocrine organs, respiratory organs, kidneys, and the treatment of gynecological diseases, microwave radiation with a higher penetrating power is used.

The study of the effect of microwave radiation on the human body began several decades ago. The accumulated knowledge is enough to be sure of the harmlessness of the natural background of these radiations for humans.

A variety of generators of these frequencies create an additional dose of exposure. However, their share is very small, and the protection used is quite reliable. Therefore, phobias about their enormous harm are nothing more than a myth, if all conditions of operation and protection from industrial and domestic sources of microwave emitters are observed.

With constant development high technology there is an increasing number of sources of harmful rays that surround man and nature from all sides. The issues of electromagnetic radiation and its influence on the human body are being discussed today by world-class scientists.

It is not possible to completely limit oneself from exposure to harmful radiation, but it is possible and necessary to prevent their excess, it is enough to understand what it is.

One of the proven facts of the impact of the electromagnetic field is its negative impact not only on human health, but also on his thoughts, behavior and even the psychological component. Scientists came to this conclusion after studying the long-term interaction of waves with the human body. The sources of these waves are all kinds of electronic devices, computer, WI-FI, power lines and much more.

Thus, based on research, experts have revealed the theory that developing diseases and pathologies in the human body take place due to the influence of rays from the outside. Moreover, decay products can even cause poisoning of body cells. Fortunately, a person can protect himself and his loved ones from harmful waves by knowing the elementary methods of protection against electromagnetic radiation.

Types of electromagnetic radiation are divided into radio waves, infrared (thermal) radiation, visible (optical) radiation, ultraviolet and hard radiation. IMPORTANT: in this case the answer to the question "does visible light belong to electromagnetic radiation" is positive.

radio wave sickness

By the beginning of the 60s, specialists managed to discover a new trend in medicine - radio wave disease. The spectrum of distribution of this disease is very wide - 1/3 of the population. It cannot be said that in most cases a person is exposed to waves against his will. However, radio wave disease is already indicated by a number of symptoms, including:

headaches;
dizziness;
increased fatigue;
sleep disturbance;
depression;
distraction of attention.

Since such symptoms apply to many varieties of diseases, diagnosing the above becomes extremely problematic. But, like any disease, radio wave is able to develop and progress.

As a result of its spread throughout the body, a person runs the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias, chronic respiratory diseases, and even fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This happens through the destruction of the electromagnetic field of a person, affecting even the cells of his body.

This disease manifests itself in different ways depending on the organ or system that it affects:

Nervous system - we are talking about the deterioration of the conductivity of neurons - the nerve cells of the brain, which are susceptible to electromagnetic radiation that affects a person. Thus, a deformation occurs in their work, which leads to a violation of the conditional and unconditioned reflexes, deterioration in the functioning of the limbs, the appearance of hallucinations, irritability. There are cases of suicide attempts against the background of a developing disease.
Immune system - in this case, immunity suppression occurs. And the cells responsible for its protection are themselves susceptible to the influence of electromagnetic waves, thus creating an additional negative influence from all sides.
Blood - electrical frequencies provoke the adhesion of blood cells to each other, contributing to the deterioration of blood outflow, the formation of blood clots. Thus, an extra release of adrenaline into the body can occur, which in itself is detrimental to health. There is no need to talk about a violation of the cardiovascular system - an obvious arrhythmia, the development of plaques in the heart muscle and other types of heart failure, as a negative effect of electromagnetic waves on the human body.
Endocrine system - since this system is responsible for controlling the functioning of hormones in the body, the influence of electromagnetic fields speaks for itself. The derivative of this influence is the destruction of the liver.
Reproductive system - often women are prone to more influence electromagnetic radiation than men. Possessing hypersensitivity to outside influence female body is able to literally "suck" harmful radiation. This effect is especially dangerous during pregnancy. In the first weeks, the fetus is not strongly attached to the placenta, so there is a high probability of losing contact with the mother with a sharp release of radiation. With regards to later dates, the statistics are such that electromagnetic radiation affects the change in the genetic code of the child, the deformation of DNA.

