Water pollution is a serious concern of contemporary people. We are familiar with water pollutants such as major ions, heavy metals, dyes and organic pollutants.
However, radioactive pollution of water bodies is an emerging problem that seriously affects water pollution and human health. Recently, radioactive contamination and associated health effects have been reported in many parts of the globe.
Radioactive elements are elements composed of radioactive isotopes with the same nuclear charge (atomic number), which can be divided into natural radioactive elements (such as actinium, thorium, uranium, etc.) and artificial radioactive elements (such as plutonium, americium, curium, etc.) and nuclear radiation Water refers to highly radioactive waste water produced during nuclear reactions. These wastewaters contain a variety of radionuclides, such as iodine, cesium, strontium, etc., which are extremely harmful to human health and the environment.
Radioactive material can enter water sources in a variety of ways, such as nuclear accidents, discharges from nuclear power plants, or improper disposal of radioactive waste. If water is contaminated with radioactive material, it poses a health risk to humans and the environment.
Nuclear radiation is composed of ionizing radiation, including α,β and γ rays:
1. α rays are helium nuclei, and their ability to penetrate external radiation is very weak. It can be blocked with a piece of paper, but it is harmful to the body if inhaled.
2. β rays are electron streams, and the burns are obvious after irradiating the skin. Because the penetrating power of these two types of rays is small, the impact distance is also relatively short, as long as the radiation source does not enter the body, the impact will not be too great.
3. The penetrating power of γ rays is very strong, and it is an electromagnetic wave with a very short wavelength. γ rays are similar to X-rays in that they can penetrate the human body and buildings, and the harm distance is longer. This process results in the formation of reactive species such as hydrogen ions (H+), hydroxyl radicals (OH·) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These active substances can participate in chemical reactions and can affect the properties and behavior of water.
Radioactive substances that pollute water bodies can migrate through water bodies, seep into groundwater sources, affect ecosystems and possibly enter the food chain. Drinking contaminated water may cause acute radiation sickness with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and fever. Long-term exposure to certain radioactive pollutants in water, such as radionuclides such as radium, uranium, or radon, increases the risk of cancer. Over time, radiation exposure can damage DNA and lead to the development of cancer cells. When ingested through contaminated water, radioactive isotopes of iodine can accumulate in the thyroid gland, increasing the risk of thyroid disease, including thyroid cancer or thyroid nodules.
How can we respond?
1. Make sure the drinking water source is safe, try to boil the water or filter it clean
2. Try to avoid direct contact with radiation-contaminated water. If exposure is required, such as when bathing or washing clothes, personal protective equipment such as waterproof gloves and gowns can be used to reduce the risk of exposure.
3. Actively participate in environmental protection activities
