Radiation Injuries Health Article

Allopathic treatment

The type of treatment used depends on the area and severity of the injury. Something as serious as bone marrow suppression would require more intensive therapy, whereas more minor conditions are treated symptomatically. Radiation-induced esophagitis may necessitate intravenous or gastrostomy feeding for a time until the injury is healed. If a perforation or a stricture develops, surgery may be necessary. Products are available to keep the eyes (drops with vitamin A) and oral mucosa moist, as the cells producing mucus and tears are often damaged.

Expected results

Tissue damage resulting from radiation exposure tends to be chronic in nature, and may even be progressive. For the lesser and more common types of problems, long-term treatment of symptoms should be anticipated.

Prevention

Part of preventing radiation injury involves doing research on the condition being treated. It is a good idea to be certain that radiation is the best available treatment for a particular cancer type before embarking on a course of therapy.

Information on preventing or minimizing damage from radiation produced by terrorist devices or other nuclear emergencies is available in a series of fact sheets that can be downloaded from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site. The fact sheets cover such topics as basic radiation facts, acute radiation sickness (ARS), dirty bombs, effects of radiation on health, possible effects of radiation on unborn children, and protective measures in the case of a nuclear event.

BOOKS

Altman, Robert, and Michael Sarg. The Cancer Dictionary, revised edition. New York: Checkmark Books, 2000.

Balch, James, and Phyllis Balch. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York: Avery Publishing Group, 1997.

Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins Family Health Book. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1999.

PERIODICALS

Brugge, D., and R. Goble. "The History of Uranium Mining and the Navajo People." American Journal of Public Health 92 (September 2002): 1410-1419.

"'Dirty Bomb' Threat Puts Spotlight on Unprepared EDs: Do You Have a Plan?" ED Management 14 (September 2002): 97-100.

Fears, T. R., C. C. Bird, D. Guerry 4th, et al. "Average Midrange Ultraviolet Radiation Flux and Time Outdoors Predict Melanoma Risk." Cancer Research 62 (July 15, 2002): 3992-3996.

Grunwald, Michael and Peter Behr. "Are Nuclear Plants Secure? Industry Called Unprepared for Sept. 11-Style Attack." Washington Post, November 3, 2001, p. A01.

Hakansson, N., B. Floderus, P. Gustavsson, et al. "Cancer Incidence and Magnetic Field Exposure in Industries Using Resistance Welding in Sweden." Occupational and Environmental Medicine 59 (July 2002): 481-486.

Harlap, S., S. H. Olson, R. R. Barakat, et al. "Diagnostic X Rays and Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma in Jews." Annals of Epidemiology 12 (August 2002): 426-434.

Lim, M. K. "Cosmic Rays: Are Air Crew at Risk?" Occupational and Environmental Medicine 59 (July 2002): 428-432.

Vergano, Dan. "'Dirty' Bombs Latest Fear." USA Today, November 3, 2001.

ORGANIZATIONS

American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM). 1114 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. (847) 818-1800. <www.acoem.org>.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333. (404) 639-3311. <www.cdc.gov>.

Judith Turner

Rebecca J. Frey, PhD