Consequences of EMP

Radio wave sickness annually acquires new forms, expanding and progressing, depending on the number and level of radiation sources. Experts have identified a number of consequences not only individually, but also in a large-scale sense:

Cancer is no secret that oncological diseases manifest themselves under completely different conditions. However, scientists have proven an increase in the negative effects of electromagnetic radiation on cancer cells. Thus, studies in Japan have confirmed the presence of an increased risk of childhood leukemia in people whose bedrooms literally “glow” from the presence of electrical appliances and their components.
Mental disorder in last years cases of deterioration in the perception of the surrounding world among those exposed to an excessive level of electromagnetic radiation have become more frequent. This is not only about the so-called classic symptoms, but also about the developing fear of EMR. Such fear often develops into a phobia, a person begins to panic at the thought that any emission of radiation can provoke pain in one or another organ or part of the body.
Stillbirth - according to official data, today the risk of fetal death increases by 15%, provided that the mother is in constant contact with sources of electromagnetic radiation. In addition to stillbirth, the likelihood of developing pathologies in an unborn child increases, slowing down in development, premature birth, miscarriage. Such is the impact of electromagnetic radiation on human health and future generations.

In addition to the huge negative effect of electromagnetic radiation on the human body, these waves can poison the environment. The most susceptible areas include areas with a large accumulation of high-frequency power lines. Often they are located far from residential buildings, however, in individual cases, there is the presence of such power lines near settlements.

vegetable and animal world also exposed negative impact harmful rays. In turn, a person eats irradiated animals and food products and, as a result, receives an additional dose of radiation-infected particles into his body. Such a process is extremely difficult to control due to factors beyond human control, but it is still possible to influence it.

Video: invisible enemy - electromagnetic radiation.

Facts

To understand what constitutes the effect of electromagnetic fields on the human body, it is enough to familiarize yourself with the following facts:

Changes in the blood and urine of a 9-year-old child 15 minutes after sitting at the computer coincide with changes in the analyzes of a cancer patient. Teenagers are subject to similar influence after half an hour of being near the computer. And an adult undergoes a change in the analyzes after 2 hours.
The signal coming from a portable radiotelephone is able to penetrate the brain at a distance of up to 37.5 mm.
Electricians are 13 times more likely to develop brain cancer than other professions. The level of the magnetic field in such workers is practically destroyed.
A 13-year-old child who talks on the phone for about 2 minutes undergoes a bioelectrical brain change that takes place several hours after the conversation.
Animals, even slightly irradiated with a dose of electromagnetic radiation, began to lag behind in development, acquired pathologies in the body, as with radiation.

The electromagnetic emission standards have the following meanings:

Radio waves - ultrashort (0.1mm-1m/30MHz-300GHz), short (10-100m/3MHz-30MHz), medium (100m-1km/300kHz-3MHz), long (1km-10km/30kHz-300kHz), extra long (more than 10 km / less than 30 kHz).
Optical radiation - ultraviolet (380-10nm/7.5*10V 14stHz-3*10V 16stHz), visible radiation (780-380nm/429THz-750THz), infrared radiation (1mm-780nm/300GHz-429THz) .
Ionizing electromagnetic radiation - X-ray, gamma. A more detailed table of calculations of EMP norms includes additional sources of propagation of harmful waves.

It is not possible to completely protect yourself from the effects of harmful waves. However, today there are a number of factors that can prevent the excessive influence of electromagnetic radiation on the human body:

Acquisition of a special dosimeter. Such a detector will help to calculate the most dangerous sources of radiation by calculating the frequency of their waves and, as a result, reduce the time spent near such sources or eliminate them completely. Devices for measuring electromagnetic fields are available at any household store.
Separation of radiation sources by area. It is not recommended to operate electromagnetic devices in a close radius between each other, otherwise their negative impact on the environment and the human body increases, causing maximum harm.
Isolation of radiation sources. We are talking, for example, about the refrigerator. It is advisable to use it at a distance from the dining table. A similar situation with a computer or laptop: the distance to the place of deployment (sofa, bed) should be at least one and a half meters.
Exclusion of toys with EMP. The electromagnetic effect of radio-controlled and electrical attributes for a children's room poses a serious threat to the health of an adult, and is extremely destructive for children. It is recommended to rid the room of EMP-radiated toys.
Radiotelephone isolation. This technique is capable of emitting harmful waves to a radius of up to 10 meters. It is extremely important to remove such electronics as far as possible. This method of protection will protect against the main source of harmful radiation, since the radiotelephone operates 24 hours a day.
Avoid buying counterfeit phones. The low price of such goods is due to the harmful radiation of electromagnetic waves per person in the first place.
Careful selection of household appliances. In this case, we are talking directly about devices with a steel case.

In addition to the above factors, there are well-known simple methods of protection against electromagnetic radiation, the observance of which will also allow you to protect yourself from EMR, reducing the risk of exposure to the lowest indicator:

It is not recommended to be near a working microwave oven, since its waves have an extremely negative impact on the environment, if we take household appliances in comparison.
It is undesirable to be too close to the monitor.
Excluded being close to high-frequency power lines.
It is recommended to avoid an increased amount of jewelry on the body, which is desirable to remove before going to bed.
Approved the presence of electrical appliances, analog household appliances, appliances and wiring at a distance of 2 meters from the bed.
A minimum amount of time near working electrical appliances and similar equipment is recommended.
It is undesirable to find idle devices in the on state.

Often, people do not attach much importance to the harm that electromagnetic radiation can cause the most common household appliances and other factors surrounding them, because they are not able to see their waves. This feature makes EMR extremely dangerous for the life of all living things.

Having the ability to accumulate in the body, harmful rays affect the vital systems, manifesting themselves in a variety of diseases and ailments. The full scale of this problem will be seen by humanity a generation later - only then will a specific impact on the health of those who happened to live their lives surrounded by EMP sources be indicated.

Infrared radiation is a natural type of radiation. Every person is exposed to it daily. A huge part of the energy of the Sun comes to our planet in the form of infrared rays. However, in modern world There are many devices that use infrared radiation. It can affect the human body in various ways. It largely depends on the type and purpose of using these same devices.

What it is

Infrared radiation, or IR rays, is a type of electromagnetic radiation that occupies the spectral region from red visible light (which is characterized by a wavelength of 0.74 microns) to short-wave radio radiation (with a wavelength of 1-2 mm). This is a fairly large region of the spectrum, so it is further subdivided into three regions:

near (0.74 - 2.5 microns);
medium (2.5 - 50 microns);
far (50-2000 microns).

Discovery history

In 1800, a scientist from England, W. Herschel, made the observation that in the invisible part of the solar spectrum (outside the red light), the temperature of the thermometer rises. Subordination was subsequently proven infrared radiation laws of optics and concluded that it is related to visible light.

Thanks to the labors Soviet physicist A. A. Glagoleva-Arkadyeva, who received radio waves with λ = 80 μm (IR range) in 1923, experimentally proved the existence of a continuous transition from visible radiation to IR radiation and radio waves. Thus, a conclusion was made about their common electromagnetic nature.

Almost everything in nature is capable of emitting wavelengths corresponding to the infrared spectrum, which means that the human body is no exception. We all know that everything around is made up of atoms and ions, even humans. And these excited particles are capable of emitting. They can pass into an excited state under the influence of various factors, for example, electrical discharges or when heated. So, in the emission spectrum of the flame of a gas stove there is a band with λ=2.7 µm from water molecules and with λ=4.2 µm from carbon dioxide.

IR waves in everyday life, science and industry

Using certain devices at home and at work, we rarely ask ourselves about the effect of infrared radiation on the human body. Meanwhile, infrared heaters are quite popular today. Their fundamental difference from oil radiators and convectors is the ability to heat not the air itself directly, but all objects in the room. That is, furniture, floors and walls are heated first, and then they give off their heat to the atmosphere. At the same time, infrared radiation also has an effect on organisms - a person and his pets.

IR rays are also widely used in data transmission and remote control. In many mobile phones there are infrared ports designed to exchange files between them. And all remotes from air conditioners, music centers, TVs, some controlled children's toys also use electromagnetic rays in the infrared range.

The use of infrared rays in the army and astronautics

The most important infrared rays are for the aerospace and military industries. On the basis of photocathodes that are sensitive to infrared radiation (up to 1.3 microns), are created (various binoculars, sights, etc.). They allow, while simultaneously irradiating objects with infrared radiation, to aim or observe in absolute darkness.

Thanks to the highly sensitive receivers of infrared rays created, the production of homing missiles became possible. The sensors in their head react to the infrared radiation of the target, the temperature of which is usually higher environment, and send the missile to the target. The detection of heated parts of ships, aircraft, tanks with the help of heat direction finders is based on the same principle.

IR locators and rangefinders can detect various objects in complete darkness and measure the distance to them. Special devices - which emit in the infrared region, are used for space and long-range terrestrial communications.

Infrared radiation in scientific activity

One of the most common is the study of emission and absorption spectra in the IR region. It is used in the study of features electron shells atoms, to determine the structures of various molecules, and in addition, both in qualitative and quantitative analysis mixtures of various substances.

Due to differences in the coefficients of scattering, transmission and reflection of bodies in visible and IR rays, photographs taken under different conditions are somewhat different. Infrared images often show more detail. Such images are widely used in astronomy.

Studying the effect of infrared rays on the body

The first scientific data on the effect of infrared radiation on the human body date back to the 1960s. The author of the research is the Japanese doctor Tadashi Ishikawa. In the course of his experiments, he was able to establish that infrared rays tend to penetrate deep into the human body. At the same time, thermoregulation processes occur, similar to the reaction to being in a sauna. However, sweating begins at a lower ambient temperature (it is about 50 ° C), and the heating of the internal organs occurs much deeper.

During such heating, blood circulation is increased, the vessels of the respiratory organs, subcutaneous tissue and skin expand. However, prolonged exposure to infrared radiation on a person can cause heat stroke, and strong infrared radiation leads to burns of varying degrees.

IR protection

There is a small list of measures aimed at reducing the risk of exposure to infrared radiation on the human body:

Decreased radiation intensity. It is achieved through the selection of the appropriate technological equipment, the timely replacement of the obsolete, as well as its rational layout.
Removal of workers from the source of radiation. If the production line allows, remote control of it should be preferred.
Installation of protective screens on the source or workplace. Such fences can be arranged in two ways to reduce the effect of infrared radiation on the human body. In the first case, they must reflect electromagnetic waves, and in the second case, they must delay them and convert the radiation energy into thermal energy, followed by its removal. Due to the fact that protective screens should not deprive specialists of the opportunity to monitor the processes taking place in the production, they can be made transparent or translucent. For this, silicate or quartz glasses, as well as metal meshes and chains, are chosen as materials.
Thermal insulation or cooling of hot surfaces. The main purpose of thermal insulation is to reduce the risk of burns to workers.
Individual protection means(various overalls, glasses with built-in light filters, shields).
Preventive actions. If in the course of the above actions the level of exposure to infrared radiation on the body remains high enough, then an appropriate mode of work and rest should be selected.

Benefits for the human body

Infrared radiation affecting the human body leads to an improvement in blood circulation due to vasodilation, better saturation of organs and tissues with oxygen. In addition, an increase in body temperature has an analgesic effect due to the effect of rays on the nerve endings in the skin.

It has been noticed that surgical operations performed under the influence of infrared radiation have a number of advantages:

somewhat easier to tolerate pain after surgery;
faster cell regeneration;
The influence of infrared radiation on a person makes it possible to avoid cooling of internal organs in the case of an operation on open cavities, which reduces the risk of shock.

In patients with burns, infrared radiation creates the possibility of removing necrosis, as well as performing autoplasty at an earlier stage. In addition, the duration of fever is reduced, anemia and hypoproteinemia are less pronounced, and the frequency of complications is reduced.

It has been proven that IR radiation can weaken the effect of some pesticides by increasing nonspecific immunity. Many of us know about the treatment of rhinitis and some other manifestations of the common cold with blue IR lamps.

Harm to humans

It is worth noting that the harm from infrared radiation for the human body can also be very significant. The most obvious and common cases are skin burns and dermatitis. They can occur either with too long exposure to weak waves of the infrared spectrum, or during intense irradiation. If we talk about medical procedures, then rarely, but still, heat strokes, asthenia and exacerbation of pain occur with improper treatment.

One of contemporary problems are eye burns. The most dangerous for them are IR rays with wavelengths in the range of 0.76-1.5 microns. Under their influence, the lens and aqueous humor are heated, which can lead to various violations. One of the most common side effects is photophobia. This should be remembered by children playing with laser pointers, and welders who neglect personal protective equipment.

IR rays in medicine

Treatment with infrared radiation is local and general. In the first case, a local action is carried out on a certain part of the body, and in the second, the entire body is exposed to the action of the rays. The course of treatment depends on the disease and can range from 5 to 20 sessions of 15-30 minutes. When carrying out procedures, a prerequisite is the use of protective equipment. To maintain eye health, special cardboard pads or glasses are used.

After the first procedure, redness with indistinct boundaries appears on the surface of the skin, passing in about an hour.

The action of IR emitters

With the availability of many medical devices, people purchase them for individual use. However, it must be remembered that such devices must meet special requirements and be used in compliance with safety regulations. But most importantly, it is important to understand that, like any medical device, infrared wave emitters cannot be used for a number of diseases.

The effect of infrared radiation on the human body

Wavelength, µm	Useful action
9.5 µm	Immunocorrective action in immunodeficiency states caused by starvation, carbon tetrachloride poisoning, the use of immunosuppressants. It leads to the restoration of normal parameters of the cellular link of immunity.
16.25 µm	Antioxidant action. It is carried out due to the formation of free radicals from superoxides and hydroperoxides, and their recombination.
8.2 and 6.4 µm	Antibacterial action and normalization of the intestinal microflora due to the influence on the synthesis of prostaglandin hormones, leading to an immunomodulating effect.
22.5 µm	It leads to the transfer of many insoluble compounds, such as blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques, into a soluble state, allowing them to be removed from the body.

Therefore, a qualified specialist, an experienced doctor should select a course of therapy. Depending on the length of the emitted infrared waves, the devices can be used for different purposes.

Radiation is radiation invisible to the human eye, which nevertheless has a powerful effect on the body. Unfortunately, the consequences of radiation exposure for humans are extremely negative.

Initially, radiation affects the body from the outside. It comes from natural radioactive elements that are in the earth, and also enters the planet from space. Also, external exposure comes in microdoses from building materials, medical X-ray machines. Large doses of radiation can be found in nuclear power plants, special physical laboratories and uranium mines. Test sites are also extremely dangerous. nuclear weapons and disposal sites for radioactive waste.

To a certain extent, our skin, clothes and even houses protect against the above sources of radiation. But the main danger of radiation is that radiation can be not only external, but also internal.

Radioactive elements can enter through air and water, through cuts in the skin, and even through body tissues. In this case, the radiation source acts much longer - until it is removed from the human body. It is impossible to protect yourself from it with a lead plate and it is impossible to go far away, which makes the situation even more dangerous.

Irradiation dosage

In order to determine the power of exposure and the degree of exposure to radiation on living organisms, several measurement scales were invented. First of all, the power of the radiation source is measured in Grays and Rads. Everything is quite simple here. 1 Gy=100R. This is how the level of exposure is determined using a Geiger counter. The X-ray scale is also used.

But do not assume that these indications reliably indicate the degree of danger to health. It is not enough to know the radiation power. The effect of radiation on the human body also varies depending on the type of radiation. There are 3 in total:

Alpha. These are heavy radioactive particles - neutrons and protons, which are the most harmful to humans. But they have low penetrating power and are not able to penetrate even through the upper layers of the skin. But in the presence of wounds or suspension of particles in the air,
Beta. These are radioactive electrons. Their penetrating ability is 2 cm of leather.
Gamma. These are photons. They freely penetrate the human body, and it is possible to protect oneself only with the help of lead or a thick layer of concrete.

Radiation exposure occurs at the molecular level. Irradiation leads to the formation of free radicals in the cells of the body, which begin to destroy the surrounding substances. But, given the uniqueness of each organism and the uneven sensitivity of organs to the effects of radiation on humans, scientists had to introduce the concept of an equivalent dose.

To determine how dangerous radiation is in a given dose, the radiation power in Rads, Roentgens and Grays is multiplied by the quality factor.

For Alpha radiation it is 20, and for Beta and Gamma it is 1. X-rays also have a factor of 1. The result is measured in Rems and Sieverts. With a coefficient equal to one, 1 Rem is equal to one Rad or Roentgen, and 1 Sievert is equal to one Gray or 100 Rems.

To determine the degree of impact of the equivalent dose on the human body, another risk factor had to be introduced. For each organ, it is different, depending on how radiation affects individual tissues of the body. For the organism as a whole, it is equal to one. Thanks to this, it was possible to draw up a scale of the danger of radiation and its effect on a person with a single exposure:

100 Sievert. This is a quick death. In a few hours, and at best days nervous system organism ceases to function.
10-50 is a lethal dose, as a result of which a person will die from numerous internal hemorrhages after several weeks of torment.
4-5 Sievert - - mortality is about 50%. Due to damage to the bone marrow and disruption of the hematopoietic process, the body dies after a couple of months or less.
1 Sievert. It is with this dose that radiation sickness begins.
0.75 sievert. Short-term changes in the composition of the blood.
0.5 - this dose is considered sufficient to cause the development of cancer. But there are usually no other symptoms.
0.3 sievert. This is the power of the apparatus when obtaining an x-ray of the stomach.
0.2 sievert. This is the safe level of radiation allowed when working with radioactive materials.
0.1 - at a given radiation background uranium is mined.
0.05 sievert. Norm of background exposure to medical equipment.
0.005 sievert. Permissible level of radiation near the nuclear power plant. It is also the annual exposure rate for the civilian population.

Consequences of radiation exposure

The dangerous effect of radiation on the human body is caused by the action of free radicals. They are formed at the chemical level due to exposure to radiation and primarily affect rapidly dividing cells. Accordingly, the organs of hematopoiesis and the reproductive system suffer to a greater extent from radiation.

But the radiation effects of human exposure are not limited to this. In the case of delicate tissues of mucous and nerve cells, their destruction occurs. Because of this, a variety of mental disorders can develop.

Often, due to the effect of radiation on the human body, vision suffers. With a large dose of radiation, blindness due to radiation cataracts can occur.

Other body tissues undergo qualitative changes which is no less dangerous. It is because of this that the risk of cancer increases many times over. First, the structure of tissues changes. And secondly, free radicals damage the DNA molecule. Due to this, cell mutations develop, which leads to cancer and tumors in various organs of the body.

The most dangerous thing is that these changes can persist in the offspring, due to damage to the genetic material of germ cells. On the other hand, the opposite effect of radiation on a person is possible - infertility. Also, in all cases without exception, radiation exposure leads to rapid deterioration of cells, which accelerates the aging of the body.

Mutations

The plot of many fantastic stories begins with how radiation leads to the mutation of a person or animal. Usually, the mutagenic factor gives the main character a variety of superpowers. In reality, radiation affects a little differently - first of all, the genetic consequences of radiation affect future generations.

Due to disturbances in the DNA molecule chain caused by free radicals, the fetus may develop various abnormalities associated with problems of internal organs, external deformities or mental disorders. However, this violation may extend to future generations.

The DNA molecule is involved not only in human reproduction. Every cell in the body divides according to the program laid down in the genes. If a this information damaged, cells begin to divide incorrectly. This leads to the formation of tumors. Usually, it is contained by the immune system, which tries to limit the damaged tissue area, and ideally get rid of it. But due to radiation-induced immunosuppression, mutations can spread out of control. Because of this, tumors begin to metastasize, turning into cancer, or grow and put pressure on internal organs, such as the brain.

Leukemia and other types of cancer

Due to the fact that the effect of radiation on human health primarily extends to the hematopoietic organs and the circulatory system, the most common consequence of radiation sickness is leukemia. It is also called "blood cancer". Its manifestations affect the entire body:

A person loses weight, while there is no appetite. He is constantly accompanied by weakness in the muscles and chronic fatigue.
There are pains in the joints, they begin to react more strongly to the surrounding conditions.
Inflamed lymph nodes.
The liver and spleen are enlarged.
Difficulty breathing.
There are purple rashes on the skin. A person often and profusely sweats, bleeding may open.
There is immunodeficiency. Infections freely penetrate the body, which often raises the temperature.

Before the events in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, doctors did not consider leukemia to be a disease from radiation. But 109,000 surveyed Japanese confirmed the link between radiation and cancer. It also revealed the likelihood of damage to certain organs. Leukemia came first.

Then the radiation effects of human exposure most often lead to:

Mammary cancer. Every hundredth woman who has experienced severe radiation exposure is affected.
Thyroid cancer. It also affects 1% of those exposed.
Lungs' cancer. This variety is most pronounced in irradiated uranium miners.

Fortunately, modern medicine may well cope with oncological diseases in the early stages, if the effect of radiation on human health was short-lived and rather weak.

What affects the effects of radiation

The effect of radiation on living organisms varies greatly depending on the power and type of radiation: alpha, beta or gamma. Depending on this, the same dose of radiation can be practically safe or lead to sudden death.

It is also important to understand that the effects of radiation on the human body are rarely simultaneous. Getting a dose of 0.5 Sievert at a time is dangerous, and 5-6 is deadly. But by taking several x-rays of 0.3 Sievert for a certain time, a person allows the body to cleanse itself. Therefore, the negative effects of radiation exposure simply do not manifest themselves, since with a total dose of several Sieverts, only a small part of the exposure will act on the body at a time.

Besides, various consequences The effects of radiation on humans are highly dependent on individual features organism. A healthy body resists the damaging effects of radiation longer. But the best way to ensure the safety of radiation for humans is to contact radiation as little as possible to minimize damage.